Being Tempted?

 

Every human being faces temptation at some time in their lives, You may be tempted to lie to protect your reputation. You may be tempted to cheat on a test to pass a subject in school. Everyone faces temptation but the good news is that God always provides a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation is anything that promises satisfaction at the cost of obedience to God. James 1:13 Temptation is not sinful because Jesus Himself was tempted. In Matthew 4, we read how Jesus faced temptation and was victorious. For 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus fasted in the wilderness AND He was being tempted by the devil, This is what Jesus was facing.

Jesus is faced with three temptations. These temptations are described as the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes. Today we'll look at the lust of the flesh. We all have times in our lives when the lust of the flesh tempts us. This temptation says I want it." After 40 days without food, the devil tempts Jesus to turn stones to bread. Matthew 4:3 Nothing wrong in satisfying your hunger unless it is outside the will of God. Sin is fulfilling a God-given desire in a way that God never intended.

Jesus overcame temptation by quoting Scripture and relying on the power of God. Instead of saying "I want it" let's say "I want God."

Grow Up!

Some People Grow Older but Never Grow Up

When I pastored a church, I was privileged to go to the hospital and visit with parents of their newborn baby. As I looked into that baby's face, I could not help but think what future was in store for them. Growing up they would learn to walk, speak, learn to ride a bike, etc. They would face a lot of challenges growing up. But growing up is a natural process. But if a child got older and never grew, frantic parents would seek out a doctor to find out what was wrong.

The Bible speaks of our conversion to Christ as the “new birth.” John 3:3, 7 When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become a 'child' of God. Galatians 3:26 As a physical child is expected to grow up, so should spiritual children grow up. 2 Peter 3:18 But it amazes me that some people have not matured in their faith even after 20, 30 years!

The Apostle Paul was also amazed with the Corinthian Church when he wrote “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit [mature] but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.  I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Most of the problems in our churches are due to immature believers. They want their own way. They are jealous of our followers. They have grown older but they haven't grown up.

The Dying Church

 

There is no question that the last two years have been difficult on every front and nowhere is that seen more clearly that in our churches. Attendance in most churches has been declining for many years. Experts said in 2020 they expected 380,000 churches to close. Each month 250 pastors leave the ministry. The average time a pastor remains his church is 4 years.

I do not want to sound like a 'prophet of doom' but it is evident that the church is dying. Space does not allow me to explore all the reasons but allow me share a solution to keep churches from dying.

The Bible calls the Church the Body. Colossians 1:18 Romans 12:4-5 and as the human body has a life cycle, so does the Church. The churches the Apostle Paul started are no longer in existence. Most (if any) of the churches John Wesley started are in existence today. The church has a life-cycle: Birth. Growth. Stability. Decline. Death. A church left to itself will eventually die.

One church growth expert says for a church to keep from dying it must rediscover the purpose of the church. Many churches think their purpose is self-propagation; that is to maintain its existence. But Theology Professor Don Meeser rightly said. “I believe we need to rediscover that the purpose of the church is to increase the love of God and neighbor.”

Most churches see revival services as a means to convert unsaved people. But that is not true revival. True revival is the church recommitting itself to Christ and sharing His love.

Today's church most reinvent itself to reach this new generation. That doesn't mean changing our message but changing our methods. George Bernard Shaw once declared that "some [people] see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not."

The Good News is... I will build my church. The gates of hell will not be strong enough to destroy it. Matthew 16:18

For more insight see Reinventing the Church

Wrestling vs Resting in Prayer

 

For some time I have been wanting to write a blog on prayer. There are two reasons I have been hesitate in writing. One, the topic of prayer is so large. Volumes of books have been written on the subject, therefore I haven't known where to begin. And secondly, I am not an expert on the subject. I feel inadequate to give advise to others but after 50+ years of being a Christ-follower, I have learned some things about prayer even if it is from my mistakes.

This blog cannot deal in depth with such but allow me to briefly share some of the things I've learned:

1. Many struggle with the time they spend in prayer. As a young Christ-follower, many preachers tried to brow beat me into thinking I had to pray at least an hour a day. They quote Matthew 26:40-41 But in the context, Jesus said to stay alert with Him, not pray for the entire hour. You are not more spiritual by the length of your prayer. Mathew 6:7 says “for they (hypocrites) think they will be heard because of their many words.”

    That being said, most of us don't have trouble praying too much, (I don't think you can actually pray     too much) our problem is praying too little or being inconsistent. True prayer is not having a little        talk with Jesus. Better pray 5 minutes consistently and then add to your time as your become more        proficient. 

    2. Many struggle with the purpose of prayer. The true purpose of prayer is to enter into God's presence not to force God into answering your request. I discovered a passage of Scripture that has changed the way I pray. 1 John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us— whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Prayer is finding God's will and then praying His will to be done. You have the assurance if you pray this way it will be answered. Matthew 6:33 Luke 22:42

No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, make a commitment that you will consistently pray every day.

God's Opposites

 

There is a saying that just because everyone is doing it doesn't make it right. Our culture (the world system) is trying to press Christ-followers into their way of thinking. “Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold...” Romans 12:2

After 50+ years being a Christ-follower, I have discovered that the “natural” responses to life situations are often totally opposite to Christ's teaching and the principles of Scripture. For example:

• Self-promotion. If you want to get ahead in life, you have to look out for #1. The world says to make sure you get credit for all your accomplishments. Push your name to the head of the list. But Scripture teaches the opposite. It teaches the way up, is down. 1 Peter 5:6 says “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you it due time.”

• Getting wealth. While the Bible does not condemn riches, it says not to make it your life's goal.

  Deuteronomy 8:18 1 Timothy 9:9 also teaches “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation...That plunges people into ruin and destruction.”

• Revenge. How do you respond to someone that has hurt you, slandered you, or cheated you? The 'natural' response is to get even. Interesting phrase. When we get “even” we are on the same level as the one you did us wrong. The Bible's view is, “Bless them that curse you and pray for them which deceitfully use you. Luke 6:28

The list is endless but let me leave you with this thought. Often our first 'natural' response doesn't align with Scripture, so look at your response through the lens of Scripture.

Dark Night of the Soul - Part Two

 

In my last blog I dealt with my personal “Dark Night of the Soul.' I briefly described how it affected me but did not have space to share how to survive the experience. I mentioned that if you have been a Christ-follower for long, you have probably found a time in your spiritual journey when you came to an abrupt halt. You may have experienced depression, hopelessness, confusion, lethargy, anger, sadness, even thoughts of suicide.

Many people seek the help of a psychologist during this experience and are wrongfully diagnosed with depression and are given antidepressants, The thing is, the problem is not in your head, it is in your soul. It is happening because you are in the process of incredibly painful spiritual transformation.

Growing in your relationship with Christ is a process. But that growth does not progress in a straight line. Our journey goes up and down, forward and backward. The goal is to develop a more Christ-like character.

Space does not allow me to fully treat how to deal with this subject but let me share some help while you go through your 'Dark Night.'

1. Educate yourself. The more you know the better off you will be, There are many helpful articles online.

2. Surrender and Trust. The more you resist the transformation process, the more pain you will feel. But once you let go, you will find freedom

3. Accept where you are at. You are right where God wants you to be.

4. Stay close to people who love you.

5. Pray and meditate. Pray for strength and guidance.

6. Exercise

7. Listen to spiritually uplifting music.

8. Focus on the positive. Philippians  4:8

Remember, this season will not last forever, You will be able to look back and see it as a blessing and not a curse. 

Dark Night of the Soul

I wish I could say I was perfect, but I am not. When I think I have it “all together”; I find I don't. As hard as I try to serve Christ; I often fail. Recently, I found myself spinning my “spiritual” wheels. That is when I pray, I don't really feel connected. When I read Scripture, I get no new revelation. The harder I try to serve God; the more distant He seems.

I have been a Christian long enough to know that my relationship with Christ is not always a 'mountain top' experience. As in all relationships, there are highs and lows. I thoroughly enjoy the 'high' moments, but I dread the 'low' moments.

As an amateur Church historian, I remember reading the biographies of many notable Christians: Charles Spurgeon, Protestant reformer Martin Luther, 18^th century Missionary to the Native Americans David Brainerd, and most notable was Mother Theresa and those are just a few that have struggled with spiritual lows. I should take comfort to be included in their number. But I still don't like where I am at.

I think if we were all honest, we have all struggled with what has been called “The Dark Night of the Soul.” For some of us, these times might just be several days. For others, it might be months. Some of the “greats” of the faith struggled for years.

The purpose of this blog is to encourage transparency among the Body of Christ. (Myself included) Galatians 6:2 says, “Help carry each other's burden...” If you hide the fact that you are struggling spiritually, no one can help you through your struggle. So, find someone with whom you can be open and share your struggle. 

I've Been Pranked!

 

Though pranks have been with us for thousands of years, it's taken a new turn with access to social media. A prank is defined as a practical joke or mischievous act.

As a true follower of Jesus Christ, I don't believe pranks are consistent with the Christian life. I realize that this is my personal opinion and pulling a prank is not a sin but I do not think it adds credibility to our testimony.

I look at life through the lens of a Biblical worldview. That is, I think the principles found in Scripture should guide how we live. For example, the “Golden Rule.” The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated. Matthew 7:12

Watch the videos and it looks like the only ones enjoying the prank are those committing them. I John 2:6 says as a Christ-followers - “The one who claims to remain in him [Jesus] ought to live in the same way as he lived.”

Can you imagine Jesus Christ pulling a prank on someone? The point of a prank is to laugh at someone's response to the prank. Would Jesus laugh at someone's embarrassment? Would Jesus prank someone for enjoyment? I don't think so. If someone has pranked you, how did you feel? I doubt you enjoyed it. No one likes being laughed at or being embarrassed.

Think before you prank!

The Next Step

 Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey. Psalm 109:105

If you ever go into a home improvement store, you will find a whole section of the store devoted to flashlights. Some lights advertise they have 1 – 20 million candle power and can light up objects a quarter of a mile away. It is a far cry from the “one candle” power of handheld lamps of biblical times; lighting up objects five feet away!

The writer of Psalms wrote that God's Word was a lamp to his feet. Psalms 119:105 In the mind of the Israelites, God's Word was something to be obeyed. As I obey God's Word where I now stand today, His Word gives me direction for my next step. There is no need to see a quarter of a mile down life's road if I am not going to obey and take the next step God has clearly shown me.

If you are trying to find direction in your life from God, obey what God has shown you today! Do that one day at a time and you will be able to look back and see your entire way has been illuminated,

Obedience is not a matter of seeing the whole path, only seeing the next step. Obedience increasing seeing.

Rethinking Your Thinking

 Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. -- Romans 12:2 Contemporary English Version

We live in a world that is constantly pushing its agenda and many times it's pretty much the opposite of the life that God is calling us to live as Christ-followers. God wants to change us by the way we think. He does that through the power of His Word in your life.

When we begin to believe and speak the word, it begins to change us. The lives we live will begin to change our norm! Other people will begin to notice the change. You will no longer blend in but you will begin to be salt and light Matthew 5:13-16 that God has called you to be for those around you.

Unseen Forces

Recently a TV comedy aired called Ghosts. The premise is a woman is the only one that can see the ghosts that surrounds her. While I don't believe in ghosts, I do believe in spirit beings.

The Bible is clear that spirit beings DO exist. Ephesians 6:12 and they oppose people who are Christ-followers. The problem is many Christ-followers are not aware they have someone commented on their destruction. 1 Peter 5:8

While we shouldn't be paranoid and see a demon under every bush but we should be aware of their presence. 2 Corinthians 2:11 The ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War that we should know our enemy.

While the Christian life is a battlefield and not a playground but we do not have to be afraid or discouraged. God has provided everything we need to overcome the enemy.

Romans 8:31-39 1 John 4:4

People R Us

 

Years ago I pastored a small church and to supplement my salary, I took a second job with Publix Supermarket. ( Great company to work for.)

During orientation, we were taught that Publix was in the people business, not the food business. Great attention was given to customer service. When a customer entered the store, they were to be greeted within 45 seconds.

I think the local church sometimes forgets they are in the people business as well. The church must not look at people as a means to build a large church but rather as an opportunity to serve. Philippians 2.4

I have often heard people say they are looking for a church that would meet "their" needs. That's the wrong focus. Jesus came not to be served but to serve Mark 10.45 and we should have the same attitude.

Are You Out Of Your Mind?

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5

If you have been a Christ-follower any length of time, you are aware that the way you see life is often the opposite of those around you. The reason is they have a different mindset or perspective. For the Christ-follower; we have the "mind of Christ." We view everything through a Biblical lens; while non-believers see things from a non-Biblical viewpoint. Our lifestyle is confusing to some because they don't understand our motivation.

But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 2 Corinthians 2:14 i.e. If you attend church more than once a week; people might say you are "out of your mind." That is true; not in the sense we are insane, but we are out of our 'natural' mind and rather have the mind of Christ.

Sometimes we get frustrated with non-believers but we must remember that they do not understand the truth as we do. Not that we are superior, we are traveling a different road.

I Will Bow My Knee

 

I am sure that most of us are familiar with athletes kneeling during the playing of our national anthem. This act has been debated on both sides of the issue. Those who support these athletes say it is part of a silent protest against racial inequality and injustice. The other side says it is alright to protest against these issues but kneeling when everyone else is standing shows disrespect for our nation.

No matter what side of this act you support; there is a day coming when everyone will knee. No matter what you believe about Jesus Christ; the Bible says He is coming back to this world to judge all mankind. And He returns every person, living and dead, will acknowledge His Deity and Lordship.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

It is not a matter of choice. Believers and non-believers alike will knee and confess Him as Lord.

Pridefully humble

 

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you see all types of posts. Some that make you laugh, some that make your eyes roll, and some that make you wonder how people get through life without killing themselves due to the craziness they post. But the one that stands out to me more than the rest is what I call the “Pridefully Humble.” This is the person that while he tries to give glory to God, just can’t help but put the focus on them. It looks a little something like this.

“Praise God for all He has done for me as He has helped me break the addiction I had to cigarettes. I’ve been smoking for over 20 years. But it's only taken me two weeks to break the habit. I asked the nurse, and it's the quickest she's ever seen.

We as humans have a hard time taking ourselves out of the picture. Matthew 6:3 tells us, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”

,

You don’t see Jesus announcing from the street corner, “I’m going to the cross today. Look at me! I’m going to be beaten and whipped and pierced for your iniquities.” He didn’t tell people how many thorns there were, and you didn’t know how far he walked with the cross. The scripture said, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

If you are going to humble yourself to God and serve Him, then do just that. Stop bragging about all the things you’ve done. many he had handed out.

Christian, go to your cross and do it humbly.

The Three D's Of Destruction

 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy... John 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy... John 10:10

Most people have their own view of what being a Christian is. Their view is usually centered on their comfort. They live like Christianity is a playground; while the Bible says it's a battlefield. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

The idea of a real devil is not popular today but the Bible confirms his reality and his plan to destroy us. There is no peaceful coexistence! 2 Corinthians 2:11 tells us "This is so that we won’t be taken advantage of by Satan, because we are well aware of his schemes." His scheme entails three major attacks:

Division Satan wants to divide us as a nation, socially, and spiritually. He gets us to focus on our differences rather than the things we can agree on. Most churches do not split over theological differences but rather over personal conflicts and power struggles. Satan knows if the church ever becomes unified; we would be unstoppable.

Distraction ... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10.10b Satan wants to distract us from our mission; the salvation of people. Not to build a bigger church or be successful!

Discredit Satan know the world is watching our Christian walk. If he can get us to sin; it will discredit our witness and thereby lose our effectiveness in reaching the world for Christ. 

Though Satan is powerful; we can defeat him through God's power. "for he [Christ] who is in you is greater than he [Satan] who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy... John 10:10

Most people have their own view of what being a Christian is. Their view is usually centered on their comfort. They live like Christianity is a playground; while the Bible says it's a battlefield. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

The idea of a real devil is not popular today but the Bible confirms his reality and his plan to destroy us. There is no peaceful coexistence! 2 Corinthians 2:11 tells us "This is so that we won’t be taken advantage of by Satan, because we are well aware of his schemes." His scheme entails three major attacks:

Division Satan wants to divide us as a nation, socially, and spiritually. He gets us to focus on our differences rather than the things we can agree on. Most churches do not split over theological differences but rather over personal conflicts and power struggles. Satan knows if the church ever becomes unified; we would be unstoppable.

Distraction ... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10.10b Satan wants to distract us from our mission; the salvation of people. Not to build a bigger church or be successful!

Discredit Satan know the world is watching our Christian walk. If he can get us to sin; it will discredit our witness and thereby lose our effectiveness in reaching the world for Christ. 

Though Satan is powerful; we can defeat him through God's power. "for he [Christ] who is in you is greater than he [Satan] who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

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