Music
M
JUST HAD A GREAT TIME!
SEE YOU NEXT SUNDAY!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Something Different
A couple of years ago someone asked me, “When did you change churches?” She went on to say that she reads this column and she thought that I had changed churches because the name of the church at the end of the article changed. I responded, “No ma’am, I didn’t change churches, the name of the church changed!” Five years ago this summer I moved to the area to pastor the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. Two years later, the church decided to relocate and at the same time change the name. But, something else was going on besides just a name change, God was making changes too. 
Over the course of a few years, God was setting a fire in the hearts of the members of the church I serve. The people began to realize that their church had become stagnant and the days of reaching people for Christ had peaked back in the 1980’s. The landscape had changed and it was time to relocate and start over. With that came the name, Providence Presbyterian Church, now simply Providence. Indeed “providence” is what was happening. According to Webster’s the word means, “to understand that God is the power that is sustaining and guiding human destiny” We see in scripture that God provides… in the desert of Exodus, Psalms, Job, Galatians and others books. Today I want to mention John 21where Jesus provides for Peter and then tells him to “feed the sheep” and Matthew 28 where Jesus tells all the disciples “go and make disciples.” Both are commands not requests. Jesus wants disciples to tell others about Him and that’s an order! Unfortunately, it has too often become the case that churches forget to focus upon reaching out and become divine social/country clubs for members. This isn’t new to our day as it happened in the ancient churches as well. But, there comes a time when churches must decide what is most important… follow Jesus’ command or not. It is that simple!
I have heard it said that insanity can be defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Providence Church decided that it was not only the name that needed changing it was the heart of the people, worship style, music, and attitude. The church has embarked on a mission “to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” And to that end, nothing else
matters!
With our goal in mind, we studied many churches that were reaching people across our nation. We decided that the best way to proceed was to create an environment where people could come to a building that felt casual, comfortable, and practical. Casual, as in, people can wear shorts, tee shirts, jeans, skirts, slacks, just as long as they have clothes on! Comfortable, as in, a place that feels laid back and relaxed. We provide practical and solid theological messages which apply to daily life. All that and with modern, upbeat music that sounds like something I might hear on the radio.
Needless to say there was opposition. Some folks didn’t want to see change. That has been a struggle even though we still have a traditional service at our Jimmy Johnson campus. Change is hard. But, Billy Graham was right many years ago when he said, “the message never changes, but the methods must.”
If churches want to be fishers of men and women, churches will change… or die.
So, yes, I guess the answer I gave to the woman’s question about changing churches was wrong. I have changed churches. I am now part of a church that sees Jesus’ commands as a way of life. We wanted to provide a church for people who don’t really like church. Thus, it is something different. Providence Church opens its new building at 5315 North Twin City Hwy this Sunday at 10 a.m. So if you don’t regularly attend a church, come give it a try.
Over the course of a few years, God was setting a fire in the hearts of the members of the church I serve. The people began to realize that their church had become stagnant and the days of reaching people for Christ had peaked back in the 1980’s. The landscape had changed and it was time to relocate and start over. With that came the name, Providence Presbyterian Church, now simply Providence. Indeed “providence” is what was happening. According to Webster’s the word means, “to understand that God is the power that is sustaining and guiding human destiny” We see in scripture that God provides… in the desert of Exodus, Psalms, Job, Galatians and others books. Today I want to mention John 21where Jesus provides for Peter and then tells him to “feed the sheep” and Matthew 28 where Jesus tells all the disciples “go and make disciples.” Both are commands not requests. Jesus wants disciples to tell others about Him and that’s an order! Unfortunately, it has too often become the case that churches forget to focus upon reaching out and become divine social/country clubs for members. This isn’t new to our day as it happened in the ancient churches as well. But, there comes a time when churches must decide what is most important… follow Jesus’ command or not. It is that simple!
I have heard it said that insanity can be defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Providence Church decided that it was not only the name that needed changing it was the heart of the people, worship style, music, and attitude. The church has embarked on a mission “to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” And to that end, nothing else
matters!With our goal in mind, we studied many churches that were reaching people across our nation. We decided that the best way to proceed was to create an environment where people could come to a building that felt casual, comfortable, and practical. Casual, as in, people can wear shorts, tee shirts, jeans, skirts, slacks, just as long as they have clothes on! Comfortable, as in, a place that feels laid back and relaxed. We provide practical and solid theological messages which apply to daily life. All that and with modern, upbeat music that sounds like something I might hear on the radio.
Needless to say there was opposition. Some folks didn’t want to see change. That has been a struggle even though we still have a traditional service at our Jimmy Johnson campus. Change is hard. But, Billy Graham was right many years ago when he said, “the message never changes, but the methods must.”
If churches want to be fishers of men and women, churches will change… or die.
So, yes, I guess the answer I gave to the woman’s question about changing churches was wrong. I have changed churches. I am now part of a church that sees Jesus’ commands as a way of life. We wanted to provide a church for people who don’t really like church. Thus, it is something different. Providence Church opens its new building at 5315 North Twin City Hwy this Sunday at 10 a.m. So if you don’t regularly attend a church, come give it a try.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Preoccupied?
Are you busy? Do you have a job, married, single, have kids, have fun,... anything? If you do, then you are probably caught up in the game of LIFE. When we are so busy it can take something dramatic to get our attention. But when we do have those moments, we suddenly find ourselves face to face with our own mortality. When that moment strikes, what gives you comfort?
For most people on this planet, surveys indicate that there is a belief that "God is good." Therefore, those same folks believe that "... if they are good, then God will let them into heaven."
Sounds reasonable right? Wrong!
Did you know that the common factor in all the big religions is the idea that how you live your life now will effect the future life. Ironically, that has also become a false belief in Christianity too.
But it seems right. It seems only fair that good people go to heaven, I mean , if bad people go, could it really be heaven? If people are simply keepers of the Law, can't that get them in?
But who is good and by what standard can we judge goodness? Romans 3:23 makes this claim, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Therefore, who has kept the Law? Who is good enough to get into heaven on their own merits? Has there ever been a test?... a final?... a midterm? You see the Law was not given to be kept. It was given to let us know that we are unable to keep it and we are guilty of breaking it! Thus, we needed a Savior not a lawyer.
Jesus, the Savior, tells us that people don't get what they deserve... good or bad. He makes a startling claim, Good people don't go to heaven... Forgiven people go to heaven! All of Jesus' ministry he spoke this truth. Those who rested their faith upon their own merit fell short while those who believed they were sinners and needed God to forgive them and that Jesus embodied that forgiveness were headed to heaven. In other words, God, in Jesus, removed our sin the way Shout cleans the stain out of our clothes. God stepped in and God took what we (everyone)deserved and took it upon Himself. God cleaned up our mess. All are welcome, all can meet the requirements, and all come in the same way. What could be more fair? In fact, beyond fair... it is gracious of God to do such a thing... downright amazing. Until next time, Blessings.
For most people on this planet, surveys indicate that there is a belief that "God is good." Therefore, those same folks believe that "... if they are good, then God will let them into heaven."
Sounds reasonable right? Wrong!
Did you know that the common factor in all the big religions is the idea that how you live your life now will effect the future life. Ironically, that has also become a false belief in Christianity too.
But it seems right. It seems only fair that good people go to heaven, I mean , if bad people go, could it really be heaven? If people are simply keepers of the Law, can't that get them in?
But who is good and by what standard can we judge goodness? Romans 3:23 makes this claim, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Therefore, who has kept the Law? Who is good enough to get into heaven on their own merits? Has there ever been a test?... a final?... a midterm? You see the Law was not given to be kept. It was given to let us know that we are unable to keep it and we are guilty of breaking it! Thus, we needed a Savior not a lawyer.
Jesus, the Savior, tells us that people don't get what they deserve... good or bad. He makes a startling claim, Good people don't go to heaven... Forgiven people go to heaven! All of Jesus' ministry he spoke this truth. Those who rested their faith upon their own merit fell short while those who believed they were sinners and needed God to forgive them and that Jesus embodied that forgiveness were headed to heaven. In other words, God, in Jesus, removed our sin the way Shout cleans the stain out of our clothes. God stepped in and God took what we (everyone)deserved and took it upon Himself. God cleaned up our mess. All are welcome, all can meet the requirements, and all come in the same way. What could be more fair? In fact, beyond fair... it is gracious of God to do such a thing... downright amazing. Until next time, Blessings.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
FUEL arrives Sept. 12th!!!
FUEL... To Get You Ready For Your Everyday Life
Sunday September 12th at 10 a.m.
The modern worship service at North Twin City Hwy campus of Providence Church is now being tweaked and will debut on that Grand Opening Sunday!
We wanted to create an environment
for people who like God, but don't like church.
FUEL is a modern worship service that incorporates
rock and roll/adult contemporary styled music
with
practical and relevant messages
based on classical solid biblical theology.
We have classes for kids that teach and reach
with fun activities and instruction.
(There is even and Indoor Playground)
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD FUN AT CHURCH?
PROVIDENCE... Discover the Difference!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
You Can Make A Difference Right Now
The Youth Group had wonderful summer conferences. The Middle School Students went to Jackson, Mississippi while the Senior High went to BigStuf in Panama City, Florida.In Panama City, there was no oil to be seen, only white beaches and emerald green water. 1500 youth from all across the southeast enjoyed incredible speakers, humor, and awesome music throughout. During the event, the youth heard presentations about the need to help our brothers and sisters in Africa with education and clean water. Did you know that every 20 seconds a child dies from lack of clean water? Every 20 seconds! (and yes, the picture to the right is the filthy water that child is getting ready to drink!)
Children and youth suffer from malnutrition and kids are turned away from school in some cases because the family cannot pay the tuition. If they get to school, they usually have overcrowded conditions and very few school books for the large amount of students. Going to school in the U.S. is often considered monotonous or drudgery, in Africa it is
a priviledge and dream to be able to attend classes and get an education.
Out of the Senior High experience, I was introduced to a group called the 410 Bridge. (www.410Bridge.org)
The group, founded by Pastor Lanny Donohoe,realized that the plight of the poor is overwhelming, so they decided to pinpoint a particular place to make a grand impact. That place is Daraja, Kenya. There, because of giving people like you, kids are being fed, wells are being dug, education is taking place (and we know how much Lutherans and Presbyterians love education) and buildings are being constructed. All this is to begin to stem the tide of extreme poverty in this African village.
You can give to this project in either of two ways. You can pick up your cell phone and dial "50555" and text the word "think". You will recieve a reply asking if you want to add $5 to your phone bill and it will go to directly to the 410 Bridge African project.
You can give to this project in either of two ways. You can pick up your cell phone and dial "50555" and text the word "think". You will recieve a reply asking if you want to add $5 to your phone bill and it will go to directly to the 410 Bridge African project.
Finally, a second opportunity to reach out to our global neighbors is available.
World Vision is sponsoring a concert in Beaumont on October 8th at the Ford Arena. A limited number of tickets are available. This concert features Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Toby Mac, and Max Lucado speaking. All proceeds go to World Vision hunger programs. You can see more at www.makeadifferencetour.com
You have been blessed. We, the people of the United States, have been blessed. Today, I am asking you to give a little bit to this cause on a regular basis. If you want to know where a person's heart is, check their calendar and their bank statement. This is a direct way to give to a charities that will use every possible dime to serve people in need. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Old Dogs That Bite
I have four kids and I love to watch them play their sports. On a recent Friday night, I attended my son’s baseball game. The umpire in charge seemed to be very prickly. In fact, fans were warned to be on good behavior because he was known for tossing people out. The game was going along smoothly and the score was in our favor, then suddenly it happened.
It seemed like a bad dream. Saturday morning I woke up and it was still a reality. During the bottom of the fourth inning the other team changed pitchers. There was a break. One of the kids had asked about using the bathroom which was locked. A parent found a maintenance man and asked about the situation only to be told that a port-a-john would need to be used. The parent walked over to the dugout and told a player to tell the others about the bathroom situation. Suddenly... from behind home plate the umpire yells that the player who was speaking to the parent was ejected. It happened to be my son.
Wow. Are you kidding? Really? He wasn't even out of the dugout. Okay, so now he is out of this game... because he was listening to a good Samaritan's information. It has rolled in my brain since then. Less than 24 hours later, this is what I think.
Umpires and referees, especially since instant replay, have been under pressure to make the right calls. You may remember the perfect game pitched by Detroit's Armando Gallaraga, not because the record books show a perfect game, but because the first base umpire blew the call on the last batter of the game and broke up the perfect game and no-hitter. Gallaraga showed ultimate class in the situation. He took the high road.
I write this today, not to degrade the umpire, but to say that I feel sorry for the umpire at my son’s game. From my childhood, I remember a neighbor who abused his dog. The dog was fenced and when anyone got close to it, it growled, barked, and snapped. Eventually it bit a kid and had to be put down. Sadly, the dog had been treated so poorly, it didn't know anything but defense mechanisms. The umpire behind home plate strikes me the same way. According to sources, he has been a good umpire over the years.
This event made me think about how it must have been for Jewish people who lived in Jesus' day. Living in strict accordance to the Law was the rule. Every move you made was watched carefully and scrutinized. Life like that would have been oppressive. Eventually you might find yourself not wanting to be around people at all. The story of the Good Samaritan comes to mind. Jewish men refuse to help a beaten man on the side of the road because they were afraid to "get their hands dirty." Jesus commended the Samaritan and praised his actions for being more concerned for people than the letter of the Law. The letter of the law stood and there was no grace. In everyday life, that still seems to happen. In this case, an extremely minor rule was broken, and the kid got punished to the extreme. I find it appalling that a kid was hurt in the process. He not only was kicked out of that game, but the next tournament game too.
This may sound odd, but if that event was going to happen to someone, I am glad it was to my son. I am not going to say that I wasn't angry, I was. But, I didn't say anything I would regret and I am not looking to get even. In fact, I have forgiven the umpire. But in the process, I believe it will build my son’s character and mine. Life is not always fair. The next time I see that umpire, I will look at him differently because I believe God gave me the remembrance of the abused dog I knew years ago as a symbol of a man who has probably put up with a lot over the years and is just unaware of what he has become. Thank God the Good News of Jesus Christ is about grace and not about keeping the letter of the Law - or we would all be thrown out of God's game! Until next time, Blessings!
It seemed like a bad dream. Saturday morning I woke up and it was still a reality. During the bottom of the fourth inning the other team changed pitchers. There was a break. One of the kids had asked about using the bathroom which was locked. A parent found a maintenance man and asked about the situation only to be told that a port-a-john would need to be used. The parent walked over to the dugout and told a player to tell the others about the bathroom situation. Suddenly... from behind home plate the umpire yells that the player who was speaking to the parent was ejected. It happened to be my son.
Wow. Are you kidding? Really? He wasn't even out of the dugout. Okay, so now he is out of this game... because he was listening to a good Samaritan's information. It has rolled in my brain since then. Less than 24 hours later, this is what I think.
Umpires and referees, especially since instant replay, have been under pressure to make the right calls. You may remember the perfect game pitched by Detroit's Armando Gallaraga, not because the record books show a perfect game, but because the first base umpire blew the call on the last batter of the game and broke up the perfect game and no-hitter. Gallaraga showed ultimate class in the situation. He took the high road.
I write this today, not to degrade the umpire, but to say that I feel sorry for the umpire at my son’s game. From my childhood, I remember a neighbor who abused his dog. The dog was fenced and when anyone got close to it, it growled, barked, and snapped. Eventually it bit a kid and had to be put down. Sadly, the dog had been treated so poorly, it didn't know anything but defense mechanisms. The umpire behind home plate strikes me the same way. According to sources, he has been a good umpire over the years.
This event made me think about how it must have been for Jewish people who lived in Jesus' day. Living in strict accordance to the Law was the rule. Every move you made was watched carefully and scrutinized. Life like that would have been oppressive. Eventually you might find yourself not wanting to be around people at all. The story of the Good Samaritan comes to mind. Jewish men refuse to help a beaten man on the side of the road because they were afraid to "get their hands dirty." Jesus commended the Samaritan and praised his actions for being more concerned for people than the letter of the Law. The letter of the law stood and there was no grace. In everyday life, that still seems to happen. In this case, an extremely minor rule was broken, and the kid got punished to the extreme. I find it appalling that a kid was hurt in the process. He not only was kicked out of that game, but the next tournament game too.
This may sound odd, but if that event was going to happen to someone, I am glad it was to my son. I am not going to say that I wasn't angry, I was. But, I didn't say anything I would regret and I am not looking to get even. In fact, I have forgiven the umpire. But in the process, I believe it will build my son’s character and mine. Life is not always fair. The next time I see that umpire, I will look at him differently because I believe God gave me the remembrance of the abused dog I knew years ago as a symbol of a man who has probably put up with a lot over the years and is just unaware of what he has become. Thank God the Good News of Jesus Christ is about grace and not about keeping the letter of the Law - or we would all be thrown out of God's game! Until next time, Blessings!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Parker’s Impact
Today I want to share with you an obituary. Not your normal run-of-the-mill obituary, but one of a young man who was killed in an auto crash a few years ago.
“Parker Davis Jackson (August 2, 1990 - November 7, 2006 ) is one of the few people who pass through this world and leave a legacy with such power. On the surface everyone knew him as a "great kid" but for those who knew his heart they knew him as so much more. In our family, Parker was the spark. He was the energy, passion, and life. His quick sense of humor, absolutely incredible smile and genuine heart made our family who we are. To his friends and their families, Parker was the "other son". No matter what environment, Parker had something to offer. We would love to think that we taught Parker something, but in reality he was the one teaching us. We learned how to be passionate about what we enjoy. He was passionate about the Lord, family, friends, sports, and school. His energy and enthusiasm were qualities we so cherished in him. With this incredible energy came an incredible desire to project integrity and character. Parker always sought to improve himself. He loved doing whatever was true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable and whatever is excellent in the eyes of the Lord (Philippians 4:8). Parker commanded respect and admiration from any and all who knew him. As a natural leader, he was able to influence and inspire all who would let him. We know Parker will be remembered on the sports field, in the classroom, and in the homes of so many who loved him, but what he wanted to be remembered more than anything was as a lover of Christ. He wanted his life to be a way for God to reach those who did not know the Savior of the World. It is an honor that Parker is able to share the gospel in such a genuine and real way. We pray that his goal of God reaching others through him, will be a goal he will most certainly achieve. As a family we always joked that Parker could make a game and competition out of everything, and that he always won. Well now Parker has truly won. He has won the opportunity to celebrate passionately the God he loved and the Lord who is his Savior. We know he would only want us to do the same. So in Parker's honor we praise God.”
This obituary was lovingly written by Emily, his sister, Ben his brother, and parents Lauren and Bo Jackson (not the famous one!). Since Parker’s death, it has been difficult at times for this family to breathe. I did not know Parker, but I know people who did. They were touched deeply by his life… and his death. Pastor Andy Stanley of the Northpoint Community Church in Alpharetta went to the family home on the evening of Parker’s death. He realized that Parker wasn’t just another kid; he was literally a partner in ministry. As a sixteen year old, Parker mentored fourth grade boys in a Sunday school class. The family developed the Legacy Lacrosse Cup, which includes some spirited games and a dinner for all the participants. After the players eat, they are asked to digest a few inspiring talks. The night ends with Parker’s dad challenging them to live a legacy, handing out cards to help them chart a meaningful life the way Parker had done. "From what I know and what I've been told, the grieving never ends, it just changes in many ways," said his dad. “This isn't supposed to happen. Your children aren't supposed to die before you do. It doesn't go away. But I do think it could be crippling if you hang on to your grief as an anchor that you drag with you forever."
The Jacksons are trying to look at life as a glass half full, not half empty. There is so much meaning to what they do, including the inscription on Parker's tombstone. It reads: "Had a blast. Wish I could have stayed longer." Parker is still impacting lives today as you have read this article. May you be so blessed that your life have similar impact as well!
“Parker Davis Jackson (August 2, 1990 - November 7, 2006 ) is one of the few people who pass through this world and leave a legacy with such power. On the surface everyone knew him as a "great kid" but for those who knew his heart they knew him as so much more. In our family, Parker was the spark. He was the energy, passion, and life. His quick sense of humor, absolutely incredible smile and genuine heart made our family who we are. To his friends and their families, Parker was the "other son". No matter what environment, Parker had something to offer. We would love to think that we taught Parker something, but in reality he was the one teaching us. We learned how to be passionate about what we enjoy. He was passionate about the Lord, family, friends, sports, and school. His energy and enthusiasm were qualities we so cherished in him. With this incredible energy came an incredible desire to project integrity and character. Parker always sought to improve himself. He loved doing whatever was true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable and whatever is excellent in the eyes of the Lord (Philippians 4:8). Parker commanded respect and admiration from any and all who knew him. As a natural leader, he was able to influence and inspire all who would let him. We know Parker will be remembered on the sports field, in the classroom, and in the homes of so many who loved him, but what he wanted to be remembered more than anything was as a lover of Christ. He wanted his life to be a way for God to reach those who did not know the Savior of the World. It is an honor that Parker is able to share the gospel in such a genuine and real way. We pray that his goal of God reaching others through him, will be a goal he will most certainly achieve. As a family we always joked that Parker could make a game and competition out of everything, and that he always won. Well now Parker has truly won. He has won the opportunity to celebrate passionately the God he loved and the Lord who is his Savior. We know he would only want us to do the same. So in Parker's honor we praise God.”
This obituary was lovingly written by Emily, his sister, Ben his brother, and parents Lauren and Bo Jackson (not the famous one!). Since Parker’s death, it has been difficult at times for this family to breathe. I did not know Parker, but I know people who did. They were touched deeply by his life… and his death. Pastor Andy Stanley of the Northpoint Community Church in Alpharetta went to the family home on the evening of Parker’s death. He realized that Parker wasn’t just another kid; he was literally a partner in ministry. As a sixteen year old, Parker mentored fourth grade boys in a Sunday school class. The family developed the Legacy Lacrosse Cup, which includes some spirited games and a dinner for all the participants. After the players eat, they are asked to digest a few inspiring talks. The night ends with Parker’s dad challenging them to live a legacy, handing out cards to help them chart a meaningful life the way Parker had done. "From what I know and what I've been told, the grieving never ends, it just changes in many ways," said his dad. “This isn't supposed to happen. Your children aren't supposed to die before you do. It doesn't go away. But I do think it could be crippling if you hang on to your grief as an anchor that you drag with you forever."
The Jacksons are trying to look at life as a glass half full, not half empty. There is so much meaning to what they do, including the inscription on Parker's tombstone. It reads: "Had a blast. Wish I could have stayed longer." Parker is still impacting lives today as you have read this article. May you be so blessed that your life have similar impact as well!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Help in Times of Helplessness
A pastor I know is an avid cyclist. He loves riding. He has the specialized bicycle and all the equipment to go along with it. One day he was out riding when suddenly a wasp flew into his open mouth. In horror, he was stung numerous times inside his mouth and before he realized it, he swallowed the bug. Suddenly he imagined how it would all end. The wasp wo
uld sting his esophagus and it would swell and he would die. He felt helpless! Have you ever felt helpless? Has there been a time when you had little or no control over the circumstances and events taking place in your life? Most everyone can name at least once when that has happened to them and I bet you can too if you think about it. Maybe you were waiting for the results of a medical test for a loved one or even yourself. Maybe your well being was in the hands of another person… the surgeon, the dentist, a financial advisor, a mechanic, or even just your boss. It really stinks to feel helpless.
The Book of Genesis tells a wonderful story of Abraham and Sarah. Abraham has been promised by God that he would have a son who would be the father of many nations. But, due to their age, they begin to believe that God will never come through for them. So, they opt for an alternative. Abraham has a child (Ishmael) by another woman, Hagar. Then suddenly God appears to Abraham and tells him that Sarah will have a child and name him Isaac. Abraham is stunned! Could this be true? God is now going to act after all this time? Yes, God acts to bring a child (Isaac) forth from two aged people. God fulfills the promise to Abraham.
The beauty of this story is this. We, like Abraham, often lose our patience with God. We find ourselves even laughing at the thought that God can or will act for our best interest. We struggle with the faith in God to believe that God is good and no matter the circumstance will be there. We would much rather point to times when we felt that God was distant or absent. We would use our timetable instead of God’s when it comes to giving us what we want. When we expect God to act in our time, that is not faith; that is called the drive thru at McDonald’s. God acts in God’s time. We struggle to understand that fact, but often in retrospect we see how things worked in God’s time and not ours. But the catalyst is this, God’s strength is best seen when we are helpless. That is the heart of Christian faith. When our power is gone, God’s power takes over. Throughout scripture, God chooses to act in a time when people have to rely solely upon God. That doesn’t mean we can sit around and do nothing, it means that we should realize that our plans and power are meager in comparison to God’s. When in our prayers we seek God’s guidance, we are to believe God will come through.
But here is the greatest part. God even comes through in the midst of our mess. When we have failed, God picks up the pieces. That has been and will be God’s most triumphant moments. Cleaning up our mess and showing the world that He is God. So, in all things seek God and in all those things God can be trusted.
uld sting his esophagus and it would swell and he would die. He felt helpless! Have you ever felt helpless? Has there been a time when you had little or no control over the circumstances and events taking place in your life? Most everyone can name at least once when that has happened to them and I bet you can too if you think about it. Maybe you were waiting for the results of a medical test for a loved one or even yourself. Maybe your well being was in the hands of another person… the surgeon, the dentist, a financial advisor, a mechanic, or even just your boss. It really stinks to feel helpless.The Book of Genesis tells a wonderful story of Abraham and Sarah. Abraham has been promised by God that he would have a son who would be the father of many nations. But, due to their age, they begin to believe that God will never come through for them. So, they opt for an alternative. Abraham has a child (Ishmael) by another woman, Hagar. Then suddenly God appears to Abraham and tells him that Sarah will have a child and name him Isaac. Abraham is stunned! Could this be true? God is now going to act after all this time? Yes, God acts to bring a child (Isaac) forth from two aged people. God fulfills the promise to Abraham.
The beauty of this story is this. We, like Abraham, often lose our patience with God. We find ourselves even laughing at the thought that God can or will act for our best interest. We struggle with the faith in God to believe that God is good and no matter the circumstance will be there. We would much rather point to times when we felt that God was distant or absent. We would use our timetable instead of God’s when it comes to giving us what we want. When we expect God to act in our time, that is not faith; that is called the drive thru at McDonald’s. God acts in God’s time. We struggle to understand that fact, but often in retrospect we see how things worked in God’s time and not ours. But the catalyst is this, God’s strength is best seen when we are helpless. That is the heart of Christian faith. When our power is gone, God’s power takes over. Throughout scripture, God chooses to act in a time when people have to rely solely upon God. That doesn’t mean we can sit around and do nothing, it means that we should realize that our plans and power are meager in comparison to God’s. When in our prayers we seek God’s guidance, we are to believe God will come through.
But here is the greatest part. God even comes through in the midst of our mess. When we have failed, God picks up the pieces. That has been and will be God’s most triumphant moments. Cleaning up our mess and showing the world that He is God. So, in all things seek God and in all those things God can be trusted.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
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