Want To Change?

I confess, I am a checkbox junkie. Every evening I schedule my next day to-do-list with a checkbox to check off when completed. After listing the tasks I want to accomplish, I assign each one an A,B,C, or D. A is the most significant priority. 

Being motivated by tasks accomplished, the more things I "check off" in a day, the more productive and happier I feel. Successful profession people have a disciplined lifestyle. They may not use a checklist system but they use something to give direction. 

I am sure that Jesus Christ did not have a to-do-list but there were certain things He did consistently; He attended Synagogue Luke 4:16 He prayed Luke 22:39 He often retreated to refresh His spirit Luke 5:16

Research shows it takes anywhere between 21 and 66 days for something to become a habit. If you want to change, you make it a priority and devote time each day. After 66 days, that habit will become a routine part of your  lifestyle.   

Which Church?

As a retired pastor with 40+ years in the ministry, I have watched people as they come and go in the local church. The reasons vary as much as the people vary. There was a time when families were committed to the church of their grandparents and parents. Right or wrong, that is no longer true. I tried to find how often families change churches but could not find any research that shed any light on the matter. The fact is people DO change churches and even denominations, that being the case, I pondered how do people choose a new church?

For many, "church shopping" is like buying a new car. You 'test drive' a church by attending several weeks to see how you like it. People choose a car by how comfortable it is. Choosing a church is similar. How does this church make me feel? Some people do not want to be committed to one church, so they look at the religion section in the newspaper to see which church offers the best program each Sunday. They may decide to attend Church A on Sunday morning because the pastor is a renowned Bible teacher. This same family may attend Church B Sunday evening because of their fabulous music ministry. And on Wednesday evening, they attend Church C because of their excellent Children's Ministry.   

The average person looking for a church home is basically concerned about what the church can do for me and my family, nothing wrong with that but there was a time when people also considered how can they use their talents and abilities in serving the local church. One pastor jokingly said, "If you have someone in your church that you wish would leave, just ask them to teach the 5th grade boy's Sunday School class."  

One last though to think on. If Jesus Christ was living today on planet earth, what kind of church would He choose? Interesting thought. 

Distracted

We live in a busy world that supplies us with endless distractions from our faith. When we become distracted from our faith, we become separated from God. Think of your faith as a drive. Who wants to be in a car with a distracted driver? All kinds of things can happen. You miss your exits. You run off the road. You take a wrong turn. It's no different in our faith. There are all kinds of spiritual distractions that take us on all kinds of wrong paths and far away from God. Here are some common causes of spiritual distraction: 

Ourselves. We're human, and we tend to be very self-focused. When we become too focused on ourselves, it's easy for us to get lost in our problems and ourselves to a point where we lose sight of God. 

Love and Lust. People like to think that lust and love are just adolescent issues, but they're not. No matter how old or young you are, lust and love are huge spiritual distractions. 

Entertainment. We like to be entertained. Television, movies, books…they all provide an escape from our daily lives. but when that entertainment gets in the way of our faith, it becomes a spiritual distraction. 

We need to prioritize what's most important. "Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well." Matthew 6:33

God's Autopilot

An autopilot is a system used to control the trajectory of an aircraft, marine craft or spacecraft without constant manual control by a human operator being required. Autopilots do not replace human operators, but instead they assist them in controlling the vehicle. This allows them to focus on broader aspects of operations such as monitoring the trajectory, weather and systems. --- Wikipedia

The autopilot is a great invention that constantly makes changes to the aircraft's course, speed, altitude, etc. I have read that the autopilot is off course the majority of the time  but it makes adjustments in the plane's course to take it to its  desired destination.

When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, they change the direction/course of their lives. Before coming to Christ, we were all headed in the wrong direction. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way... Isaiah 53: 6,  Romans 3:23 Sin is walking away from God. Repentance literally means turning around and walking toward God. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 says, " for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." Notice that they TURNED TO God, FROM Idols. 

As Christ-followers, we have changed the course of our lives but occasionally we deviate from our course. Sometimes we are not even aware that we are 'off course.' That is one of the responsibilities of the Holy Spirit. He brings our lives back on course. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth... John 16:13  This does not mean we lose our free will. Being led by the Spirit does not mean we become non-human, robots. It means as we submit to His leadership, He will give us direction and wisdom in making choices. 

Life is a constant battle of staying on course. Matthew 26:4  Galatians 5:17 If you walk with God; you will reach your destination.

Man Power

Have you ever noticed how men have a fascination with power? One of the first questions a man asks when buying a car is, "How much horsepower  does it have?" Men own power tools. They take power naps. If they buy a firearm, they usually will buy the largest (most powerful) caliber they can find.

When Jesus Christ left this Earth, He said, "...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you..." That would be appealing to any man. POWER! And they did receive power. They healed the sick and raised the dead! 

If you have a craving for more power in your life, it’s time to go all in on the Word of God! In Acts 2:42, the believers were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, and the results changed their lives. 

When you seek His way first, you’ll have everything else you need. The power of passion, purpose, love, and transformation is waiting for you. 

Are You All In?

Most of us are satisfied with good enough. We rarely strive for going the "extra mile." We only do what is expected of us and that attitude carries over to the church.

Some of us show up to church a couple weekends a month for one hour, pick up our Bibles once a week, only pray short blessings over our food, and then expect to walk in power. It does not happen that way. You have to ask yourself, “What do I want out of this life? 

Many just want enough of God to keep us from going to hell. Just enough to appease Him (and our conscience.) But we do not want enough of God to transform our lives. 

Not enough of God to make us love a black person. Not enough of God that causes us to serve.

Have you ever wondered how the twelve disciples literally changed the world? The answer is found in Acts 2:42. They were continually devoting themselves...

If God wants us to become closer to Him, we cannot just sit back and say, “God! I want to know you. I’m going to sit here and soak it all up. Let me know when you’re ready.” We must be the ones to take charge, formulate a growth plan, and go all in. 

Continually seek Him. Continually be devoted to Him. Continually be all in. 

____________ Lives Matter

"Black Lives Matter" is a phrase we hear daily in the news media. Though this is a statement of fact, it also accuses those that those who are not of the Afro-American that they do not care and that is not true and unfortunate. It is my personal belief that there is a certain sector of our society that want to cause racial division and disunity in our country for their own benefit. 

As a Christ-follower, I believe that ALL lives matter to God. We taught our children in Sunday School "Jesus loves the little children of the world. Red and yellow and black and white they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." 

We are precious to God because we are His creation. 

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image...

Genesis 5:1 In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female..."

ALL lives matter because God loves us and sent His Son to die for our sins.

John 3:16 God loved the world [humanity] this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.

When we show racism, we are showing disrespect to our Creator. When we express a racist attitude, we disobey Scripture. Philippians 2:3 ...Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves..." That's a difficult verse to apply. It's hard not to think of ourselves more important than others. When people are discussing a crime, we might ask, "Was she/he black?" Wrong question. Why would we even ask that question? Do we think certain crimes are typically committed by blacks? 

Do black lives matter? Of course. But blue lives matter as well. They matter because God has placed our police in a position of authority. Romans 13:1-2  Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves,"

ALL lives matter. YOUR life matters.

THE FEAR OF GOD

If an alien from another planet (hypothetically speaking) were to visit our planet and returned to their home planet; how would they describe earth? What would capture their attention? I believe in one word they would say ANGER! Anger is manifested everywhere - home, school, on the job, toward our government, on our highways, in our stores; everywhere. 

I know anger is as old as man (Genesis 4:8) himself. Though anger has always been with us it seems to be escalating. People are killing each other over the most trivial things. The most obvious question is why. Secular psychologists suggest a variety of reasons.   

• Unstable home environment 

• Being abused 

• Poverty  

• Peer pressure 

• An absent father 

• 
  

The list goes on and on. While I do not discredit those facts, I believe there is one fact that many have not considered. The absence of a fear of God. More people are living as if there is no God, so what happens when the fear of God is missing? The fear of God is not completely understood by those outside of the church, but even some in the church. The fear of God is not a fear of being struck down by God when you sin, or of having the dread of hell hanging over your head, although that is a real fear for non-believers, but rather the fear of God is a deep, holy, reverential respect and awe for God, for God’s Word, and for obeying God’s commands. 

Believers don’t obey God out of fear, but out of love, however, fearing God is living in obedience. When sin increases, it’s because there’s no fear of God in the land, or in the people’s heart, and where there is no fear of God, there is no limit to the evil. If a people do not fear God, then anything goes.      The Apostle Paul described today in Romans 3:14-18 Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” Their feet are swift to shed blood; in paths are ruin and misery and  the way of peace they have not known. 

As a Christ-follower, I firmly believe that God's Word was given to us to show us how we should live. When we disregard and disobey there is consequences. The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, said this. When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people's hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.  Ecclesiastes 8:11 People have spent most of their lives on death row awaiting execution. The result? No deterrence to evil.  

Now all has been heard;

    here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

    for this is the duty of all mankind.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Police: Friend or Foe

To be honest, I cannot get my mind around the senseless killing of our law enforcement officers. I do understand that those who committed these crimes have a totally different world view than most of the world. They have been taught from childhood to hate and distrust anything that even hints of authority.

Most people do not realize that God instituted authority for our good and those who have authority are God's "agents." Listen to Romans 13:1-5 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

Violence is not the solution to our country's problem. Protesting an injustice is not wrong but burning, looting, and killing is not justified. Human anger, you see, doesn’t produce God’s justice! James 1:20 NTE

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord... Romans 12:17-19

I realized that there are a FEW people who will misuse their authority but we cannot paint ALL police officers with the same wide brush. We need to respect those in authority and pray for them daily.

Breaking the Law

Fools give full vent to their rage; but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11  

Without guidance from God's law and order disappear, but God blesses everyone who obeys his Law. Proverbs 29:18 

Years ago preachers warned us the consequences of taking prayer out of our schools. Next we outlawed mentioning the name of Jesus Christ in our high school commencement speeches. Athletes are forbidden to thank God for giving them the ability and strength to win. Our children are forbidden to read their Bibles during free time at school.

Parents tell their children not to play in the street. Why? Is is to keep them from having fun? Of course not! Rules are to keep them safe. For many years I have told people when you break one of God's principles, there are consequences. Peoplele are rioting in a demand for "justice." It is amazing that a lawless mob wants our police to obey the law!

They loot stores, burn cars, and injure police. They think they are above the law.This crowd has rejected authority for most of their lives. They refuse to obey teachers, police, parents and the law of our land but expect justice.

If you live a lawless life, you reap havoc. "Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

Theology of Happiness

If you would stop the average person on the street and ask them what they want out of life; I believe 99% would answer, I want to be happy. I want my family to be happy!" People are desperately searching for happiness and that has carried over to their relationship with God. Consciously or unconsciously, they believe that God's main task is to make sure they are happy! If I become unhappy, then God isn't doing His job.  

But the problem is nowhere in the Bible does it say that our goal in life is to be happy. Nor does it obligate God to see that we are happy. While that is true there is a way to find happiness and it does involve God, our Father. God created us to find our fulfillment in a relationship with Him. But when we reverse that relationship and make ourselves the center, we can only expect unhappiness.

Psalm 37:4 says, " Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.."  I like this translation,  "Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire." If you only want what God wants, you will be happy. 

It's All About Me

All of us can be a bit self-centered. By nature, we are selfish people. You don't have to teach a child to be selfish. According to Jesus, life is not all about us. One of the quickest ways to forget about God is to be consumed with "self." Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 NIV

Years ago there was a commercial about a burger place that said, Have it your way.  God wants us to have it HIS way and He's not talking about extra meat, hold the lettuce. Speaking of food, Jesus made a statement that should make us pause before we order our next burger. My food … is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34 NIV

When we were raising our children, we taught them having joy was Jesus Others Yourself. Rather than focusing on our desires, we are called to focus on the needs of others. Instead of cutting to the front of the line, we are called to wait at the end. God created us to serve. God didn’t create us to be takers. He created us to be givers. God wants us to contribute rather than to consume.

The big craze right now is taking a "selfie." That  is, using your phone to take a picture of yourself. It caught on real fast because we are so centered on self. Consider how the word sin is spelled:  s I  n. Directly or indirectly sin is about me; self. Self is the center of sin.