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April 11, 2013

Minding Your Own Business or Butting In? (Stand Out part 2)

In this tumultuous world, do you STAND OUT? Poise, focus, and work (1 Thessalonians 4:11) in your life draws the respectful attention of even people outside the community of faith. Check out “Calm in Chaos?” for more insight into the first area. This post highlights the second arena – focus.

“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT)

In Paul’s second letter to Thessalonica, he complains again, “Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11 NLT)

#2 FOCUS: Are You Minding Your Own Business – or Butting In Where You Don’t Belong?

You know some folks who are busy, busy only with what is NOT their business. Keep your focus where it should be. Focus on your personal responsibilities.

Stop worrying so much about the performance of others. Don’t put your nose into everything. Don’t go butting your way into conversations or fights or assignments of which you are not a part.

The Greek verb periergazomai is often translated “busybody” in 2 Thessalonians 3:11. Think about the meaning of that word.

“to be working round about, instead of at one’s own business . . . to take more pains than enough about a thing, to waste one’s labor, to be meddling with, or bustling about, other people’s matters.” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, p. 85)
The word carries the idea “of a person who flits from task to task without really accomplishing anything. It is to busy oneself with trifling matters and to be inquisitive about the affairs of others. (Hayford, Fearless Faith)

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Be busy, not a busybody! God has you on earth at this times in history for a reason, and you need to be busy doing what He has called YOU to do.

Please observe, I am NOT calling for personal isolation. At times, you must shoulder the burdens and concerns of others. If you are a Christ-follower, then minding your business is focused on God’s agenda, seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

We are responsible for our own lives and are accountable before God for how we live them. In that sense, everybody is to pull his own weight, contributing to the work of ministry and developing Christlike character; and habits. The one person you can exercise control over is yourself. When you mind your own business, you believe that, in one sense, life is just between you and God. You are accountable to God alone. You care about others, but you carry your own load. In Galatians, Paul wrote, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). A little later he adds, “Each one should carry his own load” (Gal. 6:5). These verses seem contradictory, except the word translated “burdens” and the one rendered as “load” have very different meanings. One concerns carrying the pain of others and the problems they face. We should pitch in and help them carry that load. The other word focuses on personal responsibility and the load of accountability that each person has before God. In this case, no one can help us. Here we stand alone. (Holman New Testament Commentary I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, p. 63)

The world is watching. In today’s turbulent times, what is your life communicating to those around you? Poise, focus, and work will cause you to STAND OUT. Aspire to live as a STAND OUT!

April 10, 2013

Calm in Chaos or Freaking Out?

STAND OUT – don’t just fit in! Does your manner of life say to the world that you are different? You live in this world as a Christ-follower, but your relationship with heaven’s Lord should make you STAND OUT in this world – thinking differently, talking differently, acting differently, working differently.

A Bible-directed, Jesus-exalting, Spirit-empowered life is remarkably distinct in today’s spiritual wasteland. You will STAND OUT. Expect criticism as you live for Christ. I am not asking you to be obnoxious, but I am calling for you display Christ.

The world is watching. In today’s turbulent times, what is your life communicating to those around you?

“Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job. You’ve heard all this from us before, but a reminder never hurts. We want you living in a way that will command the respect of outsiders, not lying around sponging off your friends.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 MSG)

From Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, I see three practical matters that will help you to live a life that draws the respectful attention of even people outside your faith community. This post spotlights the first. Poise, focus, and work will cause you to STAND OUT.

#1 POISE: Are You Calm in Chaos – or Freaking Out?

Check your life for evidence of quietness, tranquility, composure, peace. Restlessness or worry conveys that you cannot trust your connection with the Lord of the universe.

Remember the Following While Purchasing from Online Canada Pharmacy for cialis 5mg sale ordering drugs. This discount generic levitra click here to find out more is not cheap, that is the real skinny behind why it takes four years to get a permit or license. It is cialis pills free donssite.com a typical locking liner with a extra twist it has a small lever that make sure that the consumption of the drug should not be entertained for more than one time as it is harmful. women viagra order Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA; thioctic acid; lipoic acid) is a coenzyme that’s a really potential anti-oxidant. Keep your chin up and your knees down. Seek Him and find Him! God is your refuge and your fortress, your GOD in whom you trust! (Psalm 91:2) God will come through for you.

God is never surprised by a sudden obstacle, and He is still on the throne. Remember Jesus’ words: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 AMP)

My beautiful wife Patti is a lady who exhibits great poise and I get to enjoy her company nearly EVERY day! Her confidence in God’s grace buoys my faith and I like being around her. I love my wife!

People around you will notice your peace in the midst of storms. You STAND OUT when you keep your poise. God is working; give Him time. Your poise in the face of perplexity will be recognized by those around you.

I think of the legend of a Chinese farmer who owned a horse. When the horse ran away, the neighbors lamented his loss, but his response was, “How do you know it’s so bad?” In a few days his horse returned, now accompanied by another one. The neighbors immediately cheered his good fortune, but his reaction was, “How do you know it’s good?” The next day, while riding the new horse, his son was thrown off and broke his leg. The neighbors were deeply saddened, but his attitude was, “How do you know it’s bad?” A few weeks later a war broke out, but because his son had a broken leg, he was allowed to stay home. But the neighbors said nothing because they had learned an important lesson: don’t judge life’s events too quickly (Gordan Kainer, Look Back Wisely, Look Ahead Decisively, 2011, p. 7)

“Lead a quiet life.” (1 Thess. 4:11 NASB) Contentment with God’s blessings is a foundation for calm poise. Charles Wesley expressed his ambition: “Keep me little and unknown, loved and prized by Christ alone”? (Look Back Wisely, p. 8) Are you content to be “loved and prized by Christ alone”?

Don’t freak out. God’s grace is sufficient. Live as if you really do have a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for you. Aspire to live as a STAND OUT!

April 8, 2013

Run the Race to Win

Are you vigorously giving everything you have to accomplish God’s purpose for you life on earth?

Your “race” is not something to be run in a half-hearted, complacent manner. Keep your eye on the goal, the target, the finish line! Without a focus on the mission, you will not accomplish all that God has for you. The Apostle Paul frequently uses athletic metaphors to depict the disciplined lifestyle of a believer.

“Do you remember how, on a racing-track, every competitor runs, but only one wins the prize? Well, you ought to run with your minds fixed on winning the prize! Every competitor in athletic events goes into serious training. Athletes will take tremendous pains—for a fading crown of leaves. But our contest is for an eternal crown that will never fade.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 PHILLIPS)

Run the race of your life to win the greatest prize, the Father’s “Well done!” Get up; dust yourself off; RUN TO WIN!

My talented great-nephew Jaydan Urwin recently wrote a poem with a fantastic message. I am so thankful that Jaydan agreed to let me post it today. That’s Jaydan in the middle of my sister-in-law Rosalyn and my nephew Tony.

Why do we begin the race?

Many would say so we can win

I say so we can reach the finish

I say so we can pick others up who fall along the way

Why is there a battle cry before a war?

Some would say to hype up the soldiers

I say it is to mark the beginning

I say it is so we can affirm courage in our own hearts

Why do we fall?

Many would say so we can get back up

I say so we remember we’re not immortal
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I say so we can remain humble

Why are there obstacles along the way?

Some would argue that they are satan’s footfalls

I say some are God’s tests

I say they measure our strength and faithfulness

Why does it feel like every devil is on your back?

Some say it is because the Devil is trying to hold you back

I say it is because you looked behind

I say it is because you forgot to focus on the finish line

Why is the race so difficult to finish?

Some say because you are tired

I say it is because the hardest times will be when he have to dig deeper

I say it is so we can SHINE when we FINALLY FINISH

April 7, 2013

Get Over Yourself & Love Like Jesus Loves

Sometimes the best way to avoid quarreling with your wife is to let her go her way and you go HERS. Okay, I am teasing a bit, but there is a measure of truth in that statement. Happy days ensue when husbands and wives don’t insist upon their own way every time.

When you are alone, you may consider only yourself, but marriage is more than one person. The man and woman may unite to become one in marriage, but two distinct personalities are still there.

Healthy compromises are part of healthy marriages. Giving up some individual gain for the gain of the relationship yields tremendous dividends. There is truth in the title of the old Rolling Stones’ hit, “You can’t always get what you want!” With maturity comes understanding sometimes concessions must be made.

Every disagreement doesn’t have to start a world war! Be willing to make some trade-offs or take turns in getting your way. “Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.” (Proverbs 18:18 NLT) Decide today to disagree agreeably.

Problems inevitably result when people pursue self-centered or selfish goals. Battles begin from opposing needs, drives, wishes, or demands.

Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

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Communication problems can usually be traced to a failure to show love, a failure to show respect, or a failure to fulfill the ministry required of a spouse. You are called to minister to your partner.

In discussion of Matthew chapter twelve, commentator Michael Wilkins offers a definition for love that is well-suited for marriage. He writes,“Love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person in which we give ourselves to bring the relationship to God’s intended purpose.” (Matthew, p. 463). Married people must love as Jesus loved – expressing love especially to the imperfect person who shares your bed. Disagreements, difficulties, and hurts happen in married relationships, but the command to love like Jesus loves remains.

Wilkins goes on to give practical suggestions for showing love toward even a person that has hurt you. Your marriage will benefit from adopting this one:

Reverse the dynamic of the relationship from taking to giving. When we follow Jesus’ example of ministry, we find that He came to give, not take, as was the Father’s entire purpose in sending His Son (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). He came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for His people (Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). Such an attitude of giving should also characterize our closest relationships.

Ask most people why they want to get married, and they will usually describe their reasons in terms of getting: “I will become more fulfilled in marriage”; “I have always wanted to have a husband and children and a home of my own.” These motivations are not necessarily bad, but marriage as God intended it is a relationship of giving ourselves to another for their enrichment. Spouses who are so consumed with having their own needs met by their partner often cannot get their eyes off their own needs long enough to care for another’s needs, and the relationship becomes parasitic. The tug-of-war of needs between people demands that we continually take in order to have our needs met. (Michael J. Wilkins, Matthew, p. 463-464).

“Let us therefore stop turning critical eyes on one another. If we must be critical, let us be critical of our own conduct and see that we do nothing to make a brother stumble or fall.” (Romans 14:13 PHILLIPS) Let’s choose to love like Jesus loves.

April 6, 2013

Wrong? Admit it! Right? Shut Up!

I am trying so hard to learn this lesson – when I’m wrong, admit it; when I’m right, shut up! It will do no good to argue if I’m wrong and if I’m right – I don’t need to argue.

“If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say.” (Proverbs 21:23 GNT)

Why don’t I just humbly admit “I am I wrong” instead of trying to deflect, defend, or distract? Have you ever tried any of those tactics – deflect, defend, distract? Did you succeed? All that ensues for me is a longer, more heated discussion.

“You can’t whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them.” (Proverbs 28:13 MSG)

The more my mouth moves, the more likely I am to say something I will regret. I must have my mind engaged before running my mouth.

“There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.” (Proverbs 29:20 GNT)

I need to stop talking so much. In an argument the best weapon to hold is my tongue. A wise person suggested, “When you’re arguing with your wife, make absolutely sure you’re right and then let the matter drop!”
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“A person who talks too much gets into trouble. A wise person learns to be quiet.” (Proverbs 10:19 ERV)

Why is it so difficult to confess, “You are right”? I desire God’s grace to help me receive from wise correction, especially that coming from my spouse. When I honestly face my wife’s critique, I will be a better man because of it. Patti is a smart lady.

“Don’t refuse to accept criticism; get all the help you can.” (Proverbs 23:12 LIVING)

I don’t like to be criticized – no person does! But, God’s Word forthrightly proclaims that wise people benefit from correction.

“To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.” (Proverbs 25:12 NLT)

“If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” (Proverbs 13:18 NLT)

Today I am meditating these proverbs to get them deep in my heart. Hopefully, I will put them into practice in my marriage . Are you ready to adopt them for life?

April 5, 2013

I Don’t Believe You Never Had A Fight

Every marriage has squabbles. The convergence of two lives into one marriage always includes some clashes and sparks. Anyone who claims to have NEVER had a disagreement with their spouse is an amnesiac, a liar, or has a really weird definition for the word “disagreement”.

I’ve heard a story about a husband and wife in northern Idaho who made it a point not to argue over anything not worth arguing about. Apparently, this led to some dandy fights over whether or not a subject was worthwhile. Other couples are so incompatible they cannot even agree upon what to quarrel. Why fight? In almost all cases, an argument only proves that two people are present.

Patti and I have had plenty of disagreements – more than a few arguments. We have been faithfully married for over 25 years, but all marriages have moments of discord. Honestly, most of our disagreements boil down to selfishness on the part of one of us – okay – usually me! “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1 NIV) Yes, selfish pride is the root for discord.

I am too frequently guilty of cutting Patti off, raising my volume level, pressing for my own way, or just being plain ornery. Our disagreements DO NOT include cursing or throwing things or attacking one another physically, but we certainly have experienced the impact of differing viewpoints. (I want to emphasize – physical violence has NO place in marriage!) We disagree, but we try to disagree agreeably. That isn’t always easy.

Good communication is the key. As I try to understand Patti’s opinion instead of demanding her to acknowledge my own, I unlock the gate for deep communication and healthy relationship. Every married man or woman must make allowances for differences. “Accept life with humility and patience, making allowances for each other because you love each other. Make it your aim to be at one in the Spirit, and you will inevitably be at peace with one another.” (Ephesians 4:2-3 PHILLIPS)

A counselor at Fairhaven Ministries in Tennessee views genuine appreciation for your spouse’s feelings as a key objective for handling conflict. Ed Smelser advocates:

People don’t have to agree, if only they understand the other person’s position. I want to work with a couple until each develops a genuine appreciation for the other person’s position—regardless of whether he or she agrees with it. One woman said to me about her husband, “We still don’t agree, but I feel so much better just knowing he fully understands my opinion and is taking it into consideration.” (James D. Berkley, Called into Crisis, p. 50)

Two important principles would stop most disputes – don’t bicker over semantics and don’t squabble over inconsequentialities.

#1 DON’T BICKER OVER SEMANTICS!

I could thwart most quarrels if I would make sure Patti and I are NOT bickering over terms (words, semantics) rather than facts. Ultimately, meaning is in people – NOT in words. If I am really seeking to understand what Patti is communicating, I won’t be picking a fight over words. I wish I could remember this principle all the time!

Unfortunately, at times I seem to enjoy skirmishing over the meaning of a word. Why? Selfishness is still something with which I am still conquering. I know God’s Word specially commands “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel” (2 Timothy 2:24 NLT), yet I still allow my argumentative self to show its ugly head.

Why do I insist upon stirring the pot? “Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin.” (Proverbs 17:19 NLT) Ouch! I repeatedly declare my desire to love God and people, hate sin, and win, amen! Lord, please help me live out this principle!

#2 DON’T SQUABBLE OVER INCONSEQUENTIALITIES!

I need to examine if the difference of opinion is worth quarreling or disputing. Why should I insist upon continuing a disagreement? Is this matter really worth the effort?

Does it really matter to which restaurant we are headed? Do I really care about the volume of the radio, or the show on the television screen, or if this is the shortest way to our destination?

“Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam. So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14 NIRV)
“It is honorable to back off from a fight, but fools jump right in.” (Proverbs 20:3 CEB)

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One final thought as I close today: “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.” (James 1:19 MSG)

April 4, 2013

Adoption as Sons

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.” (Galatians 4:4-5 NLT)

At just the right moment, the Lord clothed Himself in self, lived a sinless life, died upon a cross, and conquered death with His resurrection. Paul wants the Galatian believers – in churches which he had helped to establish – to understand the importance of Christ’s incarnation. Paul addresses a problem caused by a number of Jewish believers. Apparently, some of the Jewish Christians did not understand the full significance of Christ’s death and resurrection. They wanted to impose, on the new gentile (non-Jewish) converts, the Mosaic law and circumcision as essential for salvation. Paul explains that the sonship of God – adoption as His own children – is not from obedience to the law, from which curse Christ has redeemed (Galatians 3:13), but through faith.

In verse five, Paul uses vivid language to confront the Law-enforcing Jews who were pressuring new converts. Concerning the gentile’s position in Christ, Paul says that all believers, including gentile converts, are redeemed from the law through Christ and can receive adoption into God’s family.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes the Greek word for adoption huiothesia, is a combination of the Greek roots huios, “a son,” and thesis, “a placing.” Vine’s says this “signifies the place and condition of a son given to one to whom it does not naturally belong.”

Believers through their faith and the adoption of God are no longer under the bondage of the law. This has special meaning to me – by my own works I am unworthy (this is true for all individuals!), but I have been taken and placed as a son of God. Religious traditions no longer have domination over my salvation. I am free to enjoy my sonship and not to be hampered by tradition. I have been adopted by God and I am now worthy, as a son, to receive His blessings!

April 3, 2013

“HAVE TO” or “GET TO”

How do respond to God’s call to serve and to shoulder kingdom responsibilities at your local church?

Do you view the chance to serve as an opportunity or an obligation? “I have to do . . .” OR “I get to do . . .”? What does your choice of words reveal about your heart?

God’s Word commands, “Serve the Lord with gladness.” (Psalm 100:2a NASB) In the Old Testament, God wanted to prosper His people but their attitudes brought His judgement: “Because you didn’t serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly above all else.” (Deuteronomy 28:47 CEV) Check your attitude. Do you need to inform your face or your tongue?

Can you sense the thankful attitude of the descendants of Korah who originally penned Psalm 84? “A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God, than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10 NLT) Their heart to serve was quite different than their self-serving, self-promoting ancestor Korah (Numbers 16). Serving in God’s house wasn’t something they had to do. It was something that flowed from their grateful hearts. Their response to God’s call was joyful service. They demonstrated an “I get to do this” attitude about the work of the ministry, not an “I have to do this” mentality.

The Psalmist David also displayed a heart for God’s house. Consider his prayer, “Teach me, Lord, what you want me to do, and I will obey you faithfully; teach me to serve you with complete devotion.” (Psalm 86:11 GNT) David’s desire was to be totally devoted to the Lord’s service. He had an “I want to do this” mindset.

Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the best example of the service mentality that honors the Lord. “Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be. For he, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his prerogatives as God’s equal, but stripped himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man.” (Philippians 2:5-7 PHILLIPS)

Maintain an appreciative attitude in all things, but especially towards the privilege of serving God’s house.

April 1, 2013

Death of “Someone Else”

You should have two testimonies – one of how God saved you and one of how God is using you. Where are you volunteering? Are you helping to expand God’s kingdom? Are you actively involved in the life and ministry of your church?

“Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.” (Philippians 2:4 MSG) If you aren’t actively serving others, you are missing out on an important component of why you exist.

Locally and globally, members of Valley Fellowship Church (#ilovemychurch!) glorify Jesus Christ as they express love in practical ways. In 2011, we partnered with George Gonzalez and Amazon Xpeditions to provide clean water for a village off the Amazon River. I honor the men who built that water system in Atalaia, Brazil. They cared enough to give their time, their strength, their sweat to serve. What a team! That’s my father-in-law in the middle. They discovered that serving is rewarding.

Never forget that when you serve others you are actually serving Jesus Christ! “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NIV)

When you leave this world, what legacy will you leave?

We were all saddened to learn this week of the death of one our church’s most valuable members – Someone Else. Someone’s passing created a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Else has been with us for many years, and for every one of those years Someone did far more than the normal person’s share of the work.

Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results. “Someone Else can work with that group.”

Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone’s lips, Someone Else! “Let Someone Else do it” was a common refrain heard throughout the church.

It was common knowledge that Someone Else was among the largest givers in the church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed that Someone Else would make up the difference.

Someone Else was a wonderful person, sometimes appearing super-human; but a person can only do so much. Were the truth known, everyone expected too much of Someone Else.

Now Someone Else is gone! We wonder what we are going to do. Someone Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it? Who is going to do the things that Someone Else did?

Remember, we can’t depend on Someone Else anymore. (Mark Stibbe and Darren Harvey-Regan, Basket of Gems, p. 29)

March 31, 2013

The Cross – Love Expressed

The cross was God’s expression of love long before it became a young woman’s necklace decoration. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)

The Cross is the Way of the Lost

The Cross is the Staff of the Lame

The Cross is the Guide of the Blind

The Cross is the Strength of the Weak

The Cross is the Hope of the Hopeless

The Cross is the Freedom of the Slaves

The Cross is the Water of the Seeds

The Cross is the Consolation of the Laborers

The Cross is the Source of Those who Seek Water

The Cross is the Cloth of the Naked. (African hymn, Basket of Gems, p. 45)

The cross was the scene of history’s greatest triumph. “Crosses are not the places where faith is killed but where it is proven.” (Calvin Miller, The Christ of Easter) Jesus bled and died and rose again!

“I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen.” (Matthew 28:5-6 NIV)
“He was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 1:4 NLT)
“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.” (Ephesians 1:19-20a NLT)

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Jesus Christ is the Finisher of unfinished people experiencing unfinished lives doing unfinished labor in unfinished times. Let Him finish His work in you! God is your source and He is never without resources! As you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, may His power impart health, provision, strength, hope, peace and joy.

Patti, Kimberlyn, and I celebrated this weekend with my sister and her family. We shared communion and prayer and lots and lots of food at my mom’s house. We also had a little fun with eggs on Saturday. Here are some pictures: