Good morning! Today I want to talk with you about the importance of considering your actions.
A little over 10 years ago I went to work as a Deputy Sheriff with the Ford County Sheriff’s Office in Dodge City, Kansas. The Sheriff, being an elected official, appointed me as one of his personal representatives in enforcing the laws and statutes of the state of Kansas. When I was on duty, the markings on my vehicle, the patches on my shoulders and the badge on my chest identified me with Sheriff Arlyn Leaming.
Ultimately the professionalism, or lack thereof, of my fellow Deputies and I would reflect personally on Arlyn. His success at the voting booth every 4 years was determined by the professionalism and skill demonstrated by those of us who represented him on the streets. We could either be a source of joy and honor for him or a source of shame.
The Bible speaks of this same type of issue when it comes to our actions and how they reflect upon God. Consider for a moment the following verse from the gospel of Matthew:
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Those who know me know that I am a Christian and a Pastor. They hear me talk about my faith and they see my car parked up at the church. By my words and my actions I have marked myself as standing for Christ. My actions bring either honor or dishonor the name of Jesus. One of the greatest black eyes the “church” community has given itself is the reputation of being “hypocrites.” People have heard us preach and teach in one direction, but then watched many “Christians” live their lives in complete contradiction. Studies tell us that the incidents of most of the morality issues found in society are also found in equal proportion in the “Christian” church. We as people have not committed to live our lives as set apart and it shows.
Today we are faced with a multitude of ethical and moral choices each and every day. The choice we make in each of these circumstances has the potential to bring honor to God in the eyes of man or to bring dishonor to God in the eyes of man.
When faced with these choices it is critical that we ask these types of questions: Who is watching? Would this action cause them to question the sincerity of my faith? Would this action create a barrier or hindrance to their personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Does this action bring glory to God?
Like or not the world is watching you. Your actions are scrutinized and evaluated each and every day. Today commit your steps before the Lord so that His light may shine brightly in your life.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, October 31, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragment - October 24, 2005
Good morning! This weekend I have been watching the pictures of Hurricane Wilma on the television with great interest. A few years back my wife and I spent time in Cozumel and Cancun and have many fond memories of those two cities. Seeing the pictures of destruction has gotten me thinking about holding up to life’s storms.
In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus tells the story of two men who built their homes on two different types of foundations. This morning I want to look at this story and pinpoint a few truths for the day.
Matthew 7:24-27 (HCSB)
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great.
Everyone of has built a house…the house being our lives. And just like the men in this story, each of us has a choice as to the foundation we will build our house upon. The most beautiful, well built home in the world has no strength if its foundation is not solid.
I find it interesting the types of foundations that I watch people building their lives on today. I know people who are trying to build their life on a relationship with another person, or they are building upon a career. Still others are trying to build upon traditions and education. The problem is all of those foundations are movable. What will happen when that loved one dies or that relationship ends? What if the company downsizes, goes bankrupt or moves overseas? What happens when today’s knowledge becomes tomorrow’s history? The bottom line is that all of those things are temporal.
The only lasting foundation is God Himself. When all else is stripped away, God is the only thing that remains. So how do you make God your foundation? It all begins with surrender. Allow God to be in charge of your life and develop a personal intimacy with Him. This personal intimacy is developed through spending quality time with God. This can be done through worship, prayer, Bible study, meditation and silence. Unfortunately too many of us settle for a relationship with God that is less than intimate. Our relationship with God could almost be described as dating, we see Him every Sunday morning from 11A-Noon.
Today I want to challenge you to examine your foundation. Are you truly building a deep relationship with God? Have you built upon a foundation other than God Himself? When your foundation is strong the storms of life howl and blow, but they will not topple you.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus tells the story of two men who built their homes on two different types of foundations. This morning I want to look at this story and pinpoint a few truths for the day.
Matthew 7:24-27 (HCSB)
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great.
Everyone of has built a house…the house being our lives. And just like the men in this story, each of us has a choice as to the foundation we will build our house upon. The most beautiful, well built home in the world has no strength if its foundation is not solid.
I find it interesting the types of foundations that I watch people building their lives on today. I know people who are trying to build their life on a relationship with another person, or they are building upon a career. Still others are trying to build upon traditions and education. The problem is all of those foundations are movable. What will happen when that loved one dies or that relationship ends? What if the company downsizes, goes bankrupt or moves overseas? What happens when today’s knowledge becomes tomorrow’s history? The bottom line is that all of those things are temporal.
The only lasting foundation is God Himself. When all else is stripped away, God is the only thing that remains. So how do you make God your foundation? It all begins with surrender. Allow God to be in charge of your life and develop a personal intimacy with Him. This personal intimacy is developed through spending quality time with God. This can be done through worship, prayer, Bible study, meditation and silence. Unfortunately too many of us settle for a relationship with God that is less than intimate. Our relationship with God could almost be described as dating, we see Him every Sunday morning from 11A-Noon.
Today I want to challenge you to examine your foundation. Are you truly building a deep relationship with God? Have you built upon a foundation other than God Himself? When your foundation is strong the storms of life howl and blow, but they will not topple you.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, October 17, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - October 17, 2005
Good morning! I trust you have had a good weekend and are starting strong as you enter this new week.
Today we live in the age of technology. When I hit the send button on my email, this Monday Morning Encouragement will go to people around the United States and in several other countries. I can speak and see family that is over 1200 miles away with my computer. My meals are cooked in a microwave oven and I take pictures with a digital camera. We live in an age that is dependant upon power. If the electricity goes off, I immediately lose my ability to communicate, to heat my home, to cook meals and most importantly to illuminate the darkness.
Today I want to examine Jesus’ final words before His ascension to Heaven.
Acts 1:8 (HCSB)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The first thing I want us to focus on in this verse is the word “power.” The word “power” as used here, comes from the Greek word “dunamis.” Dunamis is a root word for the English word “dynamite.” I want you to think in terms of dynamite. Dynamite contains an explosive power so strong that it can demolish a building or change the very landscape of a hillside.
So let’s step through this thought… As a Christian, the Holy Spirit indwells you. When the Holy Spirit entered your life, you received “power.” Now this verse tells us that as a result of that “power” we will be “witnesses.” When a believer is plugged in to the power of the Holy Spirit, they cannot help, but to be witnesses for Jesus. Unfortunately today, too many “Christians” and too many “churches” live powerless lives. We are like people who have electricity and lighting, but instead choose to live by candlelight.
So what does the power of the Holy Spirit look like when it is at work in the life of a Christian?
Acts 4:13 (HCSB)
When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus.
The answer is simple; Jesus becomes evident in every aspect of the Christian’s life. God’s power is heard in their testimony of Christ. God’s power is witnessed in their prayer life. Lives are changed by the touch of Christ as the Christian moves throughout their day. In the Old Testament we read many times where even the enemies of the nation of Israel were in reverent fear of the Lord. God’s power was undeniable and unmistakable even to those who did not worship God.
Today I encourage you to examine your own life. Are you living in the “power” of the Holy Spirit’s presence? Are you bearing witness to the Lord Jesus? If you are not, it’s time to check the connection. Being plugged in to the power of the Holy Spirit is all about surrender. If you are not living in the Holy Spirit’s power, you are living in your own strength. Blow out the candles and turn on the lights…God has wired you to shine brightly for His glory.
Until next week, may God’s riches blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Today we live in the age of technology. When I hit the send button on my email, this Monday Morning Encouragement will go to people around the United States and in several other countries. I can speak and see family that is over 1200 miles away with my computer. My meals are cooked in a microwave oven and I take pictures with a digital camera. We live in an age that is dependant upon power. If the electricity goes off, I immediately lose my ability to communicate, to heat my home, to cook meals and most importantly to illuminate the darkness.
Today I want to examine Jesus’ final words before His ascension to Heaven.
Acts 1:8 (HCSB)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The first thing I want us to focus on in this verse is the word “power.” The word “power” as used here, comes from the Greek word “dunamis.” Dunamis is a root word for the English word “dynamite.” I want you to think in terms of dynamite. Dynamite contains an explosive power so strong that it can demolish a building or change the very landscape of a hillside.
So let’s step through this thought… As a Christian, the Holy Spirit indwells you. When the Holy Spirit entered your life, you received “power.” Now this verse tells us that as a result of that “power” we will be “witnesses.” When a believer is plugged in to the power of the Holy Spirit, they cannot help, but to be witnesses for Jesus. Unfortunately today, too many “Christians” and too many “churches” live powerless lives. We are like people who have electricity and lighting, but instead choose to live by candlelight.
So what does the power of the Holy Spirit look like when it is at work in the life of a Christian?
Acts 4:13 (HCSB)
When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus.
The answer is simple; Jesus becomes evident in every aspect of the Christian’s life. God’s power is heard in their testimony of Christ. God’s power is witnessed in their prayer life. Lives are changed by the touch of Christ as the Christian moves throughout their day. In the Old Testament we read many times where even the enemies of the nation of Israel were in reverent fear of the Lord. God’s power was undeniable and unmistakable even to those who did not worship God.
Today I encourage you to examine your own life. Are you living in the “power” of the Holy Spirit’s presence? Are you bearing witness to the Lord Jesus? If you are not, it’s time to check the connection. Being plugged in to the power of the Holy Spirit is all about surrender. If you are not living in the Holy Spirit’s power, you are living in your own strength. Blow out the candles and turn on the lights…God has wired you to shine brightly for His glory.
Until next week, may God’s riches blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, October 10, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - October 10, 2005
Good morning! Have you ever been through a time in your life, perhaps you’re going through it now, where everything that could go wrong seems to go wrong? I know I have had those times when I am almost afraid to ask what next, because of what might happen next.
For me the years 2001-2003 defined one of those times. During those two years we lost our home in a deadly tornado, we moved 1200 miles from family to take on a troubled church, we suffered a financial disaster, a business failure, suffered the miscarriage of a child and faced multiple personal attacks. On top of all of those major ordeals we also had the boiler go out in our home, non-stop auto repairs and the normal headaches of life.
I remember absolutely being overrun with anxiety, fear, doubt and worry at every turn. The last thing I wanted to ask was “what next?” The price was getting high enough. During those times God sustained me with my favorite chapter of the Bible, Psalm 34. This chapter of scripture has been so meaningful to me that during this time I even wrote a book about it, just to remind myself of God’s faithfulness.
Today I want to share verses 18 and 19 with you. Verse 19 is my favorite verse in scripture.
Psalm 34:18-19 (NLT)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
[19] The righteous face many troubles,
but the Lord rescues them from each and every one.
When you are at your weakest, most vulnerable hours...God is nearest to you. I am often reminded of this thought: I would not know the depths of God’s love, if I hadn’t been in the depths of despair. I would not know God as a healer if I had not been in need of healing. I would not know God as a sustainer if I had not been hungry. I would not know God as a comforter if I had not known sorrow. I would not know God as a provider if I had not been without provision.
It is true, even when we try to walk the path of righteousness, trouble will always be a part of the journey. But God is faithful and He “rescues” us from each and every one. Today if you are facing devastating circumstances, remember that God hears your cry. His loving arms are there to embrace you and give comfort. Reflect upon your past adversities and remember how God brought you through them. In time this trouble too will pass and you will look back and see where God carried you through these current difficulties.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
For me the years 2001-2003 defined one of those times. During those two years we lost our home in a deadly tornado, we moved 1200 miles from family to take on a troubled church, we suffered a financial disaster, a business failure, suffered the miscarriage of a child and faced multiple personal attacks. On top of all of those major ordeals we also had the boiler go out in our home, non-stop auto repairs and the normal headaches of life.
I remember absolutely being overrun with anxiety, fear, doubt and worry at every turn. The last thing I wanted to ask was “what next?” The price was getting high enough. During those times God sustained me with my favorite chapter of the Bible, Psalm 34. This chapter of scripture has been so meaningful to me that during this time I even wrote a book about it, just to remind myself of God’s faithfulness.
Today I want to share verses 18 and 19 with you. Verse 19 is my favorite verse in scripture.
Psalm 34:18-19 (NLT)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
[19] The righteous face many troubles,
but the Lord rescues them from each and every one.
When you are at your weakest, most vulnerable hours...God is nearest to you. I am often reminded of this thought: I would not know the depths of God’s love, if I hadn’t been in the depths of despair. I would not know God as a healer if I had not been in need of healing. I would not know God as a sustainer if I had not been hungry. I would not know God as a comforter if I had not known sorrow. I would not know God as a provider if I had not been without provision.
It is true, even when we try to walk the path of righteousness, trouble will always be a part of the journey. But God is faithful and He “rescues” us from each and every one. Today if you are facing devastating circumstances, remember that God hears your cry. His loving arms are there to embrace you and give comfort. Reflect upon your past adversities and remember how God brought you through them. In time this trouble too will pass and you will look back and see where God carried you through these current difficulties.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, October 03, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - October 3, 2005
Good morning! As with most children, my children have been prone to many scrapes and bruises. When these things happen my children generally come to my wife and I in tears. One of the first questions we tend to ask is “where does it hurt?” When our kids show us where we kiss the “boo-boo” to make it feel better. The kiss doesn’t heal the wound itself, but it helps to anesthetize the pain and to reassure my children that everything will be alright.
What about you? Where do you hurt today? Is God even concerned with your pain? It is with these questions in mind that I want to direct your attention to Matthew chapter 8.
Matthew 8:1-3 (NLT)
Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. [2] Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached Jesus. He knelt before him, worshiping. "Lord," the man said, "if you want to, you can make me well again."
[3] Jesus touched him. "I want to," he said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared.
In this account Jesus has encountered a man with Leprosy. Leprosy is defined in the dictionary as: A chronic, mildly contagious granulomatous disease of tropical and subtropical regions, caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by ulcers of the skin, bone, and viscera and leading to loss of sensation, paralysis, gangrene, and deformation. Also called Hansen's disease .
Leprosy is a very serious condition. Because a leper was contagious, strict laws concerning those with Leprosy had been laid out by God. Look at the instructions given in Leviticus chapter 13:
Leviticus 13:45-46 (NLT)
"Those who suffer from any contagious skin disease must tear their clothing and allow their hair to hang loose. Then, as they go from place to place, they must cover their mouth and call out, 'Unclean! Unclean!' [46] As long as the disease lasts, they will be ceremonially unclean and must live in isolation outside the camp.
Going back to the account in Matthew, lets consider a couple of key truths that we need to grab hold of today. First of all, no matter what your condition may be, you must realize that your only hope is Jesus. This leper was willing to risk everything for the opportunity to meet Jesus face to face. Too many times we put our faith in everything but Jesus. We pin our hopes on modern medicine, scientific advance or will power and determination. Ultimately we must realize that only Jesus calms the storms, heals the sick and brings the dead into life. This leper realized that in his hopeless condition there was only one source of hope. Notice that the man came and worshiped Jesus. He humbled himself, not demanding healing, but seeking the gracious gift of healing.
The second point I want you to grab hold of is the fact that Jesus knows your pain. Not only is he aware of your condition, but he knows where you hurt. This leper had been forced to live a life of isolation. Think of the pain inflicted as he would reflect on the warmth of human touch. How he longed to simply shake the hand of another, to feel somebody’s warm embrace or to simply have a hand placed upon his shoulder. From a distance he would watch as young lovers held hands and family members greeted one another with an embrace. Notice what Jesus did. Jesus could have simply said “be healed,” but instead he touched the man first and then he spoke the words of healing. In that touch, the pain of isolation melted away. The thing the man craved so desperately was given so tenderly. When you are hurting, Jesus knows of your pain. So many times in my life at my most desperate hours…I have received the kind words of a stranger, the encouraging words of a friend, or the tender touch of someone close. Jesus is still touching the hurts in our lives today.
The third thing that we need to grasp is this: Jesus not only dealt with the hurt, but he also dealt with the cause. Jesus is not just a Band-Aid® and Bactine® healer. He addresses the root of your pain as well.
Today if you are facing a painful existence I invite you to seek out Jesus. Worship at His feet and acknowledge His power to heal you. Let Him touch you where you hurt and receive His grace and mercy with a thankful heart.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
What about you? Where do you hurt today? Is God even concerned with your pain? It is with these questions in mind that I want to direct your attention to Matthew chapter 8.
Matthew 8:1-3 (NLT)
Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. [2] Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached Jesus. He knelt before him, worshiping. "Lord," the man said, "if you want to, you can make me well again."
[3] Jesus touched him. "I want to," he said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared.
In this account Jesus has encountered a man with Leprosy. Leprosy is defined in the dictionary as: A chronic, mildly contagious granulomatous disease of tropical and subtropical regions, caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by ulcers of the skin, bone, and viscera and leading to loss of sensation, paralysis, gangrene, and deformation. Also called Hansen's disease .
Leprosy is a very serious condition. Because a leper was contagious, strict laws concerning those with Leprosy had been laid out by God. Look at the instructions given in Leviticus chapter 13:
Leviticus 13:45-46 (NLT)
"Those who suffer from any contagious skin disease must tear their clothing and allow their hair to hang loose. Then, as they go from place to place, they must cover their mouth and call out, 'Unclean! Unclean!' [46] As long as the disease lasts, they will be ceremonially unclean and must live in isolation outside the camp.
Going back to the account in Matthew, lets consider a couple of key truths that we need to grab hold of today. First of all, no matter what your condition may be, you must realize that your only hope is Jesus. This leper was willing to risk everything for the opportunity to meet Jesus face to face. Too many times we put our faith in everything but Jesus. We pin our hopes on modern medicine, scientific advance or will power and determination. Ultimately we must realize that only Jesus calms the storms, heals the sick and brings the dead into life. This leper realized that in his hopeless condition there was only one source of hope. Notice that the man came and worshiped Jesus. He humbled himself, not demanding healing, but seeking the gracious gift of healing.
The second point I want you to grab hold of is the fact that Jesus knows your pain. Not only is he aware of your condition, but he knows where you hurt. This leper had been forced to live a life of isolation. Think of the pain inflicted as he would reflect on the warmth of human touch. How he longed to simply shake the hand of another, to feel somebody’s warm embrace or to simply have a hand placed upon his shoulder. From a distance he would watch as young lovers held hands and family members greeted one another with an embrace. Notice what Jesus did. Jesus could have simply said “be healed,” but instead he touched the man first and then he spoke the words of healing. In that touch, the pain of isolation melted away. The thing the man craved so desperately was given so tenderly. When you are hurting, Jesus knows of your pain. So many times in my life at my most desperate hours…I have received the kind words of a stranger, the encouraging words of a friend, or the tender touch of someone close. Jesus is still touching the hurts in our lives today.
The third thing that we need to grasp is this: Jesus not only dealt with the hurt, but he also dealt with the cause. Jesus is not just a Band-Aid® and Bactine® healer. He addresses the root of your pain as well.
Today if you are facing a painful existence I invite you to seek out Jesus. Worship at His feet and acknowledge His power to heal you. Let Him touch you where you hurt and receive His grace and mercy with a thankful heart.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
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