If We Live It, They Will Ask
There was a popular movie several years ago that revolved around a man who heard a voice that told him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. A statement from that movie is as well-known as the movie; “If you build it, they will come.” A pastor friend of mine has his own version of this sentence with regard to getting Christians to come to an event; “If you feed them, they will come.” As you read through 1 Peter and come upon chapter three verse fifteen, it would seem that Peter had the same idea in mind. This …
you're not invited
Have you ever heard about the upcoming wedding and banquet of a good friend and then realized you have NOT been invited ? The thoughts that run through your mind may sound something like: “Did I do something wrong ?” … “I thought they liked me ?” … “Am I not important ?” As proclaimers of Jesus our lives should be a constant invitation welcoming the people we encounter to join us for the biggest wedding and banquet ever planned. Christ uses these symbolic words to His followers in Matthew 22:8 and 9: “The wedding banquet is ready … Go …
the Sinatra syndrome
Singer-actor Frank Sinatra can still be seen and heard on TV and the radio. One of his most played songs seems to be “My Way” … and I actually heard it this morning at 5:40am while driving to the gym. Hit song … stupid theme. I spoke with a young man this week who had this to say about seeking God and His direction : “I’m OK with God, I don’t need a Savior, besides he knows my heart.” … followed by … “Its my life and on top of that I’m not nearly as bad as many other guys …
Psalm 23
I have seen this in my email a few times. I thought I’d share it this time. Pretty cool how it points out the ways God provides. Amazing, what a great reminder. The Lord is my Shepherd -Relationship I shall not want – Supply He maketh me to lie down in green pastures – Rest He leadeth me beside the still waters – Refreshment He restoreth my soul – Healing He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness – Guidance For His name sake – Purpose Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death – Testing …
you want me to do what ?
Jesus was sitting in a fishing boat teaching a large crowd who had gathered along the shore. Afterwards He instructed Simon Peter to row out into deeper water and cast his nets into the lake. Now Peter and the boys had been fishing all night and had caught absolutely nothing … and they had apparently sat through an early morning sermon as well. Hungry and tired, I’m certain they must have been ready for some sleep. Peter, is an expert fisherman … after all this is what he does for a living. In the back of his mind he probably …
not my fault … not that bad
Recently, the Chicago Cubs were on an extended losing streak. This prompted a local sports radio talk show host to make this statement: “Its time for some personal accountability.” After a few minutes I realized those words could also apply to God’s expectations regarding my spiritual accountability. When I was a kid I learned to cuss from my buddies in school and around the neighborhood. In junior high I once shop lifted a pair of socks for basketball. In high school I experimented with alcohol and lied about it. As an adult I fell to acts of sin which led …
Protected: Happy Fathers Day
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object of faith required
Recently a young man met with me and boldly stated: “I need to know how I can please God. I have been attending church here for three weeks and I want to join a men’s Bible study because I want to increase my faith. In the past month I have lost my job, my girlfriend and my health is being determined by some test results I am waiting for. Can you help me increase my faith ?” I simply replied “NO”. He looked at me and asked: “Then what do they pay you for around here ?” I explained to …
thumbs down warning
There are several black-top roads to take on the way to my church office. I enjoy a different route from time to time to see the country side of Illinois, away from people. This morning I am cruising along at 60mph in a 50mph speed zone. The driver of an on-coming car holds his arm out the window and starts giving me this wild thumbs down gesture repeatedly. My initial reaction ? This guy has already had too much coffee. I slowed down to look at him in my rear view mirror and then as I turned my head back …
gather or scatter ?
A wise friend of mine taught me something from scripture this morning. I love wise friends. In Luke chapter 11… as was often the case … Jesus was being verbally attacked and even accused of being a representative of Satan. In the midst of these hostile attitudes Jesus says: “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.” (Luke 11:23) There is no middle ground when it comes to what to do with Christ. This is an obvious black and white presentation. You are either with Him … and your life …
