I've got several ideas for upcoming posts, and plan to return to them next week. This week is already getting away from me and it's not even lunchtime on Monday yet.
Do you have any theological or faith questions that you've been interested in getting an answer to? If so, feel free to comment below. I'll return next week with a blog on the Cardinals/Cubs rivalary (Go Cards!) and how we can learn to devalue the negative voices in our lives.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Monday, April 18, 2016
Need a Hand?
As a parent, you may never feel more needed than when your toddler takes you by the hand.
Even at a young age, our kids want us to know how independent they are. They strive to push their limits until life gets a bit wobbly, the ground becomes uneven, or the fading light makes the path indistinguishable.
And then you feel that little hand reach up and take yours. It's an expression of hope and trust. Hope that the hand will make it better, and trust because it has so many times before.
As a pastor, I need a hand for the times like these in my own life.
"The steps of a righteous man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand." Psalm 37:23-24
I'm that toddler, and so are you. We begin to feel confident in our own abilities, but hard moments show we're still unprepared. So as we live close to the Lord, we find His hand is just a short reach away. It can feel like a stretch when we've been living distant from Him, and yet it remains still available for the repentant believer in Jesus Christ.
So reach out for God's hand today. No matter how sure you are of an "easy" day, reach out. No matter how embarrassed you are because it's been so long since you prayed, reach out. The repentant child of God can place their hope and trust in that present, solid, and gentle hand.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Vote NO on the Bible
Tennessee should not make the Bible their official book.
You see, I am a firm proponent of religious freedom...and not just for Christians. The First Amendment says that government shall make no law for "establishment of religion" or prohibiting someone's ability to worship freely. Based on those actual words, I'm not convinced this bill would violate either of those standards.
But I wonder how Christians would feel if the bill was endorsing the Koran as the official book?
Some Christians argue that as a "Christian nation" it only makes sense that we hold the Bible in a place of high reverence. And while I completely agree with that position, I don't need the government to validate the Bible for me.
"For the word of God is living and active..." Hebrews 4:12
If more people heard the Bible loudly and joyfully endorsed by believers, we wouldn't have states who felt the need to elevate scripture on behalf of silent Christians. The power of the Bible is not found in a government endorsement, but in the hands of devoted Christians who will share and live the message that is contained within.
How are you endorsing the Bible in your life? Are you reading it regularly? Are you allowing those words to penetrate your heart and direct your path? And are you sharing the message of hope in Jesus to those who haven't accepted?
Gov. Bill Haslam is soon to receive a bill from his state legislature to do exactly that, and I completely disagree with the idea of such a move.
As an American.
As a Christian.
As a Pastor.
You see, I am a firm proponent of religious freedom...and not just for Christians. The First Amendment says that government shall make no law for "establishment of religion" or prohibiting someone's ability to worship freely. Based on those actual words, I'm not convinced this bill would violate either of those standards.
But I wonder how Christians would feel if the bill was endorsing the Koran as the official book?
Some Christians argue that as a "Christian nation" it only makes sense that we hold the Bible in a place of high reverence. And while I completely agree with that position, I don't need the government to validate the Bible for me.
"For the word of God is living and active..." Hebrews 4:12
If more people heard the Bible loudly and joyfully endorsed by believers, we wouldn't have states who felt the need to elevate scripture on behalf of silent Christians. The power of the Bible is not found in a government endorsement, but in the hands of devoted Christians who will share and live the message that is contained within.
How are you endorsing the Bible in your life? Are you reading it regularly? Are you allowing those words to penetrate your heart and direct your path? And are you sharing the message of hope in Jesus to those who haven't accepted?
Monday, April 4, 2016
Praying AND Praising
How do you react when you see a car accident?
On my drive home from the gym this morning, I saw the aftermath of a terrible two-car accident. Firefighters surrounded a car that had been flipped on its side, while the passenger of the other car had already been extricated.
I began praying. Praying for the life and recovery of those injured. Praying for those first responders who don't know Christ to consider their own mortality and eternity.
And then I started praising. I recalled how many times I've asked God to protect me on roadtrips, and how few times I thank Him after He's done so. I praised God for giving me three healthy children, an incredible wife, and the blessings He has brought to our family.
I especially think of this on a Monday morning.
Monday isn't just the first step towards Friday. It's so tempting to quickly get started on your week, but I'm learning that Mondays are opportunities to thank God for the week that is behind.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Many of us know we should pray without ceasing. But do you also praise without ceasing? Do you move so quickly to the next request that you fail to thank Him for the previous answer?
Me too.
So let's commit that Monday's aren't for complaining, but for contemplating everything God has done. Let us take this day, and everyday, for praying and praising our great God.
On my drive home from the gym this morning, I saw the aftermath of a terrible two-car accident. Firefighters surrounded a car that had been flipped on its side, while the passenger of the other car had already been extricated.
I began praying. Praying for the life and recovery of those injured. Praying for those first responders who don't know Christ to consider their own mortality and eternity.
And then I started praising. I recalled how many times I've asked God to protect me on roadtrips, and how few times I thank Him after He's done so. I praised God for giving me three healthy children, an incredible wife, and the blessings He has brought to our family.
I especially think of this on a Monday morning.
Monday isn't just the first step towards Friday. It's so tempting to quickly get started on your week, but I'm learning that Mondays are opportunities to thank God for the week that is behind.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Many of us know we should pray without ceasing. But do you also praise without ceasing? Do you move so quickly to the next request that you fail to thank Him for the previous answer?
Me too.
So let's commit that Monday's aren't for complaining, but for contemplating everything God has done. Let us take this day, and everyday, for praying and praising our great God.
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