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April 24, 2013

My Dad Died a Martyr’s Death

I still trust in God’s protection but my understanding about God’s care has grown. In the early 70’s, I lived with my parents while they served for three years as missionaries in Uganda during the evil regime of Idi Amin. Saudis liberally funded Amin’s attempt to make the nation Muslim. I was there as people lived and died for Jesus Christ.

Our family repeatedly was supernaturally protected while thousands and thousands of other faith-filled believers were being killed. When I was five and six years old, I thought it was normal to be stopped at roadblocks. It wasn’t strange to have heavily armed Ugandan militia surround my parents. I remember seeing machetes waved in my Dad’s face while AK-47s were pressed to the back of his neck. But, God intervened time and again.

It is paradoxical that twenty years later, a small caliber pistol would be used to kill my Dad just outside the Valley Fellowship Church offices – right here in the United States of America. On that hot August afternoon, the Lord’s hand of protection was obvious as other church staff, volunteers, and school students were safely shielded during the shooting.

Because Dad was a righteous pastor, he was targeted by a skinny lady with the malicious idea of pleasing satan. The Bible indicates some believers will be martyrs, and I believe that my dad died a martyr’s death. Dad was certainly not the last martyr to be targeted for loving Jesus Christ.

I still trust that God’s plans and purposes are good. As long as I live on earth there will be things that I do not fully understand about what God allows or commands, but I trust in God’s protection more now than I did before my father’s death.

With life getting in the way you can place an order for your order viagra generico cipla you can try these out. It is available in convenient plastic sachets, which allows for a much sildenafil levitra http://secretworldchronicle.com/tag/lily/ faster absorption rate of the active ingredient, Sildenafil, as does the trademark version. With online availability and FDA approval, it is made easy to consume for restricting ED issues in men. cialis stores But is it economically viable to afford using these medications online cialis so frequently. For the five years before my dad’s death, my wife Patti and I served on the pastoral staff of Valley Fellowship with Dad as senior pastor. I genuinely treasure the time I was able to minister with Dad and learn from Dad. I was only 26 years old when Dad died, and Patti and I transitioned into senior leadership of the church, co-pastoring with my mother.

Perhaps the most common question I asked myself following Dad’s death was, “God, are you sure I learned all I was suppose to learn from my dad?” I frequently reminded myself that his death was not a surprise to God. I was surprised, but his death was no surprise to my Heavenly Father.

I found great encouragement and strength from God’s Word and from spending time in private worship. I had to personally deal with many questions following my dad’s death. Recognizing Dad was a Godly man, faithful husband, loving father and integral shepherd of our church, I knew there were no “open doors” for such an attack. I had to deal with the dilemma of how someone who is really righteous could be shot and killed by someone trying to please satan. I was forced to grapple with the reality that God’s plans may not always be my “preferred” plans.

My experience definitely changed the way I minister to suffering people. Yes, I grieved – all humans grieve when we miss something that we hold as valuable – but God comforted me in my grieving. Heavenly Father provided me with the grace and comfort I needed to go forward. My experience has given me a much deeper well of compassion for hurting individuals, and the comfort I received from the Lord has allowed me to minister to suffering people. I regularly sense a supernatural release of God’s comfort as I pray, releasing the comfort that I myself have received from the Lord, for other grieving individuals. I draw from the compassion and grace I needed in 1993 to minister God’s concern and care in 2013. The comfort I received, I pass along when praying–in congregational services, in hospital rooms, in funerals and memorials, in any situation where someone is in pain or sickness.

Today, April 24, is Jerry Simon’s birthday. I bet he’s celebrating it with friends in heaven. I remember Dad. I honor him. I miss him.

April 23, 2013

Sees, Understands & Cares

Heavenly Father knows EVERYTHING happening in your life, even every danger, threat, and trial.

As an earthy parent, I am concerned about the stuff that concerns my children and I can get emotional about it. I recall my sister crying as we prayed and dedicated her second son Campbell during a service at Valley Fellowship. (Wow, have those boys grown!)

I wasn’t surprised by Kim’s display of emotion; she is a good mommy. Parents, haven’t you felt strong emotions over the events occurring in the lives of your kids? Have you ever imagined the emotions of your Heavenly Father since He knows every detail of of your life.

Heavenly Father SEES everything, even when you don’t.

  • “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV)
  • “For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.”  (Proverbs 5:21 NLT)

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Human perspective is flawed – constrained by eyesight, bound by present time, shackled by distress, confined by sinful nature. The Lord’s perspective is flawlessly complete.

Heavenly Father UNDERSTANDS everything, even when you don’t.

  • “But even if we don’t feel at ease, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything.” (1 John 3:20 CEV)
  • “This High Priest [Jesus Christ] of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15 NLT)
  • “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:5 NIV)

Dr. Charles Farah, an ORU theology professor who has gone to be with the Lord, grappled with the misunderstandings of many who overlooked the reality of tribulation and difficulties of life on earth. Farah said, “Maturity is to understand that you don’t have to understand.” There’s wisdom is that statement. My understanding is finite and therefore limited. I often put it like this: “God’s God and I ain’t!” He knows the whys even if I am oblivious.

Heavenly Father CARES for you, even when you don’t.

  • “Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.” (Matthew 6:26 MSG)
  • “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV)

Jesus wasn’t trying to communicate that birds don’t matter. Birds have value; God cares for birds, but you are of MUCH greater worth than birds. God’s sovereign alertness isn’t consigned only to life-and-death complexities. His awareness of even minor details, counting the very hairs on your head, assures that He cares for you.

Said the Robin to the Sparrow,
“I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”
Said the Sparrow to the Robin,
“Friend, I think that it must be
They have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me.”  (Author unknown)

You matter to the loving Lord of the universe! He loves you and cares for you (1 Peter 5:7) and knows you intimately. Though often heard at funerals, the message of Psalm 23 is applicable to every moment of life – the Great Shepherd cherishes, supplies, and guides His sheep.

Heavenly Father knows everything happening in your life. Trust His love and concern for you.

April 22, 2013

5 Benefits of Putting the Lord First

Keep first things first; set kingdom priorities. Jesus teaches His followers, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

My wife and I have tried to live by that Matthew 6:33 principle – seeking Him first. At times, we have gotten fretful, but we remind one another that God is faithful. Our life together isn’t usually easy, but guess what? Over and over and over, Patti and I have experienced God’s blessing. Praise the Lord! Sometimes God uses people who love us. Just last week, I received an unexpected, anonymous gift to buy clothes for my upcoming trip to Tanzania. Whoever you are – THANK YOU VERY MUCH! A little over two years ago, Patti and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in Hawaii, because of the generosity of friends. The picture below was the sunrise view from our shoreside window.

I am not promising you a Hawaii vacation for putting the Lord first, but I am reminding you that God wants to bless you. Instead of centering your life around personal interests, base desires, family relationships, or take-home pay, arrange your priorities around God first!

#1  When you put Him first, THE LORD DIRECTS.

  • “In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” (Proverbs 3:6 LIVING)
  • “I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress.” (Psalm 32:8 LIVING)

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#2  When you put Him first, THE LORD PROVIDES.

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”  (2 Chron. 16:9a NASB)

#3  When you put Him first, THE LORD PROTECTS.

  • “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7 NIV)
  •  “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4 NLT)
  • “God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!” (2 Tim. 4:18 MSG)

#4  When you put Him first, THE LORD CALMS.

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (1 Peter 5:7 AMP)

#5  When you put Him first, THE LORD HELPS.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

No problem is too big for God’s power. Don’t underestimate the greatest of your Heavenly Father.

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NASB) What a picture of God’s sovereign authority and His great love for people! The needed supply is unleashed with your willing choice to seek Him. Stubborn refusal restricts you from the very resource you so desperately need.

Don’t push it off; put the Lord first.

April 21, 2013

10 Routines of Church Leaders

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young [or old, rich, poor, fat, short, talented, hungry, popular, angry, happy, sleepy, married, single, dating, lonely, busy, misunderstood, well-educated, anything else] but SET AN EXAMPLE for the believers in SPEECH, in CONDUCT, in LOVE,  in FAITH, and in PURITY.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

Church leaders in particular should be the living example of the basic philosophies and standards of the congregation of which they are a part. God’s purposes are hindered if even a few leaders ignore or lazily adopt basic values like holiness, loving people, praying, worshiping, witnessing, and reaching out to needy people. Leaders, let me add ten more routines of which you as a leader should set an example.

1. You are a leader – sit near the front center during worship.

2. You are a leader – pray before service.

3.  You are a leader – arrive on time for leadership responsibilities.

4. You are a leader – participate in worship, not simply as a spectator, but with fervent prayer and enthusiastic expression.

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6. You are a leader – practice hospitality and be a good host.

7. You are a leader – support those preaching by saying “amen” and taking notes.

8.  You are a leader – exhibit a positive attitude as a person of faith.

9. You are a leader – be a part, if possible, of weddings, funerals, or other significant events in the congregation.

10. You are a leader – guard your mouth and help stop conversations chewing up another leader’s performance or reputation. “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:15 NIV)

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? (Galatians 5:13-15 MSG)

April 20, 2013

Grandmother’s Plants

My (mom’s mom) grandmother’s porch and front yard featured beautiful potted plants with amazingly rich colors, prolific growth, and vibrant health. People from around that north Mississippi community would regularly come to see her plants and declare that she had a “green thumb”. Hey, I held her hand and Grandmother Martin didn’t have a green thumb, but she certainly knew how to trigger plant life.

I easily discovered her secret to beautiful plants. Every time I stayed with Grandmother, I saw her talk to those plants and touch their leaves and branches as if she were petting a kitten. She would talk to them like they had emotions and would carefully provide water and nutrients. Grandmother appreciated the power of words upon her garden. In fact, I think she talked more sweetly to her plants than she did to my grandfather!

I learned a lot about the power of words as I observed those plants, but I am still learning about the power of my words.

Words mold life. Words shape families, pets, and even plants. At the recent VFCA Science Fair, one young lady’s experiment vividly illustrated the plant receiving gentle encouragement appeared much healthier than the plant without it. As you appreciate the power of your words, I hope you also realize the responsibility of your words.

Your words are formidable.

  • “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” (Proverbs 12:18 NLT)
  •  “The tongue can speak words that bring life or death.” (Proverbs 18:21a ERV)

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Are you building up or tearing down; healing or hurting; producing life or driving death; encouraging or discouraging; blessing or cursing? Your kids are listening – are you speaking words of life? Your spouse needs your wellspring of life-giving speech. What is the impact of your words upon your own life and upon the lives of others?

It’s your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation. (Matthew 12:35-37 MSG)

If you are really focused on Christ, you will be changed more and more into His likeness. Baby talk is appropriate for a baby, but maturing Christ-followers should reflect more and more the vocabulary of Christlikeness. Are you allowing the work of the Holy Spirit to transform your speech? Words spring from your heart, so guard your heart. Exclude bitterness, offense, hatred, unforgiveness, hurt, or anything else hampering your ability to speak life.

  • “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NLT)
  •  “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.” (Ephesians 4:29 AMP)

Use your words to bless to declare what God desires. 

April 19, 2013

Focus on Heaven

God’s Word calls us to focus on heaven, but focus does not come automatically. We must choose to seek heaven, think heaven, and live like a citizen of heaven – while we are still on earth. Look to the Lord; don’t become centered on your circumstances.

  • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2 NIV).”
  • “Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective (Colossians 3:2 MSG).”
  • “Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth (Colossians 3:2 NLT).”

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Life on this sin-tarnished planet isn’t always easy, but God hasn’t stepped away from His throne.

Terrorist threats, acrid political quarrels, economic uncertainty, school assignments, lawn maintenance, health care anxiety and an endless list of distracts may be part of the chaos in which you are currently in the middle – BUT God is still on heaven’s throne. Focusing upon the Lord allows you to enjoy His supernatural presence right in the middle of the mess. God’s peace can be found right in the middle of tests, trials, and tribulations.

“We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith.”  (Hebrews 12:2a GW)

Follow the prophet Micah’s example: “But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me.” (Micah 7:7 MSG)

When shaken by a mindboggling enemy, Jehoshaphat knew where to turn (2 Chronicles 20:3). He sought the Lord for help. Consider the words of his prayer, “For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but OUR EYES ARE ON YOU.” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NASB) God answered, giving a divine battle plan beyond comprehension. Following God’s instructions, worshipers led the people into the battle and victory was realized.

In what area do you need look to the Lord and get HIS strategy to overcome? Distraction is the enemy’s tool to keep you from receiving God’s direction.

Don’t focus on your circumstances – look to the Lord. Fix your eyes on Jesus!

April 18, 2013

ADVANTAGE

What child turns down a head-start on a race? Hey, even I can win a 100 meter race if you give me a 90 meter lead! What taxpayer chooses not to take an obvious deduction? I give tithes and offerings realizing I am investing in my heavenly bank account, but I enjoy the IRS’s benefit for charitable giving (while it remains available).  Don’t you enjoy having a winning edge playing a board game?  Do you think any one of the girls below would have turned-down a personal early start for the egg hunt?

God sets us up to succeed in life, things “which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God’s plans are always is to your advantage, whether you think so or not. A thousand years ago, Bernard of Clairvaux wrote, “The goodness of God knows how to use our disordered wishes and actions, often lovingly turning them to our advantage while always preserving the beauty of His order.”

From the disciples’ perspective, Jesus’ departure from earth looked to be a hindrance, an obstruction, a tragedy, a disaster. In reality, it was expedient for Him to leave.

Jesus tried to prepare them: “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7 NASB)
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Jesus’ return to heaven opened the door for the Spirit to be outpoured. “He would empower them, give them courage, teach them, and make Christ more real to them than He had ever been before.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary, Jn 16:7). Christ’s work released kingdom triumph.

Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension unleashed the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit gives you an advantage in life. Why would you ever neglect the advantage offered by the Holy Spirit empowerment?

April 17, 2013

THINK LIKE A LEADER

I personally benefited from the excellent professors at Oral Roberts University. In a class focused on equipping others for ministry, Dr. Paul King shared eight qualities that make up the mindset of a leader. As you read through the list and the selected Scriptures, examine your own mindset.

#1  Set an Example by your Character, Reputation, and Public image

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV)

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

#2  Have Perspective

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

“Now it’s up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for.” (Acts 20:28 MSG)

#3  Be Organized

“For if a man does not know how to rule his own household, how is he to take care of the church of God? He must not be a new convert, or he may [develop a beclouded and stupid state of mind] as the result of pride [be blinded by conceit, and] fall into the condemnation that the devil [once] did. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation and be well thought of by those outside [the church], lest he become involved in slander and incur reproach and fall into the devil’s trap.” (1 Timothy 3:5-7 AMP)

#4  Rearrange and Set Priorities

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)
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#5  Think Collectively

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. 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 2:1-4 MSG)

#6  Communicate with People

“Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (1 Timothy 3:2-3 NIV)

“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” (2 Timothy 2:24 NIV)

#7  Have a Sense of Ministry

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV)

#8  Be a Disciple and a Disciple Maker

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19 NIV)

Evaluate your mindset. Are you thinking like the leader God called you to be?

April 15, 2013

Love seeks outlets, not limits.

Are you living out the Christ’s command? “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV) Don’t let the pressures and hurts of this fallen world steal your heart of love. Extend love to those closest to you. In paintball, lack of mercy may be be excused, but in relationships, love is commanded. It’s not okay to mistreat your wife, your kids, or your family.

  • “Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it.” (Romans 12:9a MSB)
  • “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” (Hebrews 13:1 NIV)
  • “Let us have real warm affection for one another as between brothers, and a willingness to let the other man have the credit.” (Romans 12:10 PHILLIPS)
  • “Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. You’re God-taught in these matters. Just love one another!” (1 Thessalonians 4:9 MSG)

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In his classic work written about 600 years ago, Thomas a? Kempis challenges Christ-followers to look earnestly at the example of Jesus Christ and imitate His example. Kempis extols the value of the Christ-kind-of-love:

Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger or higher or wider; nothing is more pleasant, nothing fuller, and nothing better in heaven or on earth, for love is born of God and cannot rest except in God, Who is above all created things.

One who is in love flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free, not bound. He gives all for all and possesses all in all, because he rests in the one sovereign Good, Who is above all things, and from Whom every good flows and proceeds. He does not look to the gift but turns himself above all gifts to the Giver.

Love often knows no limits but overflows all bounds. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of troubles, attempts more than it is able, and does not plead impossibility, because it believes that it may and can do all things. For this reason, it is able to do all, performing and effecting much where he who does not love fails and falls.

Love is watchful. Sleeping, it does not slumber. Wearied, it is not tired. Pressed, it is not straitened. Alarmed, it is not confused, but like a living flame, a burning torch, it forces its way upward and passes unharmed through every obstacle. (The Imitation of Christ (Logos Research Systems, 1996, p. 105).

Love people, not things. God greatly loves and dearly prizes people. (John 3:16a AMP) “Go and do the same.” (Luke 10:37b HCSB) Don’t look for limits; look for outlets for your love!

“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others.” (2 Peter 1:5-7 MSG)

April 12, 2013

Working Hard or Hardly Working? (Stand Out part 3)

Poise, focus, and work (1 Thessalonians 4:11) draws the respectful attention of even non-believers. “The Christian life is not a nonstop parade of miracles and astonishing answers to prayer and extraordinary visions and angelic visitations. Much of it is low-key, tame, and ordinary.” (Charles Stanley, Life Principles Bible, 1 Th 4:11) However, you can do ordinary things in an enthusiastic, extraordinary way that elicits esteem. You can be a respected STAND OUT.

“Try your best to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work hard, just as we taught you to do. Then you will be respected by people who are not followers of the Lord, and you won’t have to depend on anyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 CEV)

Poise, focus, and work will cause you to STAND OUT. Check out “Calm in Chaos?” or “Minding Your Own Business?” for more insight into the first two areas. This post aims at the third question.

#3  WORK: Are You Working Hard – or Hardly Working?

Get to work and STAND OUT. You will earn no respect from onlookers mooching and sponging and depending on others to pay your bills.

  • “Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need.” (Ephesians 4:28b CEV)
  • “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 HCSB)

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You are working for the Lord. Laziness or a refusal to work hard insolently insults the Lord for whom you serve.

Unfortunately, some of the new believers in the church misunderstood the doctrine of Christ’s return and gave up their jobs in order to wait for His coming. This meant that they were supported by other Christians, some of whom may not have had sufficient funds for their own families. It also meant that these fanatical people could not pay their bills, and therefore they lost their testimony with the unsaved merchants. (Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 1 Th 4:11).

“The fact that we are Christians and are looking for Christ’s coming does not relieve us of the practical responsibilities of life. We should remember that the world is watching us. Men judge our Savior by us.” (William MacDonald and Arthur Farstad, Believer’s Bible Commentary : 1 Th 4:11.)

Failure to work results in lost blessings. “But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up?” (Proverbs 6:9 NLT) Paul bluntly states, “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10b NLT) Don’t waste time; wasting time is really wasting your life. Winston Churchill warned, “Time is neutral, but it can be made the ally of those who will seize it and use it to the full.” Use your life wisely. Get to work!

You have heard this kind of message before? Great! Hear it again! Paul repeats his admonition to the believers at Thessalonica in his second letter: “Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work . . .We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 NLT)

Paul’s words are directed to a Greek culture that generally despised manual labor. Menial or hard labor was considered a slave’s work. Paul’s decision to work as a tentmaker in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2:6; 2 Thess. 3:6) unsettled the philosophic sensibilities of the world around him. Paul definitely was a STAND OUT. “It was folly in the world’s opinion that a learned teacher should work with his hands.” (Ronald Trail, An Exegetical Summary of 1 Corinthians 1–9, p. 177) Yet, Paul modeled a willingness to work with his hands and commanded the believers to follow his example.

Valley Fellowship Church believes in the benefit of working with your hands. I am honored to be partnered with such as awesome bunch of believers who are glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ in the Tennessee Valley and around the world. We are showing God’s love in practical ways – letting our hands be His tools. Locally and globally, we are reaching out. Below are two examples – building a water treatment center in the Amazon and cleaning up chairs after a recent egg hunt in Huntsville.

To STAND OUT, try the trifecta of poise, focus, and work! Every accomplishment in life starts with a decision. What is your ambition? Will you make the decision to STAND OUT in the world?

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