MOVING FORWARD - pastor mike landry

POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING CAN MAKE YOU MAD…BUT ARE YOU PRAYING?

2012-01-28T14:33:00.000-05:00

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NASB) First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Our nation is faced with an upcoming election that will have critical consequences. We’d better be on our faces before God and praying about it.

The candidates running for office are being slandered, lied about, and constantly criticized. And if it’s the candidate you’re pulling for, it’s enough to make you hopping mad. You’d better be praying or you may end up saying something you’ll regret.

Sometimes we think that praying is the last option; and only exercised when everything else fails. Why not try it first? It is what God prescribes in His Word. Philippians 4:6 tells us to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” You know…He really can be trusted.

And then there’s the apostle Paul’s counsel to Timothy (2 Tim 2:1-4) concerning the corrupt politicians in Rome, not to mention Caesar Nero who was about to have Paul executed. He tells Timothy to pray and lead others to pray for the current leaders of the day. Is that what you’re doing?

How dare we ask God to make changes in our government and in our nation when we refuse to do what He has already prescribed. Let’s renew our commitment to pray for our nation’s leaders. Do it now.

Thinking Comes First…But Be Careful What You Think

2012-01-20T17:21:00.002-05:00

My wife and I recently went on a date and saw the movie, “The Iron Lady.” It was an excellent biographical portrayal of Great Britain’s former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Her determination, decisiveness, and common sense gave her the edge she needed to ultimately become the first woman Prime Minister of Great Britain. The movie is definitely worth seeing and there were a number of quotes worth remembering. Let me tell you what my favorite Thatcher quote was.

"Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become... habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become." Margaret Thatcher in the movie, “The Iron Lady”

These words are profound. They describe, in detail, your life journey and the significance your thought life has on your future.

Thoughts are infectious! The thoughts you allow to circulate in your mind will ultimately find a home there and shape the very core values you eventually express with words and actions.

You and I must learn to be selective with the thoughts we allow to circulate in our minds. God’s Word instructs us to do this. Every thought has an agenda…to shape your philosophy of life and prompt you to move in some direction. We must filter our thoughts with truth. Otherwise our feelings will control our minds and eventually produce words and actions that take us in a direction we will finally regret.

To move in the direction God intended, you must begin by finding out what He thinks. As you and I think about His thoughts, you will find that His Words begin to shape yours. Actions will follow. Good habits will form and shape your character. Looking back, you will have no regrets and be known as a person of integrity. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your Bible and begin exposing your current thoughts with the filter of God’s truth.

“For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” Prov 23:7
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Col 3:2
“Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Phil 3:8
“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” Josh 1:8
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Heb 4:12

2012 - Time To Go Through The Door

2012-01-16T22:11:00.000-05:00

The beginning of a new year invigorates me. I like it because it has the aroma of a fresh start. It prompts me to refocus, retool, rejuvenate, and return to doing what's most important. It's not so much a time for resolutions as it is a time for repositioning and realigning. Launching into 2012 with a renewed purpose will require clear navigational coordinates. Repositioning and realigning means we must remember our calling from God and make sure our life's rudder is pointing us in that direction.

And just exactly what direction is that? Jesus said His was "to seek and to save those who were lost." (Matt 18:11) He also said, "as the Father has sent Me, so send I you."(John 17:18) His agenda and purpose are to become our agenda and purpose. His agenda involves reconnecting lost people, discouraged people, hurting people, hopeless people, and confused people with Himself. Bottom line...we are to do everything in our power to connect disconnected people to Jesus Christ.

So how do you do this? It starts by being a friend. Be sociable. Spend time with people. Honestly care about them. Don't be so preoccupied with your own life that you cease to even see the people around you. You calling from God is to help others to find God. It's all boils down to relationships.

Why not take a moment...right now...and think about the people God has put in your path. Next time you see them, plan to talk to them. Ask God right now to help you to be extra sensitive to their needs and to grant you the compassion you'll need to understand how to communicate effectively with them. You're going to find people will be much more open to your sharing Jesus with them when they first see that you genuinely care about them.

Look for the open door to share the Good News about Jesus with them. Then walk through that door. There's no other way. As the Apostle Paul so eloquently put it in Romans 10:14, "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?"

Just do it! You won't regret it.

Three Crosses

2010-04-03T12:47:00.001-04:00

“And it was the third hour when they crucified him…and with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.” Mark 15:25, 27 ESV

There were three crosses that day. Jesus had been crucified between two thieves. Two of the three were guilty and deserved judgment. One was innocent and chose to die for the guilty.

It’s interesting how the two thieves reacted to this horrible situation. It’s remarkable how Jesus responded. Each cross bore a significant message. I want to highlight each below. Perhaps you’ll identify with one of them. Hopefully it transforms this Easter into something very personal to you.

CROSS #1 – The Cross of Rejection

The first thief was only interested in himself. He didn’t care why the others hung beside him. He mocked Jesus and told Him to use His “so-called” abilities as the Christ to get them all down. He rejected Jesus for who He was and demanded Jesus do as he said. He wanted to stop suffering so he could go on living life as he wanted. Unfortunately, we are all born with this kind of attitude toward God. We are self-centered and proudly decide what we will do. The CROSS OF REJECTION will personally pay for their sin.

CROSS #2 – The Cross of Repentance

The second thief was broken and sorry. He rebuked the first thief for his comments and scolded him for not fearing God. He admitted that he deserved this penalty for his life but that Jesus did not. He did not ask Jesus to take away this deserved punishment but humbly cried for an undeserved mercy and grace. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” This was the CROSS OF REPENTENCE. There is hope for the one on this cross.

CROSS #3 - The Cross of Redemption

Jesus was crucified between the two thieves. He was dying for their sins. He was being punished for the sins of mankind. He was a perfect sacrificial Lamb being offered for the sins of the world. His sacrificial death would be enough. The demands of a perfect justice were met. The death of Jesus would pave the way for our redemption. The CROSS OF REDEMPTION opens the door to forgiveness and life.

THE CROSS OF REJECTION ignores and turns away from THE CROSS OF REDEMPTION. It is a choice with horrible and terminal consequences.

THE CROSS OF REPENTANCE humbly receives the CROSS OF REDEMPTION. When the thief cried out to Jesus, He said, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” The mercy and grace of God is available to all who humbly repent and cry out to the One who died on the CROSS OF REDEMPTION.

This Easter could be the best one for you personally if you will approach the CROSS OF REDEMPTION from the CROSS OF REPENTANCE. Please do.

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us! But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” Luke 23:39-43

Our Sin Nature Demands a Savior

2010-03-04T09:16:00.001-05:00

Today we visited 9th Fort in Kaunas, Lithuania. This was one of many Jewish extermination camps during World War II. Over 50,000 people were killed. As we walked through the fort and saw where the atrocities were committed I couldn't help but think of how awful and depraved the human heart had to be to do such things. The Bible does say that the heart is "deceitful and desperately wicked."

With a heart condition like that we need much more than forgiveness; we need redemption. Our sin nature demands a Savior. God's holy and righteous nature can't just let something like this go. He must judge such a heart. That's what makes His love for us so much louder than normal. He sent His Son to serve the sentence our sins deserved. Jesus actually died for us and in our place so that we wouldn't have to.

Of course, we must receive the gift of life that He offers. Just because He paid the price doesn't mean you or I have to accept it. We can still choose to serve our sentence, which is death, or we can accept His redemptive gift, which is life and forgiveness. Have you made your decision yet.

A Great Discovery in Lithuania

2010-03-03T12:56:00.000-05:00

As you can see from the picture, I've found a McDonalds! Ah yes...my internal navigational system can smell out a McDonalds anywhere. I feel like I'm back home again. :-)

Seriously, we're having a great time in the city of Kaunas, Lithuania. We've been able to do some prayer walking as well as get to know a few of the locals. I met a young lady from this city who comes to N.J. to visit her mom every summer. When she found out I was a pastor from the US she wanted to know when and where the Bible Study would be here in town. She's planning to come tomorrow night and brings some friends. God is working...this looks like the beginnings of a new church start.

Keep praying.

I'll be back in touch ASAP.

Pastor Mike

Stop over at Helsinki, Finland

2010-03-02T03:16:00.000-05:00

These guys looks like they've been up all night. They have! We landed in Helsinki at 8 am (but that is 1am Sarasota time). Big shock was to land in the snow. Snow is everywhere and coming down. We hope they can take off from here for Lithuania in about 8 hours.

Chad's looking for a diet coke. Jerry found some coffee for 2.5 euros. The rest of us are still thinking about what we'll do for the next 8 hours. Talk again soon.

:)

Heading to Lithuania

2010-03-01T08:42:00.000-05:00

It's a sunny day in Tampa, Florida. Heading to the tundra of NYC and then off to Lithuania. Pray that our travel plans go exactly as the Lord desires. Pray that we meet a lot of people who need Jesus. Updates to come. For more extensive updates see our Lithuania link on our church website. www.sarasotabaptist.com

Blessings!

Jerry, Pastor Mike, Sam, Chad and Rod. :)

Me, a Grandfather?

2010-02-27T14:20:00.004-05:00

She looks like she's ready to become a Mom.

Another milestone in my life is fast approaching. This coming July, Cindy and I will be grandparents. Our daughter, Beth, and her husband, Steve, are about to have their first child…our first grandbaby.

When I first heard this news, I could hardly believe it. How could my daughter be old enough to have a baby? She’s only 26. And I can’t be a grandparent yet…I’m not old like I remember my grandparents being. Plus, I don’t know anything about being a grandparent other than they were always willing to take me out to get ice cream.

But I guess I’m going to have to learn…and quickly. My wife says she is more than glad to fill me in on the details. By the way, have you seen how expensive baby diapers are these days?! And baby car seats are almost as heavy as military humvees. Then there’s the “baby registry” at stores…they never had that when Cindy and I became parents!

Everything is changing. My wife is now strangely drawn to the baby sections of every store we visit. My daughter is emailing me a weekly baby size report…this week the baby is the size of a cantaloupe. Now I am being asked what I want the baby to call me. “Call me?”

Fortunately I’ve got another 4 months to prepare. I’ve put the word out that I want tips from all the grandparents out there. I figure I can learn some lessons from them and perhaps even avoid some of the mistakes they’ve made. The suggestions are coming in daily. Most are pretty good…some are scary. All are welcome. I’m sure a future blog will contain a sample list.

I couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter in my life. God knows how to make my day and He’s done it. By the way, I’ve decided to be called, “SABA.” More on that name later.

A Superbowl Ad To Remember - Tim Tebow

2010-01-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

Tim Tebow is doing it again. He is a Heisman trophy winner. He led the University of Florida football team to a couple of national championships.

He has consistently, unapologetically, and publicly declared his devotion as a Christian to Jesus Christ. He has practiced what he preaches with his lifestyle on and off the field. He has earned the right to be heard. Plus, there are many who want to hear from him. They want to know more about this excellent "role model" for their kids.

Apparently, the timing is right. Tim believes now is the perfect time to highlight and celebrate one of his core convictions about life...that is, the right to life. And CBS is willing to let him do it on their network, during the Super Bowl. For a price. Two million dollars.

But now you have pro-abortion advocates screaming that this is not right. "How dare CBS let a pro-life message be shown!" Others say that a football game is not the appropriate venue to highlight such a message.

I believe this is the perfect venue for Tim to celebrate out loud his pro-life conviction. Most everyone who loves football appreciates what Tim has accomplished in his 4 years at UF. Those same fans will be watching the SuperBowl because they love football. The audience is exactly the right one. They are interested in what Tim thinks. He's earned the right to be heard.

Now he wants to positively communicate his gratitude about life and the opportunity he's had to live it to the fullest. He has said before that he's only alive today because his mother rejected the advice of a doctor during a troubled pregnancy to get an abortion. Is it any wonder that he is pro-life!

Go Tim! I appreciate your willingness to be one of the few athletes who take seriously their responsibility as a role model in our society.

GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense

2010-01-20T10:46:00.000-05:00

One of the books I enjoyed reading while on my vacation a couple weeks ago was Soul Keeping by Howard Baker. My friend, Glen Murray, passed it on to me and I am so glad. It's packed full of gems concerning the cultivation of a strong spiritual life. I thought I'd highlight one of the lessons I gleaned about GRACE, or rather, the ENEMIES OF GRACE.

A relationship with God through Jesus Christ is obtained by GRACE. The Scripture clearly says that our salvation has nothing to do with our efforts (Eph 2:8-9). However, it is so common among Christians to begin by GRACE and then follow a "different gospel" of spiritual works and formulas. By doing so, we end up rejecting the very GRACE that enables a person to enter a relationship with God as well as thrive in that relationship with God.

Baker uses A.W. Tozer's "hyphenated sins of the human spirit" to describe 3 examples of these enemies of grace. Perhaps you can identify with them personally.

The Three Enemies of Grace

1. Self-Righteousness - this is the person who "believes he is only 'blessed' as a result of his obedience to God's principles, and receiving more grace for the future will be his reward if he puts out greater efforts to live a godly life." You can see how subtly this mindset will substitute our works for His grace.

"He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor 5:21 HCSB

2. Self-Defeat - this is the person who is perpetually defeated because he "bears the impossible burden of 'pleasing' God." We need to never forget that we'll never be good enough to gain access to God on the basis of what we can do. Pleasing God is always the result of simply turning to Him and drawing upon the ever-present help and power of God that comes through grace.

"Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time." Heb 4:16

3. Self-Contempt - this is the person who "feels like a stepchild in God's family" and "is always more conscious of their sin than they are of their Savior." This person is "always resolving to redouble their efforts and try harder to please God. The treadmill of 'spiritual performance' leads only to tiredness without progress...which leads to more self condemnation."

"Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death." Romans 8:1-2 HCSB

Pray for the Haitians

2010-01-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

   A quick note here to request prayer for the Haitians. A terrible 7.0 earthquake hit the capital city Port-Au-Prince and many have been killed. Many more are unaccounted for.

   Disaster relief efforts are underway and we are waiting for more information on how to mobilize those of you who are able to help. Obviously, emergency funds will be needed and you can donate through our church (designate those funds for disaster relief in Haiti) and we will be sure to get the funds to our Florida Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Agency for immediate distribution.

   For more information clip on this link for a recent story from the Florida Baptist Witness. AP photo by Jorge Cruz

Bobby Bowden - More Than A Great Football Coach

2010-01-01T10:15:00.003-05:00

Today, Bobby Bowden coaches his last football game for Florida State.

44 years as head coach... 34 years in Tallahassee at FSU.
388 wins. Second only to Joe Paterno of Penn State University in the number of wins.
2 National Championships.

Remarkable results as a coach. I hope he's able to add one more win today.
Today, he finishes an amazingly productive career as an NCAA football coach.
Kudos to you Coach Bowden!

Don't stop reading yet!
I believe his greatest legacy will not be left on the football field. His greatest achievement is how he has impacted eternity. Let me illustrate with one very personal example.

About seven years ago I invited Coach Bowden to speak in our church services on an Easter Sunday. He said he considered it the greatest privilege of all to represent and speak for "his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Before the service began, on that morning, he wanted me to be sure and introduce him to men in the audience who were not christians or who were struggling with their faith. He wanted to have a personal word with them before speaking. He thought that it might help them to make sense of what he was about to speak about.

I introduced Coach Bowden to our congregation shortly after the service began and he immediately asked the men to listen closely to what he had to say. The next 15 minutes were amazing. He simply told everyone how he had turned his life over to Jesus Christ and how it had radically changed his life. He pulled no punches and challenged everyone to seriously consider making the same decision he had.

By the end of the service, 60 men made decisions to give their lives to Jesus Christ. These men were changed for eternity.

Now that's what I call a lasting legacy.
Thanks Coach Bowden for making a difference for eternity.

A Most Amazing Christmas Present

2009-12-29T08:22:00.002-05:00

I received the most incredible Christmas present from my kids this year. It began as a scavenger hunt with many clues. Fortunately, my kids helped me figure out what the clues meant.

The final clue pointed me to my bookshelf in my study. It said to look for something bright blue. They were referring to a book on the top shelf.

When pulling the book off the shelf, I was a bit puzzled by what I saw. I had never seen the book before and it had the title of a sermon series that I had preached a little over a year ago – Prayer Biographies. I said, “What a coincidence.”

They told me to thumb through the book and look at it. I looked first at the table of contents. Another strange coincidence. The chapters looked a lot like the individual sermon titles I had used before. Hmm.

Finally, when my kids couldn’t stand it anymore…they blurted out that it was my book.

My three children and their three spouses had each taken a sermon and transcribed it as they listened to it. Then they personally edited the chapter and then passed it on to another sibling for more editing. Finally, they had the book published and secured some endorsements from some of my spiritual mentors and heroes.

I couldn’t believe it. They had been encouraging me to write for years and told me that this should give me a jump start.

Talk about a huge investment of time, energy, and creativity. I was overwhelmed by this amazing demonstration of love and sacrifice.

I just had to take this moment and share with all of you how proud I am to be the father of incredible kids.

Thanks for indulging me with this very personal blog entry.

And special thanks goes to my kids:

Jason and Amanda Landry
Steve and Beth Browning
Nathan and Michelle Schneider

Jump Start the New Year

2009-12-19T11:43:00.003-05:00

Most people are briefly encouraged with the beginning of a new year. At least for a moment, it seems like you’re given a opportunity to start over again…and get it right this time. New Year’s resolutions are decisions to walk through the open door of a new beginning.

I mean, who doesn’t want to be more disciplined, more relational, more spiritual, more fun, more productive, more wise, and in better shape physically? The New Year seems like an open door to try again.

But the moment you mess up, again, you feel like it’s back to the “same-old, same-old.” It doesn’t matter that you were making progress and were actually more productive than you’ve been in a long time. At the moment we mess up, it just feels like nothing has changed. But, it did change…you were changing…and making progress.

May I make a suggestion? Don’t stop trying just because you hit another Resolution Speed Bump. Those interruptions and momentary lapses happen to every one of us.

In fact, I want to suggest you try something different this year that will help jump start your New Year and move you beyond the first Speed Bump.

Start on your New Year’s resolutions IMMEDIATELY…before the New Year. Go work out at the gym – TODAY. Call that old friend – THIS WEEK. Take 10 minutes and read your Bible TONIGHT. Refuse to order that piece of dessert TODAY. Start those piano lessons BEFORE the new year. Whatever you’ve been planning to start once the first of the year comes, start it a little earlier.

If you try starting now, before the New Year, you will make some progress. And, I can almost guarantee, that you will fail in at least one of those areas before the New Year. But you will have gotten a jump start on the New Year! When the New Year comes, it will give you just enough momentum to get over that Resolution Speed Bump and continue forward much further than ever before.

Come on. Try it. I know you’ve got excuses about why you should wait. But, do you really want to keep getting the same results you’ve gotten every other year? It’s time to jump start the New Year…before the New Year starts.

Sometimes Gratitude Just Requires Perspective

2009-11-25T10:23:00.002-05:00

I heard a story about a young man named John who received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird’s mouth was rude and obnoxious. John tried to change the bird’s attitude by consistently saying polite words and playing soft music. He tried everything he could think of to “clean up” the bird’s vocabulary.

Finally, John had enough. He was angry and yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back.

John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total silence. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he’d hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John’s outstretched arms and said, “I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I’m sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior.”

John was stunned at the change in the bird’s attitude. Just as he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, “May I ask what the turkey did?”

Oftentimes, an attitude of gratitude simply requires perspective. It’s easy to become preoccupied with self and absorbed with an entitlement mindset. Take a moment and consider how good you really have it. There are so many others who are far worse off than you and I are. Let’s make the most of this Thanksgiving Season by expressing our gratitude for what God has already done and look for ways to help those who are less fortunate that we are.

When you’re in the freezer, be sure to look at the turkey. ☺

The Plumb Line

2009-10-24T11:22:00.002-04:00

A carpenter cannot build a house without a plumb line. It’s not good enough to try to line things up by sight. The house will end up crooked. The same principle applies to our lives.

To live a life worth living and one that is constructive and beneficial to others requires a plumb line. Our personal perspectives and experiences are much too limited and finite. A life lived with no regrets must be built with plumb lines that guide us and give us true readings.

I was reminded of this by a recent conversation I had with a fellow passenger on a flight home the other day. The young man thought it was wrong for others to be critical about the lifestyle of others. He believed that people should be able to live anyway they want to live as long as it doesn’t directly hurt an innocent party.

The problem with this kind of thinking is that it ignores the truth about human nature and assumes that we are omniscient. Human nature will always minimize the pain of others to justify our own personal pleasures. We are so prone to distort and misrepresent truth and reality in order to justify our current lifestyles. It’s hard for most people to admit that they are born bent with a disposition toward self-centeredness and selfishness.

But the truth is true whether we believe it or not. And, if our lifestyle denies the truth, it does not change the truth.

Think about it this way. Suppose an experienced carpenter tries to eyeball the line necessary for a perpendicular wall and builds the wall based upon what looks right to him. Afterwards, a rookie carpenter or apprentice to the carpenter uses a plumb line on the wall and discovers that the sight line was slightly off and that the wall is now crooked. Can you imagine how absurd it would be for the experienced carpenter to try and justify his crooked line based upon his sight and experience? It’s not about how much experience he has…it’s about the truth.

It is so important that we measure our lives with God’s plumb line. We dare not trust our experiences and sightlines as being precise measurements of truth to build on. We are so prone to be slightly off center because we were not designed as human plumb lines. Over time, building a life slightly off center will result in disaster and a life full of regrets.

God’s Word is the plumb line. Don’t be surprised when you use God’s plumb line and it exposes your life as crooked and needing re-alignment. Also, don’t be surprised when you disagree with the findings of the plumb line on your life. Our desire for pleasure often blinds us to the truth.

So, what’s the take-away here? Trust God’s plumb line even when it doesn’t make sense or feel right. A plumb line is always straight and reliable…our perspective and experience is not. Invest time daily in the reading of and study of God’s Word. Ask yourself the hard question, “Does my life line up to the truth?” You won’t regret it…especially when you’re looking back at your life and asking the question, “Was it worth it?”

Snapshot of Two Healthy Churches

2009-10-06T06:27:00.001-04:00

I’m in the Dayton airport awaiting my flight back home. I’ve been in Ohio for the last 8 days and had the privilege of renewing friendships with two pastor friends while speaking in their churches throughout the week. While here, I observed and was reminded of a number of things that contribute to the good health of a church. Both churches were very different but had so much in common. I thought I’d share some of the similarities with you.

1. These pastors genuinely loved the people in their church.

2. These congregations trusted and loved their pastors.

3. These pastors were not so scripted that they couldn’t be flexible and spontaneous.

4. These congregations demonstrated their concern for others with their “acts of kindness” and talked about it so others could learn how.

5. These pastors had a sense of humor and weren’t afraid to laugh at themselves.

6. These congregations were generous and didn’t wait for someone to ask before they demonstrate it.

7. These pastors measured effectiveness in ministry and direction for ministry with an evangelistic baseline.

8. These congregations were eager to grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and demonstrated it with their participation in special services and Bible Studies at the most inconvenient times.

9. These pastors were disciplined men and demonstrated it by prioritizing time for the study of God’s Word and prayer.

10. These congregations permitted and encouraged their pastors to spend large quantities of time with their families.

11. These pastors paid attention to their wives and kids and were quick to pull out pictures that demonstrated how much they valued and loved them.

12. These congregations and their pastors were passionate about their personal relationships with God and wanted others to know about it.

13. These pastors were committed to stick with their churches during difficult times and had weathered storms in the past that earned their congregation’s trust.

14. These churches had both been willing to follow their pastor’s lead even when their personal preferences had to be denied.

15. Both pastors regarded past victories as reason to celebrate but not as “sacred cows” to maintain or repeat.

16. Both pastors saw themselves as pastors to their communities as well as their congregations.

I could go on and on with many other observations but I’m afraid God will already hold me accountable for all that I’ve listed. J This has been a refreshing week and a reminder of many of the subtleties of effective ministry. I return to Sarasota with a renewed commitment to pastor, lead, and enjoy the wonderful people God has placed in my life.

Special thanks go to Pastors Greg Jackson and Dave Hill and their churches, First Southern Baptist Church in Camden and Northside Baptist Church in Springfield. You’re both making a huge difference and honoring God with your ministries.

Spiritual Progress Checklist

2009-09-07T16:26:00.003-04:00

I just finished a study of the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus found in chapters 5-7 in the Gospel of Matthew. It appears that the point of His message was to clarify what actually works when it comes to connecting personally with God and growing spiritually.

When seeing that Jesus wrapped up His sermon by emphasizing the long-term importance of applying all the things He had just spoken about (Matt 7:24-27), I looked for a way to summarize these truths and organize them in the form of a checklist. I’m now using this checklist to keep me on track and help me to evaluate my progress. I’m passing it on here just in case you’re looking for something similar.

The Ingredients of a Life that Lasts:

1. Humility – Come to God on His terms. Matt 5:3-6; 1 Pet 5:6

2. Love – Value people the way God does. Matt 5:7-11; John 3:16

3. Impact – Purposefully live a life of influence. Matt 5:13-16; 2 Tim 2:2

4. Overflow – Let your lifestyle reflect your devotion to God. Matt 5:17-32; Col 2:6-7

5. Predictable – Be consistent. Matt 5:33-48; Matt 18:21-22

6. Transparent – Don’t allow your devotion to become a performance. Matt 6:1-8; Matt 23:23-28

7. Dependence – Use prayer to develop intimacy with God. Matt 6:9-15; Ps 37:4

8. Discipline – Use fasting to demonstrate dependence upon and humility toward God. Matt 6:16-18; 1 Tim 4:7

9. Simplicity – Remove clutter from you commitment to Christ. Matt 6:19-24; Prov 3:5-6

10. Trust – Deal with worry before it destroys you. Matt 6:25-34; Phil 4:6-7

11. Compassion – Beware of a critical spirit. Matt 7:1-6; Gal 6:1-2

12. Patience – Graciously deal with difficult people. Matt 7:7-12; 1 Pet 4:7-9

13. Proactive – Be decisive, alert, and relational. Matt 7:13-23; Eph 5:15-16

For more information about each individual point, I invite you to listen to the individual message on each point on my church's website. The sermon series was entitled, "Living Inside Out."

How To Graciously Deal With Difficult People

2009-08-22T13:22:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow I’ll preach a message entitled, “How To Graciously Deal With Difficult People.” I mentioned it in a tweet a couple days ago and have had some interesting responses.

“This is basically every day in the ER”

“This will be very useful, thank you for sharing a sneak peek at this Sunday’s Word.”

“My struggle is that most of my personal stories with difficult people involve the people I’m preaching to.”

“Post that one on YouTube. We all could use this one.”

“My pastor just asked us to deal with that in Women’s Ministries this year – conflict resolution and marriage.”

“Uh oh, looks like you got me again…Do you have ESP or what? Your messages seem to be directed at me specifically."

“I know that your message tomorrow is on dealing with difficult people. I hope that it also speaks the truth about what to do if you are the difficult person. I have been reading the proverbs lately and am very convicted...”

Jesus began His “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt 5-7) by identifying the kinds of changes that are necessary within a person in order to live a “Kingdom” lifestyle. In fact, the whole point of chapter 5 is that a follower of Christ is one who has been so transformed within that it shows on the outside…in his or her lifestyle.

Chapter 6 then proceeds to identify the many ways we artificially substitute religious activities for the genuine marks of one who has a personal relationship with God. Jesus calls this well intentioned effort “hypocrisy.”

Then, Chapter 7 deals with our relationships with other people. As I’ve been studying Matthew 7:7-12 I was amazed at how easily I have taken a passage that deals with relationships and simply made it another passage on prayer. What a difference the passage on “asking…seeking…knocking” makes when it’s application has to do with our relationships with others…especially with Difficult People.

Without going into a lot of detail about tomorrow’s message (you can listen online) here’s a couple important biblical tips on dealing with difficult people that I’ll go into much more detail in my message.

1. It requires God’s grace to deal graciously with difficult people. John put it this way, “If we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12) You and I don’t have what it takes to love someone unconditionally without first allowing unconditional love to dwell within us.

2. It requires a denial of self to put up with and deal proactively, and redemptively, with difficult people. Matthew put it this way, “Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them-this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:12) Let me put it to you this way, “How do you want others to treat you when you are being difficult?” We tend to treat people the way they deserve to be treated, not the way we’d want to be treated when we are being difficult.

Apparently everybody is dealing with difficult people. Is it possible that we are the difficult people that others are complaining about? Sounds like the “log in your eye” and “speck in their eye” principle again. Ouch!

More later.

My Baby Girl Got Married

2009-07-27T11:00:00.005-04:00

It's been a couple weeks since my last entry to this blog. Sorry about that if you're a regular reader. My plate has been a little fuller than normal. I've not had the time or the words to adequately describe the events up to this point. But none of the events have been so exciting, so fulfilling, so captivating, so life-changing as my daughter's wedding. My baby, Michelle, just got married over the weekend!

I'm a dad who has loved this season of life. There's nothing that Cindy and I have enjoyed more than spending time with our kids. Watching them grow up and develop into young adults who are so very different from each other has been amazing. Yet the variety and differences have added so much fun to the adventure; not to mention the stories that have become legendary to our family. An added blessing has been to see how each sibling has been a vital part of the development of each other’s progress. They actually seem to like each other and want to be vital part of each other’s future. Nothing has blessed Cindy’s heart and mine more than that.

But now, things are changing for us. Our kids have gotten married. Michelle was the last one to tie the knot. We knew it coming, but, for me, the thought of marrying off my daughter was not so easy.

I’ve had to entrust my girls to these “guys” who have not been part of our adventure up to this time. As my friend, Jay Strack, told me, “It’s like giving a Stradivarius Violin to an 800-pound gorilla.” I couldn’t agree more. I’ve always been the provider and protector of my girls. It’s tough thinking about passing that responsibility on to somebody else…much less, an 800-pound gorilla.

However, I’ve had a chance to get to know these “guys” very well and am amazed at how much they care for and love my daughters. In fact, it even appears that God made them for my girls. That’s really helped me to make it through this time of transition. To give my daughters away, I’m having to trust God. That should be easy…but it’s not.

But I did it; and was able to make it through the wedding. The hardest part of the wedding was saying, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” I knew the moment I did that, there was no turning back. It was one of the happiest moments for me, but also, one of the saddest. No turning back. My role was changing.

Now, I’ve got another son-in-law, Nathan Schneider. He’s a very good friend of my other son-in-law, Steve Browning. My son, Jason, is also a friend of theirs. It sounds like a conspiracy. But I’ve come to believe it’s a “conspiracy of grace.” The Lord knew what I needed. Instead of losing another daughter, I’ve gained another son. The adventure is not over, but rather continuing with 3 new pioneers (two “guys” and a daughter-in-law named Amanda) to share the excitement with.

I am blessed. My wife and I are extremely blessed. My three kids have now become six. And I’m being told by many that it may result in many more… called grandkids. Talk about scary. And I thought giving away a daughter was life-changing. ☺

"God said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness...For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:9-10

Preventing Devotion From Morphing Into A Performance

2009-07-10T15:49:00.004-04:00

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how often our sincere devotion to God easily morphs into simply a performance or an act. The practice of a spiritual discipline can easily become a mindless routine. Worship is often reduced to simply the singing of a song or listening to a sermon. It can become a matter of form rather than substance.

You’ve heard that our worship should be for an audience of One. Unfortunately, the performance may be for an audience of one – but which one? Spiritual leaders are especially susceptible to this temptation.

A couple millennia ago, the Greeks and the Romans were into drama. Often a drama would start with a character called the narrator. He would open the play with a monologue and then place a mask over his face and become an actor in the drama. The word that described this actor was, “Hypocrite.”

Spiritually devoted followers of Jesus must always be careful not to fall into the trap of simply going through the motions. It is so easy to put on the mask and act like everything is just fine between you and God. Literally, that’s called hypocrisy.

Devotion requires the heart. Spiritual growth cannot be manipulated simply by improving the “sound byte.” But it is so easy to merely reproduce what worked the first time and think that reproducing the form or sound is good enough.

I think you got the point. So here’s an overly simplistic solution that I’ve found helpful in taking off the mask. More details are to come in my Sunday Morning message on July 12 on Matthew 6:1-8. You can listen anytime after the 12th at www.SarasotaBaptist.com.

DEVOTION PREVENTION TIPS:

1. DEPENDENCY – Be alert to your desire for the approval and praise of others. Choose to live only for the approval and praise of Jesus Christ!

2. DETERMINATION – Be committed to doing what the Bible terms as acts of devotion (or righteousness). i.e. giving to the poor, praying, fasting.

3. DIRECTION – Head in the right direction by daily denying your fleshy demands and live to honor and obey God by serving others.

4. DEDICATION – Make sure your prayers reflect your relationship with God. Don’t allow them to become magical incantations or simply expressions of your theological knowledge.

5. DESIRE – Pursue God, not His blessing.

Matthew 6:1-8 NASB

1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.

2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

3 “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.

8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Our Nation's Beginning - Christian Roots

2009-07-04T15:30:00.003-04:00

I love this holiday - Independence Day. I've always been intrigued by our nation's beginning and have devoured many books related to the Revolutionary War and biographies of our Founding Fathers.

As a child, who wasn't raised in a Christian home, I tried to imagine what life would have been back then. It always puzzled me as I read about these heroes of mine and how they endured such hardship and risks. Their faith always seemed to sustain them and guide them. I couldn't relate to their beliefs but certainly couldn't deny them.

It's interesting that many, these days, would have us believe that our nation's early leaders were able to separate their personal spiritual views from their prescription for governmental policies. Our Forefathers are accused of approaching the beginning of our Republic, called the United States of America with a secular worldview. I've come to think that those who would make such claims are either uninformed, unread, or deliberately attempting to rewrite history.

To understand the Christian faith is to know that you cannot separate one's belief in God from his prescription for life, nor his lifestyle. In fact, the New Testament nails that truth when it says in James 2:14-17 that "faith without works is dead." One who can separate his prescription for life from his faith is at best a hypocrite.

Our most precious national documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and Constitution are saturated with references to God and the importance of faith. These documents affirmed and built on the timeless and eternal truths of God and revealed in Scripture. How else could one honestly interpret this phrase in the Declaration of Independence?

"all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Or how about George Washington's farewell speech on September 19, 1796:

"It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are the indispensable supporters. Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that our national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

I thank God that our Forefathers were not ashamed to be known as men of faith. Their knowledge of the God of the Bible and His ways made a huge difference in the beginnings of our nation.

One more thing. For those who wonder or would debate whether our first President, George Washington, was a Christian, I encourage you to consider this entry from from his personal prayer book:

"Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the emaculate blood of the lamb and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of thy son, Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of thee and thy son, Jesus Christ."

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

BEING MISSIONAL WITHOUT LOVE

2009-06-17T12:24:00.006-04:00

As I’ve been preparing to speak at the Pastor’s Conference of the Southern Baptist Convention next week I’ve been learning a lot more about the importance of love when living “on mission.”

Most of us interpret “being on mission” in terms of being extremely focused and committed to accomplishing the God-given objective of “making disciples.” (Matt 28:19) If we’re not careful we can get so busy that we forget that the mission is ultimately about connecting people to Jesus Christ. I’m amazed at how easily I can get bogged down in the details of the mission and forget the main thing.

Well, this is nothing new to God and He actually introduced his chapter on love with this tendency of ours in mind. Thought I’d share it with you here along with a few of my thoughts since I won’t have time to share it in Louisville.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NASB) 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

1. Without love, the noises we make only drown out the message we try to share.

1 Corinthians 13:1 (NASB) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

CONFESSION - I've thought that my creativity and innovation in communication would be enough.

2. Without love, our theological understanding and faith is nothing more than a badge we wear that alienates us from lost people.

1 Corinthians 13:2 (NASB) If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

CONFESSION - I’ve thought that if I understood it and believed it, that it should make sense to everybody else.

3. Without love, our sacrifices can become short-term solutions to long-term problems.

1 Corinthians 13:3 (NASB) And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

CONFESSION - I’ve thought that the nobleness of my sacrifice could be a worthy substitute to an intimate and personal relationship with God.

Our mission is to connect people to the One who is love, Jesus Christ. That is why love must be included in our strategic thinking and purposeful living. May we never forget that the mission is about reconciliation. That is why the Father sent the Son. That is why the Gospel is called Good News.

Forty Days

2009-06-15T12:01:00.002-04:00

Every time I hear the words “forty days” I’m immediately struck with the thought that this may mean a little more than just another 960 hours. I think it’s because there are a number of occasions in the Scripture when that number is used.

The Bible says that it rained “forty days and forty nights” after Noah and his crew entered the ark. It also says that Jesus was fasting in the wilderness for forty days and nights just before Satan tempted Him. On another occasion, Moses was fasting and alone with God on Mt. Sinai for “forty days and forty nights” as he was receiving the Ten Commandments and instructions about the covenant from God.

So, why do I bring this up now? BECAUSE IN 40 DAYS MY DAUGHTER GETS MARRIED! There…now that that is off my chest I don’t feel like I need to shout anymore.

With 40 days until that special day, I’m flooded with many thoughts that perhaps you can identify with…that is, if you’re a Dad. Indulge me for a moment as I list these things therapeutically.

• I thank God that I am a father to two terrific daughters and a son. When I think of my childhood, I am amazed that God would entrust me with them…good thing I married an angel to help raise them.

• I thank God for the many things I have learned about myself and about God through my kids. His long-suffering, His mercy, His unconditional investments in my life, His love, etc. My impatience, my self-centeredness, my fears, and my conditional love.

• I thank God that I now know how to be cool because of the outspokenness of my kids. Of course, sometimes I choose not to be cool because that’s even cooler.

• I thank God for the many adventures that have been mine because I’m a dad. I think about how boring life would’ve been without them.

• I thank God for the different seasons of parenting…with their unique challenges…with their unique joys. I’m also reminded how unprepared and naïve I’ve been at each stage. I am so glad God has promised to give us parenting grace when we needed it.

• I thank God for children who have tried their best to understand this dad. I am unpredictable and very flawed and they have met the challenge with their flexibility, love, creativity, forgiveness, and loyalty.

• I thank God for an incredible wife who has taught and modeled for my kids how to live life graciously, joyfully, deliberately, and relationally. She doesn’t know it but I was learning from her too.

As a dad…I am so very blessed!

More about MAKARIOS

2009-06-07T21:07:00.004-04:00

We were made by God. We were created with His purposes in mind. There were NO mistakes made. God never makes a mistake. And when you are living out His purpose, you’ll know it. There’s no greater joy than knowing you are living the life you were created for.

In fact, when we are living out the life we were created for, it always produces within us a satisfaction about life that cannot simply be described or measured by productivity or accomplishment. This deeply rooted resonance within us comes from the presence of God resulting from a redeemed relationship with God through Jesus Christ. That’s MAKARIOS.

MAKARIOS is the first word used before each of the 9 beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) and is not merely an adjective used to describe positive feelings associated with a life in God – even though it’s usually translated “Happy” or “Blessed”. It is a word that describes one who has entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and is also acutely aware of His presence and current activity. It is a word that cannot be defined without God's presence associated with or characterizing it.

So, what can we do to experience MAKARIOS? I've been learning a lot about this in my personal study of the beatitudes. Here’s a brief outline. Hope they help you move forward with God and taste MAKARIOS.

1. Know your limitations.
“MAKARIOS are the poor in spirit.”
Admitting you are bankrupt spiritually is the starting point.

2. Confess your sin and need for change.
“MAKARIOS are those who mourn”
Grieving over how sin affects our relationship with God is necessary.

3. Yield to Lordship of Jesus Christ.
“MAKARIOS are the gentle”
God wants us to surrender our will, our resources, our life to His leadership.

4. Focus your ambition on righteousness.
“MAKARIOS are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”
We must pursue Him over all other options.

5. Choose to value people.
“MAKARIOS are the merciful”
We need to become GIVERS and stop living like TAKERS.

6. Live transparently.
“MAKARIOS are the pure in heart”
A clear conscience is so critical to our ability to notice God's presence.

7. Tell others how to connect with Jesus Christ.
“MAKARIOS are the peacemakers”
The greatest act of peacemaking is helping another to have peace with God.

8. Don’t give up when opposed for doing what is right.
“MAKARIOS are those who are persecuted for righteousness”
Be willing to die for a life worth living.

9. Expect to be criticized because of your association with Jesus Christ.
“MAKARIOS are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me”
Don't be shocked when people reject you because of your association with Jesus.

If you want to hear more, listen to my two messages on MAKARIOS on May 31st and June 7th. You can find them online at http://www.sarasotabaptist.com/resources/archived-sermons.html?view=studieslist.

Experiencing MAKARIOS

2009-06-01T19:17:00.006-04:00

The Christian life is not simply an improvement of your former way of life. As a former atheist, I used to wonder what the hype was all about. My lifestyle (except for not attending church on Sundays), seemed to be similar to those who claimed to be Christians. And yet they would say being a Christian was so much better. Why didn’t they look like it was any better?

After becoming a Christian I can now understand how Christians can get bogged down in the details of living life and forget the real source of their new life. In fact, if one is not careful, you can easily miss out on that which distinguishes a Christian from one who is not.

The difference is not the lifestyle, because even an atheist can be kind, generous, and benevolent. The difference is the presence of God in your life. A Christian is one who has tasted of a life not previously accessible to men or women. The great promise of Jesus was that it was a good thing that He would leave because of the One who would come after Him…the Holy Spirit.

The presence of the Holy Spirit in your life makes all the difference.

When Jesus preached his famous “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 5-7, He introduced the sermon with a series of beatitudes. The beatitudes frame the rest of the Sermon with a very important concept. Kingdom living is impossible to experience or live out apart from the supernatural presence of God in your life.

“Makarios” is the greek word used over and over again in the Beatitudes. It is translated either “blessed” or “happy” but means so much more. William Barclay notes that during the time when this was written, the word “makarios” (from the root “makar”) was used in greek literature to describe the bliss that could only belong to and be experienced by the gods.

Jesus now uses the word to introduce Kingdom Living as supernatural living. In other words, it is not the kind of life that can simply be accomplished as a spiritual to-do list that you try to live out in your own strength. It is the kind of life that requires the evidence of and presence of God in your life. The Sermon on the Mount becomes a legalistic document that is destined to cause one great frustration without this understanding.

I encourage you to re-read the beatitudes now with this in mind…as well as the rest of the Sermon on the Mount. I believe it will free you up to live a different kind of life. The power of God is accessible to you when you, by faith, enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. “Makarios” is the kind of life available to you when that happens. If you want to hear more, listen to my message on May 31, 2009 online at our church website.

The Road Called Rejection

2009-05-25T16:18:00.006-04:00

Nobody likes to be rejected. Consider this example of a lady in our church who received an employment rejection letter from a Public Utilities Company that she never applied to. The Company apparently got her name from the list of references of another person who did apply. I want you to especially notice the last sentence.

Dear Ms W,

We thank you for the interest you have expressed in the General Manager position we advertised. We have received applications from potential candidates who appear to more nearly meet our requirements. We are looking for a strong financial manager from a regulated industry. Finance and accounting experience and education are essential.

If we do not find a suitable candidate to actually employ, we may get back in touch with you, but that seems unlikely at this point.

Cordially, A.N., President

Can you believe it! A rejection letter from a company you never applied to AND being told that you will be considered for the job only if a suitable candidate cannot be found. NOW THAT’S REJECTION.

How is a person to deal with rejection? It’s going to happen many times in your lifetime. You will be rejected. How will you deal with it? Unfortunately, most people let rejection skew their personal measure of their self worth. When that happens, you tend to make “pleasing everybody else” your mantra for life. Talk about pressure. You then set yourself up for major misery.

Let me make another suggestion. Whatever you do, don’t base you self-worth on the opinions of others. It will eventually destroy you. Let you self-worth be based exclusively on your worth in the sight of the One who created you. The Bible very clearly states that you are a person of worth and uniquely designed by God to be productive. In fact, once you enter into a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, it frees you up to live up to your God-given potential. Consider a few of the facts from the Scripture:

You are accepted by God. Rom 15:7; Eph 1:6; Ps 27:10
You are valuable to God. Luke 12:24; Isa 43:4
You are loved by God. Is 54:10; Ps 103:17
You are a child of God. John 1:12
You are a friend of God. John 15:15
You are an heir to what belongs to God. Eph 1:17-18
You are the light of the world. Matt 5:14
You are more than a conqueror in Him. Rom 8:37; 2Cor 2:14
You have the Holy Spirit of God living in you. Acts 1:8; 1 Cor 6:19
You are God’s handiwork. Eph 2:10
You have the mind of Christ. 1Cor 2:16
You are a partaker of the Divine nature. 2Pet 1:4
You have been chosen of God to represent Him. John 15:16; 2 Cor 5:20
You are an expression of the life of Christ. Col 3:4

You are SOMEBODY. This doesn’t change just because you experience rejection.

The next time you experience rejection, remind yourself who you are in Christ. Then respond to your rejection by refusing to assume the role of a rejecter yourself and embrace God’s agenda for your life….which includes serving others in spite of their rejection. Try it and see how God begins to heal the wound caused by rejection.

If interested in more, listen to the message I delivered to the Sarasota Baptist Church on May 24, 2009 entitled “Getting Off the Road Called Rejection”.

The Acid Called Anger

2009-05-18T09:09:00.006-04:00

Anger is such a complicated emotion. Some anger can be a good thing. Anger over an injustice may be just what is required to prompt you to right a wrong. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) is a great example of this. But notice, anger is simply an internal signal (an emotion) that begs for action. It still doesn’t guarantee that our response will be honorable or productive.

In fact, our anger over an injustice may actually result in a behavior that is also wrong. Take for example the person who is outraged over the permissive stance of our government when it comes to abortion rights. Bombing an abortion clinic or shooting a medical professional who provides abortion services is not the right response, but certainly one provoked by anger over an injustice.

Anger over an injustice like the abuse of child or the death of a spouse who has been killed by a drunk driver is to be expected and certainly justifiable. But what are we to do when we get mad about those kinds of things? How can we keep from being burned from a response to anger. As someone who has been angry before and responded both appropriately and inappropriately, I’d like to offer a few tips that have helped me to move forward and break free from the acid called anger. I shared a lot more in my morning message on May 18, 2009 at church. You can listen online for free at www.sarasotabaptist.com

HOW TO KEEP FROM BEING BURNED BY YOUR ANGER.

1. Thank God that you can feel anger.

Anger is one emotion of many that comes with our being created in the image of God. Unfortunately, you can’t always trust your emotions because they have been distorted by our sinful nature. But that’s no reason to ignore your feelings. Love, compassion, sacrifice, loyalty are all intricately tied to your emotions. Give yourself permission to feel and thank God for that gift.

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” Genesis 1:26 (HCSB)

2. Think of anger as a secondary emotion.

The reason you are angry is because something else is going on. Your fear may have prompted your anger. Your pride may have prompted your anger. Your greed may have prompted your anger. Your pain may have prompted your anger. Let your anger be a signal that prompts you to ask another question, “What’s really wrong here? Why am I angry?” Then take steps to deal with the root problem.

“A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man who schemes is hated.” Proverbs 14:17 (HCSB)

3. Limit your exposure to angry people.

Angry people are contagious people. Spending time with them will result in your adopting some of their attitudes and embracing some of their actions.

“Don’t make friends with an angry man, and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” Proverbs 22:24-25 (HCSB)

4. Remind yourself that you are not God and cannot know everything.

To prevent an inappropriate knee-jerk reaction you must take a step back and try to see the bigger picture. Some hills are not worth fighting over. Sometimes a delay will give perspective.

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (HCSB)

5. Refuse to get even.

Revenge always leaves you feeling empty and dirty. It may feel good immediately but produces long term regrets. You want to always take the high road. A clear conscience is like gold. Don’t give it up for a moment of pleasure. Plus, you can count on God to deal appropriately and judge effectively every injustice.

“Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.”Romans 12:19 (HCSB)

How To Combat Your Fears

2009-05-11T08:53:00.005-04:00

Fear is such a crippler. Psychologists tell us that our immediate and natural response to fear is usually to “flee from it” or “fight it.” We either run for our lives or resist it. Either way, these responses don’t deal with that which triggers our fears. We simply postpone the remedy until the next time…or the next…or the next time.

Fear has a way of seductively robbing us of confidence, love, purpose, and the ability to trust God. We can’t afford to allow fear to rob us of the life we were created by God to live. Time is too short!

I suggest we look at the emotion of fear as an alarm that is telling us we are in the middle of a test. This test is intended to stretch us, mature us, and strengthen us. In fact, when we are afraid, it’s time to get excited. We are about to take a giant step forward…if we pass the test.

The New Testament puts it this way,

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith reduces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4 HCSB)

Unfortunately, because these kinds of tests require endurance, change, and risk, we often allow our fears to short-circuit any progress with a knee-jerk response to run or fight. We’ve got to add some time between the feeling of fear and the knee-jerk response.

So, what are we to do? That’s where faith comes in. Faith is not another feeling to replace our fears with. Faith is a commitment to know the truth and act on it. The truth will disarm most of our fears and empower us to successfully live out and pass the test. The secret to dealing with our fears boils down to making time to identify the truth and then move in that direction. This is a strong argument for spending time daily meditating on and reading the Scriptures. A regular diet of Scripture saturates your mind with truth that can be tapped into when fears appear.

As long as we realize that fear is a feeling and not a master that must be obeyed, we can move forward. Knowing the truth will set you free!

One more thing, there is a fear that is healthy. It’s called the “fear of God.” Actually, the Bible says,

“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)

Why is this kind of fear healthy? Because the fear of God indicates that you know the truth about God and are acting on it. The fear of God, therefore, becomes a descriptive term of one who is exercising faith in God. So there you have it - FAITH is the remedy for FEAR.

“It is the most natural thing in the world to be scared, and the clearest evidence that God’s grace is at work in our hearts is when we do not get into panic-mode…The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else.” Oswald Chambers

I learned a lot about fear in a recent study on the emotions and shared more in a message entitled, “How to Combat Your Fears with Faith” on May 10, 2009 at the church I serve. I encourage you to listen to it by listening online at http://www.sarasotabaptist.com/resources/archived-sermons.html?view=studieslist

How to talk to God when you're depressed

2009-05-03T19:40:00.003-04:00

I picked up a number of tips on how to deal with depression as I studied the life of Elijah in chapters 17-20 of the Old Testament book of 1Kings. I also preached about the results of my study on May 3rd in the church I pastor. I thought I’d pass on some of the highlights to you. You may know somebody who could use the encouragement.

HOW TO FALL IN THE HOLE CALLED DEPRESSION:

1. Having unrealistic expectations. (1Kings 18)
2. Living like you are invincible. (1Kings 18)
3. Obsess over criticism. (1Kings 19:1-3)
4. Isolate yourself. (1Kings 19:3)
5. Push yourself to the point of exhaustion. (1Kings 19:4)
6. Keep comparing yourself to others. (1 Kings 19:4)
7. See yourself as a martyr. (1Kings 19:10, 14)
8. Neglect your physical condition. (1Kings 19:5-8)
9. Make poor choices.

HOW TO CLIMB OUT OF THE HOLE CALLED DEPRESSION

1. Take care of your body (eat right, sleep enough, get a physical) (1Kings 19:5-8)
2. Talk to God about your frustrations. (1Kings 19:9-10)
3. Pay attention to what God has to say. (1Kings 19:11-12)
4. Allow your encounter with God to change you. (1Kings 19:13)
5. Begin filtering your thoughts with the truth. (1Kings 19:14, 18)
6. Live proactively with purpose. (1Kings 19:15-16)
7. Cultivate relationships with godly companions. (1Kings 19:21)

HOW TO TALK TO GOD ABOUT YOUR DEPRESSION

“Dear God, You have said that my body belongs to You and that I need to take good care of it. Please help me to balance my schedule so that I get enough rest and eat right. Also, place medical professionals in my life who will help me to thoroughly care for the body that You have so intricately made.

I commit myself to being brutally honest with You. I know that You won’t condemn me for having awful thoughts or feelings. I also commit myself to listening to what ever You have to say and I plan to adjust my thinking and actions to fit in with what You say is true.

I also commit myself to living a proactive, rather than reactive life that includes learning from others who also want to please You. I will now look to you to adjust the way I feel to match my love, commitment, and trust in You.”

New Book - The Noticer by Andy Andrews

2009-04-27T11:55:00.005-04:00

I just read Andy Andrews new book, The Noticer, and want to recommend it to you. It's a short and fast read that will compel you to look again at your current relationships and circumstances. In brief, it's a message on how not to waste or miss a great well-planned life tutorial intended to maximize your potential. You'll find it will help you in taking a step back (or I prefer to say "take a step forward") and gain perspective in whatever challenging circumstance you are facing.

In typical Andrews style, he creates fictional characters that you can easily identify with. Throughout the story you'll read lines that will not only resonate within you as true but you'll want to spend time thinking about them.

The main character in this story is a man called Jones who continually shows up at just the right time to help others who are facing a crisis. Jones happens to "notice" them and help them by pointing out what they have not yet noticed about their crippling situation.

I highlighted a few of Jones' priceless quotes in my copy of the book to occasionally review and have listed a few below for you.

"If you are still here, then you have not completed your life's purpose." "Worry is just imagination used in an unproductive way." "Wisdom is the ability to see the future consequences of our choices."

It's been my experience that perspective (or wisdom) changes everything. It motivates. It gives courage. It births hope. It can unlock the chains that so confine and trap us. I believe this story will at least move you a step forward toward perspective.

Jealousy – The Relationship Killer

2009-04-22T20:33:00.004-04:00

My seminary evangelism professor, Oscar Thompson, said the most important word in the English language is “RELATIONSHIP.” I couldn’t agree more.

Unfortunately, relationships are so very fragile and so often taken for granted. And we let the little things that bother us in a relationship become the poison that ultimately can destroy the very relationships we have cherished.

I recently did some research and spoke on the devious and destructive nature of jealousy and how it kills relationships. I talked about the subtleties of how a jealous heart is developed. It was illustrated by the relationship between King Saul and David, the Goliath killer (1 Samuel 17:31-19:1).

I thought some of you who read this blog would be interested in the bottom line of my message – the cure for jealousy.

Rather than go into the dirty details of how jealousy destroys a relationship (you can always go to our church website and listen to the message if you want that), I thought I’d pass on in this blog the prescriptive cure for jealousy. Be sure to notice how the cure has nothing to do with others until you first deal with your own heart and God’s plan for your life.

The Cure for a Jealous Heart

1. Admit you are jealous. Stop pretending you’re not.

James 3:14 (TLB) “And by all means don’t brag about being wise and good if you are bitter and jealous and selfish; that is the worst sort of lie.”

2. Stop comparing yourself to others. You’ve been uniquely designed by God. Start acting like it.

Galatians 6:4 (MSG) “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others.”

3. Thank God for what you already have. Get specific in your gratitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (HCSB) “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

4. Recommit yourself to God’s plan for YOUR life.

Romans 12:1 (HCSB) “Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.”

5. Let God to use you to help others succeed. This forces you to reject the goals of a jealous heart.

Galatians 5:13-15 (HCSB) “For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.”

6. Trust God with the results. Even if it means someone else gets what you were wanting.

Romans 8:28 (HCSB) “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.”

How to talk to God about your jealousy:

“Dear God, You have told me that I am uniquely made by you and precious in your sight. I am unworthy to be loved by you but You have chosen to love me anyway. Plus, you proved it by sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me even when I didn’t care about You. Help me to stop comparing myself to others who are also loved by You. Help me to appreciate their role in teaching me to trust You and to hold all I have with an open hand. Please forgive me for being so possessive of what I have and transform my jealous passions into a willingness to serve others. Also, please teach me to trust You with the results.”

Stressed out? Try reading a book

2009-04-15T00:01:00.004-04:00

I read a recent study that offered some practical tips on how to best relieve stress. I thought you’d be interested in the findings like I was. At the top of the list was simply to read a book.

On March 29, 2009, the Telegraph (UK) reported,

“researchers found that stress levels and heart rate showed a 68% reduction in measurable stress after reading from a book. After achieving a high stress level through exercise and mental tests, just six minutes of reading slowed the heart rate and decreased other measures of physical stress in the muscles. Reading reduced stress to levels even lower than the baseline before the high stress was reached.”

That’s amazing! But I have to admit that I think they’re on to something. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve curled up with a good book after a stressful day and come up refreshed. Reading a book has a way of distracting me from the things that stress me. In fact, reading renews my perspective and often births in my mind creative options in dealing with the things that cause me stress.

I read all kinds of books - Fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, biographies, histories, self-help, and theological ones. But my favorite book is the Bible. It has a way of burrowing down deep in me and rooting out those things that stress me out. Maybe that’s why the Bible says,

“The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb 4:12 HCSB)

I don’t need any other studies to tell me that reading, especially reading the Scripture, is a healthy habit. I just need to keep on doing it. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a shot…you won’t regret it. Wondering where to start? Read through the four gospel accounts in the New Testament. Those four books will introduce you to a character that you won't ever forget.

Oh, by the way, the study also listed some other things that weren’t quite as effective in reducing stress levels but were worth noting:

Listening to music reduced levels by 61 per cent.

Having a cup of tea or coffee reduced levels by 54 percent.

Taking a walk reduced levels by 42 percent

Playing video games reduced levels by 21 percent but still left the volunteers with heart rates above their starting point.

He Is Alive

2009-04-12T06:14:00.003-04:00

HE IS ALIVE!

"When you were spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were not free from the power of your sinful self, God made you alive with Christ, and he forgave all our sins. He canceled the debt, which listed all the rules we failed to follow. He took away that record with its rules and nailed it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14 (NCV)

"For in that He died, He died to sin once for all; but in that He lives, He lives to God. So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:10-11 (HCSB)

GO TELL SOMEBODY!

The Day After

2009-04-11T12:48:00.002-04:00

The day after. What looked to be a journey of new hopes and dreams have now been destroyed. Everybody is gone. There’s no more laughter. You just can’t feel any worse than this.

The day after Good Friday has no semblance of being good. Jesus has been murdered. He’s gone! His followers are now in hiding and wallowing in a great deep funk. Now what are they suppose to do? Is life even worth living without Him? Those were just a few of the questions being asked. And it made them even more depressed the more they thought about it.

Some were saying that He still might come back…you know, like be raised from the dead. Those who said that were just living in denial of what had happened – right? But didn’t Jesus even say he would be killed and raised from the dead in 3 days? Ahhh, he couldn’t have meant that…or could he?

What's so good about GOOD FRIDAY?

2009-04-10T07:30:00.002-04:00

Think about it – Good Friday is associated with the day that Jesus Christ was falsely accused, tortured, and condemned and executed on a Cross. What in the world could be so GOOD about that?

While you’re thinking, let me give you three reasons.

1. Good Friday is the day God shouts out, “You are extremely valuable to Me.”

Jesus said that the reason He came to earth was to die for us and rescue us from our sin. (Mark 10:32-34) The Psalmist said, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14) Good Friday is GOOD because it is the day when God demonstrates how valuable we are to Him by paying the supreme sacrifice to redeem us.

2. Good Friday is the day God shouts out, “I love you.”

Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave is only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Good Friday is GOOD because it demonstrates the depth of God’s love for us.

3. Good Friday is the day God shouts, “Enough is enough.”
The reason Jesus had to die was because of our sin and how it separates us from God. Death is the mandatory sentence for sin. When Jesus hung on the cross, He said “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Literally those words mean, “It is now paid in full.” Good Friday is GOOD because it is the day when the debt was fully paid for our sin. All that’s left is for us to accept the payment that was made on our behalf.

GOOD FRIDAY was really a GOOD FRIDAY!

Emergency Prayer Request from Moldova

2009-04-07T20:49:00.002-04:00

I just received an emergency email from a good friend of mine in Moldova requesting prayer. Valeriu Ghiletchi was just elected to the Parliament of Moldova. He is an evangelical Christian and former president of the Moldovan Baptist Union. This is miraculous in and of itself since the country’s leaders are predominantly communist.

Valeriu desires to use his influence as a follower of Christ among those who are the most influential in Moldova. The recent developments are alarming but could also prove to open doors that would never open under other circumstances. Please pray! Below is the email I received

Dear friends, Street protests erupted today in Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova. The demonstrations are a result of the huge disappointment that many people felt after the announcement of the final election results. The President and Parliament buildings have been vandalized. At this moment the Parliament building is under fire. The situation is out of control. Police withdrew from these buildings. Political leaders of the opposition met with the power, but so far the conflict has not been resolved. I addressed the protesters a public message in which I invited them to pray, have peace and faith in Christ. Our churches are engaged in prayer today. Toma Magda, the European Baptist Federation President, who is in Moldova these days, and myself urge you to pray for peace and stopping of violence. Pray also for me, so I can play a peace making role and be a witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these crucial days for our nation. Valeriu Ghiletchi

Why Every Pastor Should Tweet (And Blog Too)

2009-04-04T11:34:00.002-04:00

I’ve started blogging and tweeting. I even have a FaceBook page. Why in the world would I start adding things like that to my plate? Isn’t pastoring a multi-campus church in South Florida enough to keep me busy? The answer to that question is definitely YES. But I’m always looking for ways to help me improve and develop as a Pastor.

When I started tweeting and blogging, I kept wondering if it was a waste of time. The learning curve took me a while to see any kind of value. But now that I’ve used Twitter for about 8 months and blogged for 3 months I’ve come to the conclusion that both have added greatly to my effectiveness as a pastor. I have been amazed at the feedback.

Here’s the bottom line. Transparency and authenticity are more than current buzzwords. People want to know if what they hear from their pastor is for real. They want to believe what they’re taught from the Bible, but it’s hard when they don’t see examples of people actually living out these truths. Tweeting and Blogging are great ways to demonstrate the daily practicalities of Biblical Truth. It’s like supplementing the weekly sermon with daily illustrations from your life. The pastor gets to actually model it. Sometimes as a good example; and sometimes not.

Pastors need to be true to their calling and preach and teach the Bible. But we also need to find ways to practically demonstrate through our lives those things we preach and teach. Tweeting (using Twitter) a few times a day helps others see how we interact with our circumstances and the people we meet. It’s like adding a living commentary to the things you’ve been teaching. What a great way to apply personally, for others to see, the Biblical truths you and I believe. Some would call that MENTORING.

Warning though! You don’t want to just tweet whatever thoughts come to your mind. You want to use discretion, be wise, and constructive. Never forget that you are modeling behavior that you would want others to learn from or imitate. Be sure to keep asking yourself, “How can what I just saw or thought apply to a Biblical principle I’ve learned?” or “Am I speaking the truth in love?” or “Would this really help somebody?”

I think if this technology was available to the Apostle Paul, he would have used it. That’s one thing I think he was saying in his letter to the church at Philippi.

“Join in imitating me, brothers, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.” Phil 3:17 (HCSB)

What I Learned From Art Linkletter's Visit

2009-03-30T09:15:00.003-04:00

Art Linkletter visited our church this past weekend and left an indelible mark on me. I learned so much about what shapes a man’s character and how to LIVE until you die. He was so very personable, positive and likable. At breakfast, he was full of questions – wanting to know about me, my family, and the church where I serve. He was not only inquisitive but his follow up questions showed that he was processing everything he heard and still trying to learn. Wow! I want to be like that NOW, not just when I turn 97 years old.

What’s amazing is that here is a man who is about to turn 97 years old and just gave up snow skiing on black diamond slopes two years ago. He said he’d still be skiing but after a spill on the slope that hurt his knee 2 years ago, his wife gave away all his ski equipment. When he asked why, she replied, “I’d rather be your wife than your nurse.”

Dr. Linkletter spoke for about forty-five minutes and was entertaining, thoughtful, engaging, and focused. He talked about playing college basketball, swimming in the Olympics for the USA, hosting TV shows on ABC, CBS, and NBC, getting to know every president since Woodrow Wilson, as well as serving as a missionary for 20 years with World Vision Ministries. He was probably best known to most people for his TV shows, “House Party” and “Kids Say the Darndest Things.”

He amazed us all with his ability to recall all kinds of statistics, dates, names and facts without notes. If you closed your eyes, you’d think you were listening to a 40 year old man who was in his prime. He told us he still lectures at UCLA as a professor of Gerontology.

His wisdom concerning aging was priceless. He was so positive and down to earth. His secret was to “live until you die” and don’t stop a moment earlier. One of his past books summed up this life message with the title, Old Age Is Not For Sissies.

His life has been a model of how pain and suffering mold the character of a person. He told us how he had been abandoned by his teenage parents at birth and adopted by a 50 year old Baptist minister and his wife. He shared, with teary eyes, the tragedy of losing a daughter by suicide, a son in a tragic car accident and then another son at the age of 70 from cancer. He was quick to share how his daughter’s death devastated him and ultimately led to his placing his faith in Jesus Christ.

When asked what he though attributed most to his longevity, he shared a story about a 30 minute meeting in the Oval Office in the White House with President George W. Bush. The president asked him the same question and he told him that he had put together the “OLD GEEZER TEST.” He shared he had devoted much time in the last years of his life to studying this very issue and that the test would reveal one’s odds in becoming an “OLD GEEZER.” The President asked Dr. Linkletter to give him the test while there.

I thought you’d be interested in the quiz, so I’m going to finish this article with the questions that were listed in Art Linkletter’s book, How To Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life (p. 23). The more yes answers you have the more apt you are to become an OLD GEEZER like Art.
THE OLD GEEZER TEST:

1. Do you refrain from smoking? 2. Do you abstain from alcohol consumption? 3. Do you get eight hours of sleep a night? 4. Do you eat a low-fat diet? 5. Do you exercise every day? 6. Do you eat a good breakfast every day? 7. Do you have a sense of humor? 8. Do you have a sense of curiosity about the world? 9. Do you have a passion for what you do? 10. Do you have a happy marriage?

Moving Forward With You.
Pastor Mike

OUTRAGE AND CRY FOR JUSTICE

2009-03-23T11:35:00.002-04:00

Last week everyone, including the news media, was outraged over the extravagant bonuses paid out by AIG. Me too. It just didn’t seem right to reward people for poor performance that resulted in the collapse of AIG. Contractually the bonuses may have been legal, but were they moral or ethical? In addition, since the government had to bail out AIG with billions of taxpayer dollars, how could the executives of AIG, in good conscience, even consider giving out the bonuses.

The immediate knee-jerk reaction from our Congress was to pass a bill that would tax those who received the bonus with a minimum of a 90% rate. Now that really solves the problem, right? I don’t think so. But that’s not the point of this particular article. My point is that the outrage stems from an inherent sense of right and wrong that we are born with. Sometimes our reaction or solutions may be just as outrageous as the wrong deed done, but nonetheless, our outrage over a social injustice is legitimately proper and right – and should be dealt with justly.

We also see a similar reaction from the general public whenever a child is kidnapped, abused, or murdered. Inherently, we are outraged by this act and want justice to be served. The wrong needs to be righted. Nobody taught you to feel this way…our conscience inherently knows it is wrong.

I like what C.S. Lewis said about this in his book, Mere Christianity, “Whenever you find a man who says he does not believe in a real Right and Wrong, you will find the same man going back on this a moment later. He may break his promise to you, but if you try breaking one to him he will be complaining ‘it’s not fair.’”

Because we want outcomes to benefit us, we tend to adjust our standards as needed. We may feel a little better for a while but ultimately it puts us deeper in a hole that we cannot climb out.

Hopefully, what we have been experiencing will force us to take a step back and ask some different questions. Instead of merely casting blame and proposing temporary solutions to immediate pains let’s go back to the root of our problem.

We have neglected and even tried to deny that there are timeless and absolute standards of right and wrong. These exist because they are an extension of the very nature and character of God who created this world and all of us. When people seek to know that God, not only will the standards begin to make much more sense but also real forgiveness for the violation of those standards can be experienced.

It’s time to turn back to God and ask Him how to proceed. He is certainly not surprised at what is going on and definitely has a proposal on the table for how to proceed.

“If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Spiritual Cruise Control Button

2009-03-18T10:44:00.004-04:00

Entering into a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is really not that difficult. That’s because you were made by God, for God. It is His desire that you and I know Him intimately. John 17:3 even defines eternal life relationally rather than numerically. It says,

“This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent—Jesus Christ.”

The excitement and joy you experience when entering into this kind of relationship is undeniable. New Christians are so refreshing to be around for that very reason. The passion and lifestyle associated with a life in relationship with Jesus Christ is contagious. But isn’t it amazing how quickly we will judge this kind of experience and outward demonstration as evidence of immaturity or shallowness…especially when we haven’t felt that way for quite some time?

Instead of pursuing God we begin to pursue spiritual knowledge. In our quest to go deeper and know Him more intimately we often substitute the critical elements of a relationship with God for simply the facts about God. In my conversations with others, I find this to be typical of everyone’s experience including my own. I personally find it as easy as triggering a cruise control button on my car's steering wheel. After I hit the button, I’m still heading in what appears to be the same direction but find my heart and passion for God becoming incrementally a bit cooler and harder. I'm not as focused as I was after I push the button.

A. W. Tozer said,
“We have substituted theological ideas for an arresting encounter; we are full of religious notions, but our great weakness is that for our hearts there is no one there…The spiritual giants of old were men who at some time became acutely conscious of the real Presence of God and maintained that consciousness for the rest of their lives.” (God’s Pursuit of Man)

Can I make a suggestion?

Today, in your pursuit of God, go beyond a simple knowledge of the facts.

Ask God to make you sensitive to His presence.

Take time to listen to God.

Look for His fingerprints and activity all around you.

Let the facts about God that you glean from the Scriptures trigger a pursuit of God.

Choose to relate to God rather than simply be content with more information about God.

Then, at the end of the day, jot down what you saw and learned. Thank God for revealing Himself and ask Him again for "eyes to see and ears to hear" Him again. You won't regret it. I know I won't.

Trip to the Holy Lands - Final Thoughts

2009-03-12T07:46:00.004-04:00

What a trip...no...what a journey. A trip is simply traveling and moving from one destination to another. Pictures are taken, memories are stored, and bodies are wearied. After the trip, you simply return home with another notch carved into your travel belt.

My Holy Land adventure was much more than a trip. It was a life changing journey. Sure, a lot of pictures were taken, new experiences were engraved as memories, and I did return tired. But I'm no longer the same person. My trip became a spiritual journey that God used to adjust my frame of reference. My journey put a Biblical frame around real people, real places, and real conversations. For example:

When traveling the same path that Moses led the Israelites on from northern Egypt to Mt. Sinai, I gained a whole new appreciation for the miraculous nature of the trip and provision/protection of God. We're talking about an 8 hour trip by bus through some of the most barren terrain you'll ever pass through. Nothing but rocks and dirt and mountains. My friend and fellow pastor, Bill Hild, says it's the closest thing on earth to walking on the moon. He's right.

I try to imagine a couple million Israelites (men, women, and children) traveling on foot down that same path. Only with the miraculous intervention of God and His protection could they have made it. God was using this short hop to teach the Israelites AND ME that the journey itself may even be more important than the final destination. It's along the journey that we learn to really trust God. You see what I mean...a bus ride from Mt. Sinai to Cairo became a video prepared by God for my heart to teach me that I need to pay attention along the way instead of always being so obsessively focused on getting to my final destination.

Since going on this journey, I cannot read the Bible the same anymore. The locations and the settings all mean so much more now and help me to better understand the truth of God's Word. Talk to anyone who went on the journey with me and they'll tell you the same thing. It's amazing. This journey to the Holy Lands was like getting another degree from seminary.

If you get a chance sometime to go...don't hesitate...you will never get over it. Plus, you're going to establish some new friendships with the people you travel with. You'll find that they become like close family -- which by the way, is another priority lesson that God wants us all to learn...the value of relationships. This is definately not the kind of trip you want to do alone...you need to be able to share it with others.

Hope we can do it together in the future sometime. I hope to go back in a few years.

Shalom

Trip to the Holy Lands - 14th and 15th day

2009-03-03T14:35:00.003-05:00

I was able to secure an internet connection a couple hours ago. Hope to catch you up on our journey to Egypt. Days 14 and 15 have been fast and furious. Especially yesterday, but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

We began on Monday by visiting 2 pyramids - not the ones you've usually seen in pictures. We left the hotel early at 7am and headed first to see the Hawara Pyramid in El Fauom. This pyramid dates back about 3000 years (about the time when the Assyrians defeated the Northern Kingdom of Israel) and was made totally from mud brick and much smaller bricks. Amazing that it is still standing.

Next we went to Sakara and saw the first constructed and oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid. It was over 5500 years old (before Abraham's time) and made of limestone. Coming from a nation that is barely over 200 years old, it's hard to believe I was standing beside and touching a structure that was 5500 years old.

By the way, antiquities are a really big deal here and everything is watched and guarded closely. I think it's because so much has been stolen in the past and taken out of Egypt. We were reminded constantly not to be picking things up off the ground on each of these sites. It was extra incentive when you see security everywhere holding submachine guns.

Speaking of security, everywhere we go in Egypt we are escorted by a security truck of 6 men fully armed. Very different from Israel and Jordan. In fact, we always had a tourist security guard responsible for our safety sitting on our bus wherever we went. Nice guy but very quiet. I sat next to him today and kept bumping into his gun that was under his jacket. I found myself praying a lot while sitting there.

Next we went to Ramsey's Museum in Old Memphis and saw a lot of artifacts from ancient Egypt. Some huge statues of Ramsey II were on display. The guide said they made these huge statues and distributed them abroad because they couldn't take pictures and post them. I think I would have found a way to get some papyrus pictures circulating if I were Pharaoh. Come on, if they could build pyramids, surely they could get some sort of mass Production of Papyrus Pharoah Pictures (alliterated for all you preachers). :-)

Lunch was delicious and very different. It was about as Egyptian as you could get. We were first greeted by musicians playing traditional Egyptian music (I felt like I was listening to a sound track from Aladin). Then we were led to some tables that were placed outdoors under nice shady trees. The table was then covered with fresh baked Egyptian bread (looked and tasted like Pita bread) and dishes of sauces and vegetables and falafels. It was great! But we were told not to eat too much because the main course was coming. Then they placed 3 different miniature grills on our tables with shish kabobs (I don't know how to spell it) full of chicken, sausage, and beef. Much more than any of us could eat. We waddled away from there and tried to stay awake as our bus then drove us to a carpet factory where children were hand weaving these beautiful nylon carpets that you've seen and heard about. They told us that there were over 600 knots every square inch. Everyone wished they could have taken a rug, and a child, back with them to the states.

Then it was off to the Cairo Museum. Most of our time was spent looking at the treasures found in King Tutankamin's tomb. Our guide, an Egyptologist, filled us in on all the details and it helped to understand what we were looking at. Mummies, gold, pottery, statues, chariots, boats, etc., were just a small part of what we saw. Unfortunately, we were getting tired and found it hard to concentrate on what we were looking at.

Then it was back to the hotel, but not without first stopping by a Papyrus Shop. We were shown how papyrus was made and then given time to look at what they had to sell. Our folks were over it and immediately went to the bus. They just wanted to get back to the hotel, get something to eat, and then go to bed. I can't really blame them, it was by then past 7:30 pm and we still had another 20-30 minutes before we would be back to our hotel.

After a great night's sleep, everyone was much more cheerful and excited about the agenda for today. We got to see the Great Pyramid, Ghefren, and the Sphinx. They are so huge and impressive. But the highlight was a 20 minute camel ride around the pyramids. We laughed and took lots of pictures. I have to admit, there's nothing quite like riding a camel in the desert with the Great Pyramid and Sphinx in the background.

Before lunch, we visited a Christian and Jewish section of Cairo where many old churches were located as well as a very old synagogue. It is believed that this was the area where Joseph and Mary fled with Jesus after being warned by an angel in Bethlehem. I had never thought much about what it must of been like for them in Egypt but this visit really helped all of us to reflect on this chapter of the life of Christ.

Then it was lunch in a downtown Cairo restaurant right on the edge of the Nile River. The food was good but the picture of the day was that of a dead horse floating down the Nile upside down about 20 yards from where we were sitting. We couldn't believe our eyes. Really helped our appetities. I know, gross.

After lunch, we hustled to the Cairo airport and caught a flight to Luxor. We landed safely and checked into a really nice hotel, the Steigenberger Nile Palace. I can't believe something so nice would be located in the heart of the desert. It is located right on the Nile River and in downtown Luxor. Tommorrow we plan on visiting some of the tombs of the Pharoahs and the ancient city of Thebes. I think we'll also get to take a cruise in a sailboat down the Nile just before dinner. We'll see. Well somebody's got to do it. Pray that there will be some wind...or else we'll be paddling hard. I'll tell you more about it next time I can get an internet connection.

One final devotional note: As I've heard and keep on hearing about the many gods of the ancient Egyptians, I'm reminded how we, in our desperation to find God, keep inventing gods. The statues, the hieroglyphics, the images all point to this. We are a depraved people full of creative ways to distort what God is really like. Apart from God's revelation of Himself, fully done in the person of Jesus Christ, we have no clue what God is really like. The ancient Egyptians were no different than us in that respect. Some things never change. But they can!

NO PICTURES
By the way, sorry there are not pictures. I'm not able to upload them at this time. You'll just have to imagine what it was like until I can update the pictures. Have a great day!

Trip to the Holy Lands - 12th and 13th day

2009-03-01T13:49:00.007-05:00

It's becoming harder to get an internet connection with my trip to Egypt so I'm having to combine 2 days again of my journey to the Holy Lands with this blog entry. Sorry about the length.

We boarded our bus at 7am for Egypt on Saturday morning. There were 8 of us on a bus that seats 50. Not much room to spread out in. :)

Jerusalem was spitting snow flurries when we left, so we were looking forward to some warmer weather as we went south. However, we were in for a surprise.

We made it about an hour before we had to turn back because the rain had flooded our road and made it impossible to go further. We turned back and got to Jericho before we heard that the water had subsided enough to pass. So we turned around again having lost 2 hours and proceeded south. The temperature rose and was about 75 degrees when we hit the Egyptian border city, Taba, at 2pm.

Crossing the border was a breeze and after walking across the border with all our luggage in hand for about 200 yards we were greeted by a new tour guide and a new bus. This time our bus was smaller...only a 35 seater. Then it was off to south Sinai where St Catherine's monastery is located, as well as our hotel. The drive there was like touring the moon. Nothing but mountains of rock and desert everywhere you looked. Our guide informed us that groups were not allowed in the monastery on Sundays but that we were given special permission to see it since we were going to arrive too late Saturday evening.

St Catherine's monastery is up in the mountains and the temperature dropped rapidly as we ascended. By the time we got there it was dark and cold. We dropped our bags off and then ate at the hotel restaurant. We were then informed that a local Bedouin man had invited our group to join him in his tent for some hot tea before we went to bed. We went wondering what we would see and just exactly how much colder we could get. The tent at least blocked the wind and the Bedouin man told us we didn't have to take our shoes off because he could see we were very cold...he was barefooted. We all sat on cushions in a circle around a fire he had build in his tent that was ventilated through a hole in the top of his tent. He served us tea that he had made in the fire. When you're cold, anything hot tastes good and this sure did. He also distributed heavy camel skin blankets to cover us while we visited. It was a rare opportunity to learn first hand of the customs of the Bedouins that inhabit most of the desert area. What a treat!

We finally got into our rooms and got some sleep. When we woke up we were amazed at what we saw. The mountains had been covered with snow throughout the night and we were in the midst of a snow blizzard. And we thought Jerusalem had been cold! We got some great pictures and I did some skating on the concrete in front of the restaurant by accident - I'm just glad it was nimble me who did it - I can take the impact of a half gainer with a quarter twist better than the others in our group.

The snow subsided enough for us to proceed to the monastery where we saw the traditional locations of the Burning Bush, the well where Moses met his wife the shepherdess, the location where the golden calf had been made by Aaron when Moses was receiving the 10 commandments, and the plain where the million and a half Israelites had waited for Moses while he was on the mountain. This was so much better than any powerpoint presentation or youtube clip. We were all freezing on the outside but fired up on the inside reflecting on what happened here.

We then proceeded to Cairo and arrived here about 7pm. This was about 3 hours later than planned because of all the roads that had been washed out from the rains. A couple times we were driving through a foot or two of water. Along the way we travelled the route that the Israelites traveled as they crossed the Red Sea and went to Mt. Sinai. We stopped at where Moses threw a tree in the bitter water and it became drinkable. We stopped at MarahRephidim where the Amalekites attacked the Israelites and lost. This is the story about the Israelites winning as long as Moses held his hands and staff up in the air...with a little help from Aaron and Hur. We also passed close to the spot where God first provided manna. Our trip today was an amazing journey through the pages of Scripture (Exodus 15-19).

Let me stop here and highlight the main lesson that the Lord was teaching me as I saw all this and reviewed the Biblical text. The hardships faced by the Israelites in the Wilderness were planned by God as a test. It was God's desire that His people learn to trust Him before He took them to the Promised Land. A perfect example was in Exodus 15:22-26 (but it happened over and over again). Verse 25 said, "There the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them." Another example was Exodus 16:4 when God was about to provide manna. He said, "I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whther they will walk in my law or not."

Nothing has changed. God still does the same thing today. We always look for the shortcuts and the path of least resistance. God wants us to learn to trust Him...and that always involves suffering and testing.

A couple of final notes - we drove right up to one of the loading ports of the Suez Canal. It was much larger than I would have expected. We then backed up and crossed the Suez Canal by tunneling under it.

Upon our arrival we were also reminded that Cairo is the 2nd largest city in the world with 22 million people. Now having driven through it I can believe it...I think they were all out on the road when we went through it. I also discovered that the white lines on the road here mean absolutely nothing. Most cars...and our bus...straddle the lanes looking for a way to get in front of the cars ahead. Usually what was intended to be a 3 lane road became more like 5 lanes with cars weaving constantly in and out. Oh, and don't forget the donkey pulled carts on the same road too. And I thought my driving was agressive. I'm not sure I could survive driving here...though it would be fun trying. :)

Well, I've got to go to bed. It's late and we leave to explore Cairo tomorrow at 7:00 sharp. A couple of ibuprofen to work on my sore shoulder (remember my half gainer with a quarter twist) and I'll be good to go. Not sure I'll have internet connection tomorrow so you may have to wait a couple days for the next entry on my adventures in the Holy Land.

See you later.

Trip to the Holy Lands - 10th and 11th day

2009-02-27T03:09:00.003-05:00

I decided to combine the 10th and 11th day of our trip because they are so similar. In a moment you'll see what I mean.

Day 10 was a free day in Jerusalem for everybody. It was wonderful and much needed. After 10 days of running and sensory overload we needed a time to slow down and reflect.

Many slept in on this 10th day (Thursday) and then wandered around the old city of Jerusalem exploring and shopping. Others explored other portions of the city like the Israeli Museum while others walked around rampage of the city walls.

Our hotel is about 6 blocks from the Damascus Gate. When my group entered the gate it was like being transported back into the past. The colors, the smells, and the sounds are vibrant and attention getting. It's a narrow corridor of about 8 feet wide with side by side shops all along the way on both sides. There are lots of alleyways that are adjoined to the main paths with even more shops, hostels, and eateries. And there are also 4 main sections (or quadrants) - Christian, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim.

Shopping is an interesting event too. It's a negotiation game full of emotion and strategic bargaining. You never purchase an item for the original price. So it's a challenge for the weak at heart and those who are used to buying things for the sticker price. When you start the bargaining you hear things like, "my children will not eat if I let you buy it for that price" or "You are my personal friend, I will give you my best rate" or "you can buy this China cheap material or Jerusalem quality". You never know what to believe.

We discovered that my daughter Beth is the best shopper here. Many in our group enlisted her to do their negotiating. She bargained for everything from dresses, scarves, knives, hats, purses, and suitcases. The shop keepers kept saying with a smile, "she is nice but HARD". She helped me get a gift price down from $300 to $30. I felt like the shopkeeper would have to sell a child and his home afterward but when it was all through, the shopkeeper smiled and invited me to come back on our next trip. Whew...I'm glad that's over.

We had lunch again at Papa Andrea's (overlooks the city from the roof). Many in our group ended up there because they knew what to expect when they ordered from the previous day. We are such creatures of habit.

At dinner, everyone was laughing and looking like they had gotten some rest. Stories were told of the personal excursions and it added a lot of perspective to the trip. Let me tell you of a couple extra trips I made with a few others.

We explored some excavations and tunnels that have been dug along the walls of the Temple Mount. We entered the tunnel beside the Wailing Wall and had a great time. We were able to see ruins of the community that was present during the time of Jesus. We stopped momentarily at the closest spot to the old Temple's Holy of Holies (about 60 feet away). That was a heart stopper. Apparently, people are praying at this spot continuously. There was barely enough room to move past the few people who were praying there. I can hardly believe we were able to get that close...nobody expected this. And yes, it became one of those "holy" moments for us.

Most of the tunnel was only big enough for two people to go through at the same time. Some of the tunnel was pitch black (the kind where you can't see your hand in front of your face). A short portion of the tunnel we had to turn sideways to get through. I felt like I was exploring this place with Indiana Jones. It was a amazing journey. We ended up coming out of the tunnel in the Muslim Section of the Old City.

Later that night a few of us walked to the Ben Yuda street (outdoor mall area that is predominately Jewish). We walked through the most populated Orthodox Jewish area to get there and saw a whole new way of life. The dress, the music, the pace, etc., were all so different. Nobody would talk to us so we hurried on past to our destination. The Ben Yuda mall area is a place where they block the roads at night and place tables and chairs in the streets for people to socialize with. 1000's of people, mostly in their 20's, were laughing and talking. This is a very modern section of Jerusalem. We walked by restaurants, shops, musicians (we even saw a lady playing a harp, another lady singing kerioki style, and saw another section with some drummers - similar to the Siesta Key drums), and even a McDonalds where Pastor Bill Hild ate a Big Mac and everyone else had Oreo McFlurries - good stuff. We then walked back and collapsed in our beds for some sleep...I thought this was to be a day for resting...NOT!

This morning (Friday) we all got a wake up call at 6:30 am had to have all our luggage out in the hallway for pickup by 7:15 for the return to the States. After breakfast, most of the group got on the bus for their trip back to Amman, Jordan, where they will catch a flight back tonight to the States. It was a bitter sweet occasion. People hated to leave but were ready to go home. Also, some of us were staying behind to continue on to Egypt tomorrow morning. I'm one of those staying behind. My wife, daughter, and son-in-law were all returning too. So after some hugs and kisses and goodbyes, we all said goodbye to my family and many new friends that have been made.

I'm now in my room catching up on some study time and this blog. It started to rain here and I'm not sure if I'll get out much today before leaving for Egypt. We'll see.

Tomorrow morning we depart for Egypt on an 8 hour bus ride. Not sure if I'll have internet connection when we arrive at St Catherine's Monastery. But I should have it the next evening when we arrive in Cairo. So, until then, I thank you for praying for us. God is answering your prayers...it is a most incredible trip.

Trip to the Holy Lands - 9th day

2009-02-26T03:06:00.006-05:00

What's your favorite drink? In my case it's a diet coke. Suppose you've been walking all day in the heat and are very thirsty. If someone offers you a diet coke, you'd probably gratefully accept the offer. You are given a hose to drink from and out comes cold and tasty diet coke.

Now imagine that the diet coke keeps pouring out of the hose. You're thirst is now quenched but you keep on drinking. Now your stomach is full and it just keeps on coming. You just can't take in any more. That's about what it's like being here in the Holy Lands.

All of us have come drinking from the Holy Land trip and there's just more than you can imagine. It's all great and we keep on trying to take more and more in. Today's journey through Jerusalem was one of those kind of days. You're not going to believe all we got to see.

The Mount of Olives - we saw a panoramic view of the city from here and it was gorgeous. This is also the spot Jesus was on when He came into the city that last week of His life. He saw the city and wept over the city because it was so blind to the presence of God.

The Garden of Gethsemene - Oh my! To spend some time praying in the spot where Jesus poured His heart out to the Father just before being arrested and crucified. We spend some time at the rock where Jesus prayed and recommitted ourselves to the Father by praying the same prayer Jesus did..."not my will, but Yours be done."

The Pool of Bethsaida - This was the place where Jesus healed a man who had been waiting years for a chance to get to the water first after it was stirred. We heard the testimonies of a couple in our group about how God used a tragedy (the death of a child) to ultimately birth a medical center in Haiti. Talk about inspirational!

Via Delorasa - Then we walked up the traditional street that Jesus carried the cross on the way to His crucifixion. The hardship and cruelty that Jesus faced to ultimately pay for our sins was unreasonable and yet, He still went through with it.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher - This is one of two sites where Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified) and the Tomb where Jesus was buried is thought to be. The crowds were down on this day so we were able to get really close to each of these markers and reflect on what actually transpired here. Talk about sombering.

Then we had lunch at Papa Andrea's. This was an open rooftop cafe where we could see the city of Jerusalem from above. We enjoyed some local foods as well as the common french fries and diet cokes. It was a much needed break and rest. We heard the call to prayer during this lunch time and then the competing bells from the many orthodox churches. Some called it a different kind of "dueling banjo's"...middle east style. :-)

After lunch it was off to see the archeological ruins of the temple mount walls and area where the temple tax was paid. Amazing. From there we went to the Western Wall, commonly referred to as the Wailing Wall. Men and Women had to go to separate areas. We spent some time there praying ourselves. It was one of those "holy" moments.

Lastly, we went to the Garden Tomb. This is the second site that is recognized as the location of Golgotha and the tomb of Joseph Arimathea where Jesus was buried. This location is still out in the open and has a much more realistic feel for this most awful, yet world changing event. We all were able to go in the tomb...by the way...IT'S EMPTY BECAUSE JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD! And then beside the tomb, our group partook of the Lord's Supper. If that doesn't produce spiritual goosebumps I don't know what will. It was definately the highlight of the day.

As you can see, it just keep coming out of the hose and we not only got our thirst quenched, we were full to overflowing. This is such an amazing place.

Tomorrow, is a day for us to catch up on some rest, revisit some places we had to run through, or visit some other new spots. Catch up with you later.

News from your Holy Land Pilgrim Pastor Mike

Trip to the Holy Lands - 8th day

2009-02-24T11:27:00.003-05:00

I started the day with a hot breakfast of French Toast and Scrambled eggs while the others had everything from fresh vegetables, breads, cereals, and other strange items that I didn't recognize. There were lots of other options but I was feeling a little international today...Oui?

Then we all boarded our bus at 8am for Masada. An hour and a half ride later, most of it along the Dead Sea, we arrived at Masada. We rode the Skytram up to the top and had a spectacular view of the Dead Sea and Jordan off to the east. This is the location of one of Herod's Palaces and also the place where 936 Jews took their lives rather than be taken prisoner or killed by the Roman Army in 73 AD. The fortress is in great condition and we were able to get a much better understanding of the living conditions of that time.

After a quick tour of Masada, it was off to Qumran - where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We wandered around the ruins and learned much about the Essenes who lived there. It is thought that John the Baptist spent a couple years here before heading north to begin his Jordan River baptismal ministry. Afterward we were able to check out some of the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. This discovery was earth shaking to our skeptical world. The evidence found in the Scrolls legitimized the current Old Testament's accuracy. For those who think that the Bible is nothing like it was originally written have simply ignored this very important archeological evidence called the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Then we boarded the bus for a stop at the Dead Sea for a swim. The water is so saturated with salts and minerals that you cannot sink. In fact, you cannot go under the water with your whole body even if you try. It was hilarious watching people float and try to keep their feet under them. The mud is suppose to be medicinal and many of our group covered themselves with it. Fortunately they washed it off before getting back on the bus.

Jericho was our next destination for a late lunch, shopping and checking out some very familiar Biblical sites. We saw Tel Jericho where the walls came crashing down in the time of Joshua. We passed by the sycamore tree that Zachaeus climbed when he wanted to see Jesus. We also got close to the Wilderness that Jesus fasted 40 days and was tempted by the devil. Unbelievable! This caused all of us to enter into some "holy" moments.

The last stop was Bethany, just south of Jerusalem. This is the site where Jesus usually stayed when in Jerusalem with some friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We went to the tomb where Lazarus was raised from the dead and saw the location where Jesus ascended into Heaven. If this kind of visit doesn't cause you to stop and reflect on the power and greatness of our Lord, nothing will.

As I write this, my family is preparing to go out with our Palestinian guide and driver for dinner. They've been such a blessing throughout the trip. They're taking us to a local restaurant to experience the Jerusalem food culture. Can't wait.

Talk again soon. Tomorrow, it's the Old City of Jerusalem and the Garden Tomb.

Trip to the Holy Lands - 7th day

2009-02-23T14:01:00.004-05:00

What a day this has been! We've been emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually stretched and we're loving it. Traveling to the Holy Land is such a great way to personalize the Scripture. Below is a highlight of our itinerary today. We just got back in to our hotel and finished dinner.

1. Bethlehem - the birthplace of our Lord Jesus. We arrived at the Church of the Nativity early this morning and actually beat the crowd. It was so good to be able to slowly walk around and take time to reflect on what we were seeing. Seeing the birthplace with my own eyes really helps me to understand the significance of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. He, being God, became a man. And He started out so humbly and experienced such a difficult life on earth - including His birth in a cold and dirty cave (stable). For God to go through all of that in order than I might one day be able to receive His free gift of grace and forgiveness is an overwhelming thought.

2. Herodion - one of the palaces of King Herod (also his burial chamber). We were able to visit Herodion in the West Bank. What an amazing archeological discovery. It was a picture of extravagance, arrogance, and beauty. We climbed the mountain and explored the ruins, went back down by way of a secret escape tunnel, and saw Herod's burial chamber from a distance (no one is allowed there yet). Herod was a hated, wicked, cruel, and disloyal king. He tried to eliminate Jesus shortly after He was born by killing all male children 2 years old and younger. At the top of the palace, we had a panoramic view of all the Holy Land. We could see Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tekoa, Mt Nebo, the Dead Sea, and so much more from there. It also was breathtaking. A few of our group opted to stay in the bus for this adventure since the walk was pretty steep. Learned a lot about the huge difference between those who were rich in the time of Jesus and those who simply worked hard to feed their families and live another day. The extravagance and opulence of royalty was sickening because it was always at the expense of others. The wealthy devalued those who were not and treated them as objects to pamper them. No wonder Jesus told the rich young ruler that in order to follow Him, he would need to sell all he had first and give it to the poor.

3. Shepherd's Field - one of a few possible site where the angelic host appeared to shepherds announcing Jesus' birth. This was a great excursion because we saw shepherds leading their sheep throughout the region and acquired a new understanding of the Gospel of John, chapter 10, when Jesus was talking about His being the Great Shepherd. To see how the Shepherd becomes a door in front of a sheepfold helped to us all to visualize the significance of Jesus' statement, "I am the door of the sheep." It's hard not to trust a God who is committed to taking care of us as a shepherd would His sheep.

4. Upper Room. We were able to visit the location where it is believed that the disciples and the Lord had the Last Supper, where Jesus appeared to the disciples twice after His resurrection, and where the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples on Pentecost. It was amazing. To imagine what it must have been like those last few hours with Jesus. To imagine what it must have been like to see the One you saw die on a cross appear in a locked room - twice. To imagine what it must have been like to be so filled with God's Spirit that it mobilized everyone to not only witness to everyone around about the Gospel, but to do it in the languages of everyone one who had been visiting Jerusalem during the Passover Feast. It reminded us all of the need to wait on God and trust Him to empower us to do the unimaginable and miraculous. You know, that's what it's going to take to get the Gospel to all the world.

5. City of David. This is the oldest part of the city of Jerusalem. It is surrounded by the Vally of Gehenna (used to be a garbage dump that was always on fire and likened to hell during the time of Jesus) and the Kidron Valley. It was a reminder of how many things have happened since King David lived and how the city has grown and changed since he was King.

6. House of Caiaphus (high priest who oversaw crucifixion of Jesus). This was a most sombering visit. We actually walked on the steps that Jesus would have been led up after being arrested by the Roman solders in the Garden of Gethsemene. We visited the jail under the house of Caiaphus where Jesus would have been tortured and lowered into a dungeon while awaiting an audience with Caiaphus. There wasn't a dry eye in that dungeon as we stood there reading the Biblical Account of this arrest and Psalm 88. It's one thing to say that Jesus suffered for our sins. It's quite another to be able to use our senses to experience it. What He went through to secure our salvation was awful and we should never take it lightly.

Well there you have it. What a day. Wish we had about a day just to process and meditate on what we learned and saw just today. But tomorrow we're off to the Dead Sea, Masada, Qumran, and Jericho.

Oh Lord, give us strength and the capacity to worship You in a way You deserve.

Trip to the Holy Lands - 6th day

2009-02-22T16:38:00.005-05:00

I'm in so late tonight that I'll only be able to give a brief description of this very full day.

We left Tiberius in Galilee early this morning and stopped off at the Valley of the Doves. This was the trail Jesus and His disciples would have taken each time they traveled from Nazareth to Capernaum. Everyone picked a spot along the trail to have a time alone with God. It was a highlight of the day. We gathered after this time when we heard the shofar and, as a group, sang "Amazing Grace." Before we left, we initiated another person in the "brotherhood of the shofar." You'll have to ask someone about it when we return.

From there we traveled to Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle of changing water into wine at a wedding. We stopped there and conducted a service where all the couples renewed their wedding vows.

Next, we stopped at Megiddo. What an amazing site. 26 cities have been built on this site over the past 6000 years. We saw a Canaanite altar where human sacrifices had been made. We touched horse stables of Solomon. We overlooked the Valley of Megiddo where the final battle of Armegedon will be fought. Breath taking!

On to Caesarea by the Sea where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. It was raining but we still ventured out and saw the incredibly preserved ruins of this Roman fortress and home to Pontius Pilate.

Then we stopped in Bethlehem and talked to the grandson of the man who discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as spent some time shopping in his store of Antiquities.

We finally arrived in Jerusalem in time for a late supper. About a dozen of us then went for a night walk thru the streets of Old Jerusalem; entering in the Damascus Gate and leaving from Joffa Gate.

What a day! God is continuing to speak so loudly. Thanks for praying...it's making a difference. Going to bed. Another full day tomorrow.

Pastor Mike

Trip to the Holy Lands - 5th day

2009-02-22T16:14:00.002-05:00

Can you imagine what it would have been like to accompany Jesus for a few weeks while He was here 2000 years ago? That’s what today’s adventure in the Holy Land was like. We stayed close to the Sea of Galillee the whole day and visited places that we’ve read about so many times in the New Testament. It rained off and on and was a bit chilly but we couldn’t help but see the fingerprints of God everywhere.

There were so many “holy moments” with God. I kept running into people in our group who had been captured and captivated by the Spirit of God. Some were overwhelmed with joy. Some were broken with tears. Some were loudly quiet. It has been a day when our eyes have been open and we’ve been extremely sensitive to the fingerprints of God. Below are a few highlights.

The Mount of the Beattitudes – We began our journey at the location where Jesus preached His Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7). It was easy to picture thousands of people gathering around to listen to the Teacher. We were all challenged to become more attentive listeners to God’s Spirit as He teaches us from His Word. Here’s a question for you…”When you read the Scripture, is it simply an academic exercise or like reading a love letter from God?”

Tabgha – This place was my personal favorite. It is the location of two major episodes in the New Testament – the miraculous feeding of the 5000 (John 6) and the breakfast meeting with Jesus and His disciples after his resurrection (John 21). Everyone loved walking down by the waterside and meditating on what Jesus would say to them if they were having breakfast with Jesus. What an intimate moment it must have been for the disciples to have breakfast prepared for them after having just seen the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. This was a picture of friendship, intimacy, and camaraderie. Here’s another question we were asking ourselves, “Is our relationship with Jesus Christ characterized by intimacy or a conforming religiosity?”

Capernaum – This became Jesus’ base of ministry after leaving Nazareth. We walked on the foundation stones of the synagogue that Jesus often spoke in. We walked through the excavated ruins of Capernaum and stood beside the home of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. You’ll remember that Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law when He visited that home. You’ll also remember that the paralytic was lowered down through the roof of this same home. The place was a picture of the miraculous power of God. You might also want the ask the question we were faced with, “Do you really believe that God can miraculously intervene in your life’s circumstances?”

Kursi – This is also referred to as the region of the Gerasenes. It was here that Jesus cast out a demon called “Legion” into a large herd of pigs. (Luke 8:26ff) Pastor Bill Hild told us that he had been part of this archeological dig a few years ago and gave us a quick lesson on how archaeologists interpret what they find in a pile of dirt. He also informed us that this kind of work is painstaking and takes a lot of tedious effort – like moving spoonfuls of dirt at a time. Question – “Are you willing to patiently pay the kind of price required to become the spouse you need to become, the student you need to become, the friend you need to become, or the follower of Christ you claim to be?

Bet Sham – This large city has been excavated and is so impressive. This also happens to be the location where King Saul and his son Jonathan’s body were hung after being killed during a battle with the Philistines. It was an ominous sight and wake up call concerning the reality of the life and death of our spiritual heroes of the faith. Sometimes it’s easy to think the stories in the Scripture are simply stories and not real events. Here’s a question for you – “Is your Christian life a façade or real?”

As you can see, God is working us over on this trip. It’s overwhelming but so refreshing. It’s so good to see lives being changed. We’re also having a lot of fun and eating very well. And quite frankly, it’s quite an experience to be able to sit out on a hotel balcony and watch the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee each morning. It’s an image I’ll never forget.

PRAYER UPDATE - Your prayers continue to be answered. Everyone is healthy and we have finally acclimated to the time change. The young man who is asking God to radically change him while here is changing before our very eyes. God is so good. Keep on praying. Tomorrow we head for Nazareth, Cana, Caesarea, and Jerusalem. Wish you could be with us.

Trip to the Holy Lands - 4th day

2009-02-20T14:12:00.005-05:00

What a great day! Our crew left the hotel early this morning and covered a lot of territory here in northern Israel. I'll highlight the locations below and share a thought or two about each.

1. Tel Dan - Dan is the northern most location of Israel and is the site of some major springs that contribute to the formation of the Jordan River. Beautiful greenery and such sparkling water. But the highlight was a visit to one of the high places where the Canaanites and the Northern Kingdom of Israel use to worship false gods. It was a cold and rainy experience but also an eerie one. The archaelogical ruins are in great shape and gave us a great picture of life 4000 years ago.

Just a thought...You have to wonder how the people who were chosen by God could see so much of God's handiwork over the years and then still insist on approaching God on their own terms. They were so rebellious and stubborn and independent. Wait - we still do the same thing. Will we ever learn this lesson.

2. Caesarea Phillipi - this is the place where Peter called Jesus "the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus responded by telling him that He would build His church and that the "gates of hell would not prevail against it". Interesting fact is that there was a mamouth cave at this location that was once believed to be so deep that it was referred to as the "gates of hell." What a visual image of Jesus statement! I think the disciples got it.

Just a thought...Jesus used visuals like this "gates of hell" to communicate His message. I think this may just be one of the best lessons we could ever learn about teaching. Use creative visual aids - Jesus did it, and He was the best teacher ever.

3. Jordan River baptism - what a great moment. Pastor Bill Hild and I baptized 12 people in some very cold water. Some were being baptized for the very first time and it was incredible. Others were wanting to publically rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ - WOW! Obviously this was a very meaningful moment for those being baptized and I was so proud of them. But also, those watching this event were visibly moved and had an increased awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Just a thought - God is all about us going public in our relationship with God. Why would a person not want to be baptized when they've experienced the amazing grace and forgiveness of God? Also, have you ever thought about the fact that whenever you or I obey God in a very visible way that it significantly contributes to the sensitivity of others concerning the activity of God? You know, we are meant to be salt and the light of the world.

4. Boat ride on the Sea of Galillee - amazing. The sky was so clear and we were able to see the shoreline all around the Sea of Galillee. As we rode the boat we couldn't help but experience with all our senses some of what the disciples must have felt whenever they were there and relive in our minds many of the Gospel accounts.

Just a thought - A devotional was shared by one of our group about Jesus and the disciples in a boat on the Sea during a storm. Jesus asked the disciples when they woke Him up during the storm, "Why are you afraid?"

A distinction was made between the question we are usually asking God during a storm ("Why don't you care about me?") and the question we should be asking during the storm ("Will you help me?"). When we ask "Will you help me?", He always says "yes." But his yes may mean he will empower you with His presence to go through the storm or that he will fix the storm. Either way, He will help us with whatever storm we are facing.

As you can see, this trip is affecting all of us and changing our hearts and minds. Our prayer request has been that we would return to the states much more like Jesus.

PRAYER NOTE: Your prayers have been answered again. The lady who went to the hospital was given every kind of test and the doctors saw nothing wrong. In fact, all of her symptoms had been reversed and disappeared during her visit to the E.R. Sounds like Divine Intervention to me.

Also, the other lady with a sprained ankle woke up with much less swelling and able to go with us on today's adventure. Again, God answered your prayers.

So now, add to your prayer list a man who is struggling with some very difficult issues and has come on this trip asking God to make a new man out of him. You know, that's just the kind of prayers God loves to answer.

Talk again to you soon.

Trip to the Holy Lands - 3rd day

2009-02-19T16:23:00.003-05:00

It’s been another great day full of new adventures and “holy” moments.

We began the day with a visit to a church in Madaba, Jordan. The mosaic floor of this church included the oldest known map of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. Amazing how well preserved it was. It gave us a preview of what we’ll be exploring in a few days. Excitement is mounting.

Then off to Mt. Nebo we went. Because of the altitude and cold front that just came in, we froze on top of the mountain where God showed Moses the Promised Land. The Bible says that Moses died on that mountain and was never able to enter in because he did not obey God at Meribah-kadesh. Regardless of the blustery weather, everyone experienced a sobering “holy” moment. Many did not want to leave. What an incredible reminder of how seriously God takes our disobedience and the consequences of our sin. Also, it was another reminder of how God always keeps His promises to His people.

And then it was down the mountain and over to the Jordan River to the site where most believe Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. This, too, was one of those moments when God tightened His grip on our hearts and reminded us how important it is to follow God’s plan precisely. I know there was nothing magical about the water, but it sure had a special effect on all of us as we thought about the significance of Jesus’ baptism. Can you imagine what it would have been like to see with your own eyes the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus like a dove after coming up from the water and to hear a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved son, in you I am well pleased.” That’s sort of what we were reliving.

We then proceeded to the border and crossed King Hussein Bridge (the former location of the Allenby bridge) into Israel. Everyone was initiated to a complete security check. We must have been checked 4 or 5 times before we were able to board our tour bus that would take us into Israel. It only took about 2 hours at the check point. Our group was so flexible and cheerful throughout the ordeal and were great examples of the Lord we serve.

But now it was about 3:30 pm and we hadn’t eaten since 7 am. Everyone was hungry. So we stopped at a rest stop and tasted of some fine Israeli cuisine and had a great time interacting with the Israeli people. We ran into a busload of teenagers returning from camp and had a great time talking with them about life in Israel.

After a quick break it was off to Tiberius, a two hour drive away. The sun had already set by the time we got to Tiberius and therefore were not able to see the Sea of Galillee, which our hotel happens to be on. Can’t wait to see the sun rise tomorrow morning from our windows overlooking this beautiful view of Galillee.

After eating dinner we had a group meeting, and then split up. Most to their rooms to catch up on some sleep but others to explore the night life in Tiberius.

Last item, I need to mention – health issues. God answered your prayers about the man who had stomach issues yesterday and is doing great today. Thank you for praying. Two more in our group now need your prayers. One lady severely sprained her ankle and another woman is currently visiting the local hospital over other medical issues. Pray for their fast recovery.

Trip to the Holy Lands - 2nd day

2009-02-18T14:17:00.005-05:00

We're back from a day long excursion to Petra. Wow, what a sight. Recently a poll was taken concerning an up-to-date "7 Greatest Wonders of the World" and Petra was voted 2nd. 1st place was the Great Wall of China. I can see why. It's gigantic, beautiful, and amazing.

We had to walk about 2 miles to get to it through a long canyon but it was certainly worth it. One things for sure, everyone will sleep good tonight. (For those of you still wondering what this place looks like, it's the place Indiana Jones went to find the holy grail in his third movie, "The Last Crusade".)

Petra is a city that was known for its security and its remote and hidden location. From a biblical perspective it is known for primarily three things:

1. A place where the Jews will flee persecution in the last days.
2. A city on route to the Promised Land when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.
3. It is right next to Mt. Hor, where Aaron (Moses brother) died.

A few personal observations I had were:

1. It's amazing how the Bedouin people live with next to nothing in this region and yet act as though they have everything. They don't even know they are poor. Contrast that with how we live with everything and so often think and behave like we have nothing. Maybe we could learn something here. Why do we let things so determine whether we are happy or contented?

2. The city was lost for so many years after the great earthquake in 363 AD. It was only rediscovered in 1812. How in the world does a city of 25 square miles vanish? In the same way people do when we get so preoccupied with our own little worlds. I need to make sure I pay attention to the people God puts in my life and not let the "earthquakes" or "life changes" of my life distract me from what is most important. Jesus said the second greatest command was, "to love my neighbor as myself." He was saying that personal relationships must be priority.

One last note:
One man in our group, Gerry, had to miss today's travels due to a stomach problem. I saw him when we returned at dinner and he reported that he is feeling much better and will be ready to get back on track tomorrow. Keep on praying for Gerry and the rest of the crew. It's making a difference.

One other note:
For those of you who are camel riders. I'm impressed. After today, I'm amazed that anyone can ride one and keep their balance, much less just get up on one. A number of our folks tried riding a camel today...everyone stayed on but many close calls.

Trip to the Holy Lands - 1st day

2009-02-17T13:20:00.007-05:00

Our group of 39 people (some from Sarasota, FL, some from Columbia, SC, and some from Tennessee) have arrived in Amman, Jordan to sunny skies and about 55 degrees. What a warm and cheery welcome to a bunch of weary travelers. For those of us who departed from Sarasota, it's been a 24 hour adventure before we landed in Amman. And how about this...not a single lost bag. That's a huge victory. It always helps knowing you have arrived with your clothes, snacks, meds, etc.

We arrived at our hotel and had a great dinner and are all delighted that the next thing on the agenda is sleeping in a bed instead of a tight airline seat with the seat in front of you in your lap.

I couldn't be more excited about this trip. For a Christian, this trip is one of a kind. As my dear friend, Bill Hild (a fellow tour host and pastor) says, "A trip to the Holy Land is like a year of Seminary training." Not only will we walk where Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and Peter walked but all of our senses will engage with the Scripture while here. It's amazing how both the Old Testament and New Testament come alive when you travel here.

Before I wrap this up and go to bed I thought I'd highlight two observations since arriving:

1. The people here in Jordan have been so friendly and hospitable. In fact, the tour personnel and hotel employees make it a point to pay attention to detail. I've had at least 4 people welcome me with a "it's good to see you again pastor Mike." It's been a year since I last met these people. What a great example of how to treat people. I thought about how diligent and proactive I should be when meeting and greeting and genuinely caring about people.

2. While driving from the airport to the hotel, we heard the "call to prayer" that is sounded out from the many mosques within the city. I thought about the millions of people who hear that sound and take time to pray in this city. I wondered what kind of sound will be necessary to get Christians to pray for our world, our nation, our neighbors, and our families. I wondered why a nation like ours (USA) seeks to distance itself from any appearance of a need for God. I wonder what it will take to get us to humble ourselves and turn back to the God our forefathers unapologetically gave credit to for the foundation and establishment of our nation.

So much for wondering. Time to hit the sack. Will try to report in each evening with highlights of the trip. See you then.

Valentines, Engagements, and Chickflicks

2009-02-14T08:53:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Day has alway produced a spirit of excitement around here. My house is always redone in reds, hearts, sweets, flowers, and "I love you" cards. We're talking a total makeover. Not my idea but Cindy's. I would never think of decorating like that. We never did that when I was growing up. I'm thinking if you have to go to all that trouble to decorate for Valentines Day, it means you're going to have to also take time undoing it afterwards. Sounds like a lot of unnecessary work.

But I'm sure glad my wife, Cindy, does it. It has proven to be a great investment in my children's lives (as well as mine). It has created a climate of love over the years in my home and has proven to be contagious among my kids. It has nurtured a proactive and caring spirit in my children that was demonstrated this past weekend.

TTK#3 occurred last Saturday. TTK stands for "Tie the Knot". It's a term my kids came up with whenever one of them gets engaged. Last Saturday, my youngest, Michelle, was proposed to. In fact, my son called it, "TTK - The Last Battle" (as you can see, a term of endearment nurtured by many years of exposure to the "Valentine makeover).

I'm amazed at how each of the engagements have worked out. The planning of "the GREAT ASK" has always been a joint strategic effort of all three kids. And this time was no exception. In fact, daughter Beth actually flew down here to help with the logistics while Jason, bound to commitments in medical residency, was limited to audio/visual Skyping before, during, and after "the GREAT ASK". It turned out, as have the previous two engagements, to be a great moment and memory.

I'm discovering that love is not something to just talk about or feel or write about. It must be demonstrated and constant. It's the planning, the sacrifices, the traditions, and the time invested that really pays off. Sure, it's a lot of work to love somebody over the long haul and to be creatively enthusiatic about expressing it...but it certainly worth it. And if Mom and Dad model it, who knows...maybe the kids will pick it up and pass it on too.

Oh yeah. I never said it would be easy. Yesterday, I attended a Chickflick entitled, "Confessions of a Shopaholic." It was a date with my wife and daughter. I had to keep reminding myself that taking them to a movie they'd like to see (as opposed to one I think we'd all like - "Pink Panther 2") was the best way for me to say, "I love you." Yes, I left the movie numb and confused, but the circulation finally improved and I am able to breath again normally. The best part was knowing that my girls heard me say loudly with my actions, "I loved you." And yes, I said those words too.

Love is more than a feeling - Part 2

2009-02-04T08:59:00.003-05:00

My last post began identifying the choices we must make if we are to genuinely love someone. Following are the next 8 choices described in the love letter from God.

9. Love does not keep a record of wrongs done unto it. "thinks no evil" 1Cor 13:5

10. Love refuses to gossip. "does not rejoice in iniquity" 1Cor 13:6

11. Love looks for something good to say and then says it. "rejoices in the truth" 1Cor 13:6

12. Love first carries the burden of others before trying to fix the burden. "bears all things" 1Cor 13:7

13. Love sees the weakness but believes the best. "believes all things" 1Cor 13:7

14. Love never lowers God's standard. "hopes all things" 1Cor 13: 7

15. Love is prepared for the long haul. "endures all things" 1Cor 13:7

16. Love chooses to get back up when beaten down. "love never fails" 1Cor 13:8

As you can see, love is never dependent on feelings. Love always involves choices that often conflict with your feelings. You cannot ever trust your feelings because they are so influenced by your circumstances and daily mood. Love, at least in God's opinion, is never optional. Therefore is boils down to our decision to love. It's no wonder the love of God is confounding, unexpected, and overwhelming.

Love is more than a feeling - PART 1

2009-01-28T07:44:00.010-05:00

Jesus said the second greatest commandment was "to love your neighbor as yourself." He prioritizes our relationships with people above everything else except our relationship with God; which happens to be the greatest commandment.

Some people are lovable and some are not. But our love for people cannot, and should not, be dependent upon whether they are lovable. Love is not to be a response to someone who makes you feel good. Love is so much more than a feeling or returning a favor.

We live in a culture that pressures us to see love as simply a feeling to be experienced and to be paid back. That's one reason why people can so quickly "fall out of" or "fall into" love. It's all based on the emotion of the moment.

But, the biblical definition of love is not dependent on your feelings but rather on your decisions. 1 Corinthians 13 is not a list of feelings you hope to have but rather a list of choices you must make. You are not powerless when it comes to loving others.

I've put together a check list of these choices and hope they help you, as they have me, to better "love one another."

LOVE CHECKLIST:

1. Love gives in to the inclination to forgive. ("love suffers long" - 1 Cor 13:4)

2. Love meets the needs of others. ("love is kind" - 1 Cor 13:4)

3. Love helps others to succeed even if it costs you personally. ("love does not envy" - 1 Cor 13:4)

4. Love refuses personal recognition that puts down others. ("does not parade itself" - 1 Cor 13:4)

5. Love is honest and humble. ("is not puffed up" - 1 Cor 13:4)

6. Love chooses behavior in consideration of others. ("does not behave rudely" - 1 Cor 13:5)

7. Love looks for ways to bless others. ("does not seek it's own" - 1 Cor 13:5

8. Love does not look for a fight. ("is not provoked" - 1 Cor 13:5

To Be Continued.

Did you know? Albert Einstein said, "My passionate sense of social justice and social responsibility has always contrasted oddly with my pronounced lack of need for direct contact with other human beings and human communities."

Praying in the name of Jesus at the Inauguration of President Obama

2009-01-21T07:48:00.010-05:00

The inauguration of President Barack Obama was historic and remarkable. It highlights not only the fulfillment of Martin Luther King's dream but demonstrates our national commitment to the truth that, before God, all men are created equal. The bar has now been raised and Americans believe, as never before, that even our highest national office, the Presidency, can be pursued and obtained by anyone, regardless of color. That is worth celebrating!

Another highly visible moment during the inauguration was when Rick Warren offered the invocation. Amidst the controversy of President Obama's choice of Rick Warren was the discussion by many over whether he would pray in the name of Jesus. He did, and did so in many languages. Was that being intolerant? Was that being exclusive? Was he being divisive? Was it unpatriotic? I don't think so. Let me explain.

Our pluralistic society is composed of people of many faiths. But the freedoms insured by our Constitution enable people to exercise their faith without restriction from the state. Tolerance should never require the adjustment of religious convictions nor the personal embrace of another belief system. In other words, it is unconstitutional to require or even expect a person of faith to compromise their faith and mandate that they use a more generic name for their God.

Rick Warren is an American citizen who was asked to pray during the inauguration of President Obama. I would expect and hope that Rick Warren, and any other Christian who is asked to pray, would pray in the name of Jesus, as their faith prescibes. If someone of another faith is asked to pray I would expect them to pray to their God by the name they have been taught to address him with. I may not agree nor believe in the God they follow, but constitutionally, they have every right to do so, and it would be wrong to expect them to embrace my faith and use another more generic name for God just because I am listening in.

We should celebrate that fact that we live in a nation where anyone can call on their God by name without reprisal. Intolerance, by definition, is demonstrated not by the one who prays in the name of their God, but rather, by the one who would expect a man or woman to change the name of their God to generically include all faiths.

Miracle on the Hudson River

2009-01-19T17:30:00.006-05:00

Everyone agrees that what happened on January 15th, 2009, to US Air flight 1549 was a miracle. Who would have ever thought that this flight, piloted by Chesley Sullen Berger, would have survived a crash landing in the Hudson River with no fatalities? Everything had to go right – and even then, they were lucky…or was it luck?

Experiences like this, whether you go through it personally or get close enough to observe it, should serve as a wake up call to “LIVE UNTIL YOU DIE.” It’s so easy to presume we’ve got lots of time left. Life is so fragile…we just don’t know how much time we’ve got left. We’d best get on with it.

If you’ve just gone through a similar scare or “wake up call” why not take time to list those things that you’ve put off that need to be taken care of. Things like calling an old friend, saying you’re sorry and asking forgiveness, helping someone who can’t help themselves, writing that letter, starting that journal, playing with your kids, taking your wife out on a date, starting an exercise program… Just do it.

And one more thing - our lives were meant to count. God has created us with the ability to significantly and positively impact other people. Just like the picture of people standing on the wing of US Air 1549, many others around you have just survived a terrible scare and don’t know what to do next. They’re waiting on the wing for a rescue boat to come with towels, blankets, and whatever else they might need. Keep a look out for those around you that you can personally help. The miracle doesn’t have to end on the Hudson River.

Pastor Mike

When Pain Doesn’t Make Any Sense

2009-01-13T08:58:00.003-05:00

I just finished a short book by Max Lucado entitled For the Tough Times. In classic Lucado style, he helps those of us who have our noses pasted to the window of pain, suffering, and hardship to push back and look again at the big picture.

What could you possibly see that would help you to move forward and make it through the trying moments, and in some cases, trying seasons? For those of you who are desperately looking for answers, let me highlight a few of the chapters for you. For more detail, you’ll want to be sure to read the book…there’s so much more that will encourage you.

Chapter 1 – Where Is God?

It’s so hard to find God when the pain has you plastered up against the wall. There are times when you may not be able to see His purpose or His plan. This certainly doesn’t mean He has vacated the throne nor does it mean that He has lost control of the universe. Trust Him at those times on the basis of His nature not your perspective.

Chapter 2 – God’s Great Love

You’ll be tempted to think God doesn’t love you when you are unlovable and messy. God’s love is unconditional and demonstrates it much like a father would to his child. Lucado describes it this way, “Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on His bumper…We know he has a tattoo, and we know what it says. ‘I have written your name on my hand,’ he declares (Isa 49:16).”

Chapter 4 – Good Triumph

Lucado begins the chapter with a question, “How could God allow evil to bring destruction and loss into our lives? He proceeds to describe how God uses the fallen angel and enemy of God, Satan, to accomplish His plan. Three ways are identified. He uses Satan to: refine the faithful, awaken the sleepy, and teach the church. Tough times are actually necessary for us to become what we were designed by God to be. As Joseph was able to say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. (Gen 50:20 NASB)

Chapter 7 – In The Storm, We Pray

Two important truths about prayer during times of crisis stand out to me in this chapter. The story of Lazarus dying is used to paint this picture. When Lazarus became “sick unto death”, the Bible says, “So Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick’” (John 11:3) The first truth is when someone goes to Him on our behalf, Jesus will respond. We need to pray even if we’re not sure it will change anything.

The second truth is that the power of the prayer you pray doesn’t depend on the one who makes the prayer but on the one who hears the prayer. Lucado calls attention once again to the phrase in John 11:3, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” It doesn’t say “The one who loves you is sick” God’s answer has everything to do with His love for you not your feelings about Him or your past behavior.

Hopefully this book and brief summary will encourage you as you try to make sense of the things swirling around you and causing much grief.

Pastor Mike Landry

Questions to evaluate your year of prayer.

2009-01-06T14:10:00.002-05:00

Hey folks,

I finally got around to typing up the questions I asked a couple weeks ago as I wrapped up a year's worth of messages on Prayer.

Here are the probing questions I asked at the end of my message on Dec 28, 2008 entitled, “Lessons learned from the Year of Prayer.” The lessons are simply additional information unless you apply them. Why not become vulnerable and honestly answer the following questions? You won't regret it.

Lesson 1 Prayer opens the door to Intimacy with God.
Question - Do you know God intimately?

Lesson 2 Prayer involves listening to God.
Question - Are you listening to God?

Lesson 3 Prayer if affected by your attitude.
Question - What kind of attitude do you have as you approach God?

Lesson 4 Prayer is not a formula to get God to do something.
Question - Do you trust God to have a solution?

Lesson 5 Prayer requires patience.
Question - Will you let God work on you by being patient?

Lesson 6 Spiritual biographies will enhance your prayer life.
Question - Who are you watching and learning from?

Lesson 7 Knowing God’s name enables you to pray with confidence.
Question - Do you know God’s name?

I encourage you to go back to my messages that are archived at www.sarasotabaptist.com as a reminder of the lessons we have been learning together. The timing of when you hear the message is really important to your personal application. When applied, these lessons will significantly influence your personal relationship with God. Maybe the timing is just right for you right now.

I love being your pastor,
Pastor Mike Landry

Family Fun Formula

2009-01-02T14:23:00.007-05:00

My family always adds so much to the quality of my life. Whenever we get together it is a hodgepodge of fun and laughter, teasing each other, eating, playing video games (this year it was the Wii), telling stories, sharing dreams, staying up later than normal, and hoping the moment doesn't end. I am a blessed man. The FAMILY FUN FORMULA works.

Of course, I don't mean that everything is perfect...in fact it's far from it. This year, there were two dogs who invaded our dog free home. This added new odors, new stains in the carpet, much more noise, and lots of fur...not necessary found on the heads or backside of the dogs either. Two of my grown and now married children have gotten dogs in the last year and felt compelled to bring them. I really believe they were simply demonstrating their newfound independence and retaliating for a childhood lifetime without dogs.

That's not to say that we never had a dog while they were kids. We got a Collie pup when they were all under the age of 8. They remember the licks, the playful antics, and the soft fur. I remember the barking, the twice destroyed air conditioning unit, and the many messes that I had to clean up. Fortunately for me, that dog needed more room to run and we soon gave him to a family that lived on a farm.

Back to the point. What's this got to do with our FAMILY FUN FORMULA?

Dealing with the undesirable, the unexpected and the unplanned is a major component of our Family Fun Formula. I'm constantly challenged to be flexible and experience new things. The formula requires messes, tension, and a willingness to move outside my comfort zone. The great thing about kids is that they are uniquely equipped to provide all of the above...and in my case, they don't hesitate to involve their dear ole dad. I don't necessarily want to do what they propose or put up with all the antics but I'm learning to bend...with a little help from my wife (who is unapologetically a co-conspirator with my children).

As a result, I had tons of fun bowling, golfing, and boxing while playing Wii. The dogs were entertaining and I had a big grin on my face each time they wrestled each other. I even loved it when they would snuggle up to me waiting to be petted.

But the best part...as I'm stretching and trying to be flexible, I find myself overwhelmed with joy and pride when I see all our kids having a ball and enjoying being together. Now that they've all headed back to their homes I find myself remembering the smiles, the laughter, the teasing, the hugs, the dreams shared, and the hopes expressed. The messes, odors, and barking are fading. I look forward to the next time together...but will I survive? I keep getting older...

New Year Questions

2009-01-01T11:26:00.007-05:00

I love the beginning of a new year. However, I'm always tempted to make such major changes that are unreasonable, unnecessary, and unrealistic. It's those consistent and incremental changes that make a long lasting difference anyway. So, I'm learning to make minor adjustments that will ultimately result in major changes. This year I plan to evaluate each day with the following 6 questions.

1. Did I Simplify? Have I gotten so wrapped up in the details, the form, the style, the look, or the checking off of an item of my to-do list that I have forgotten the purpose of my involvement?

It is so important that substance is not eliminated by style.

2. Am I Listening? Am I paying attention to those around me who are there to help and are waiting? Am I listening to my body when it cries out for rest, recreation, or a diversion? Is God telling me to slow down, speed up, or change tactics?

Never forget that a laser focus can also mute my ability to pay attention to other factors that need to be considered as you move forward.

3. Am I Learning? Am I making adjustments based upon lessons learned? Have I defaulted to a built in auto-pilot mode that has been preset by my past similar experiences?

Never forget that "doing the same thing the same way while expecting different results is insanity."

4. Am I Connecting? Am I intentionally developing my current relationships as well as cultivating new ones? What Am I doing to make that happen?

You were made with the capacity to be rightly related to God and other people.

5. Am I Loving Others? Am I only responding to other's generosity and kindness? Do I limit my caring of others only to those who care about me first.

Remember the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

6. Am I Living a Life of Influence? Am I wasting the lessons I've learned by storing them away within myself without passing them on to others so they can succeed? How many people have been forced to learn lessons the hard way simply because I refused to show them my scars?

Remember that you were made by God to make a difference. Don't waste your legacy potential.