A Ready Faith

Many desire to be used of God in order to make a difference. The problem is that we get bored with waiting or fearful when confronted with a daunting task or situation. When we look in the Bible at the people God used to make a difference and impact the world for Him, we see commonalities. We see unquestionable faith, reliance and sub-mission to His leadership and will for their lives. People like Joseph, Daniel, the servant girl who told her master about the prophet that could heal his leprosy; or a slave who became a Prince of Egypt who would later reject that path to follow God’s plan to lead Israel from bondage. Moses became a great leader, but not without heartache or ruin. If we want to have that kind of influence upon the world for Christ, then it means having a focused faith as well as a courageous walk. It also means to be alert and aware of opportunities to step up when called. We, as servants, need to be ready.


VERSE OF THE WEEK:  My Heart is fixed, O God, My heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise!  Psalm 57:7

Share the Christmas Message

The Christmas message is one of hope and joy. God has provided the means and way of salvation. What sinful man could not do, God has done. He has provided the means and way to Heaven through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is good news indeed. Had He left us in the state in which we were, then there would be no hope of eternal life; no hope of Heaven. But because God took upon Himself our sins, He has redeemed us and forgiven us from our sins. When we trust Jesus and claim Him as Savior, we are forgiven and headed for Heaven. The proclamation is to go out. Just as the angels sang the night that Jesus was born, so too are we to sing out the message and praise of salvation. God invites us to come to Him; the angels of God beckon we come to Him and we who are saved are to call out to the lost that they might consider and turn to Him. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!



VERSE OF THE WEEK  The Lord hath laid bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.  

Isaiah 52:10

Be Proactive: Taking it from the Pew to our Place of Influence

We looked at the unspeakable gift of God last week and discovered that it was to be the foundation and basis for our life and giving.  We are to mirror the grace of God and His desire to reach out to those in need.  Although we do not have the resources to feed all the hungry or to give to all the poor and needy, we do have it in our capacity to help one.  And in helping the one, we can make a difference in that one’s life which results in rebounding, resounding praise to the Father.  As we look deeper into the Gift that is Christmas today, we need to reflect upon just who that Baby was, born just over 2000 years ago in a small town just outside of Jerusalem.  That night, God’s Love was made manifest, and the good news was shared with shepherds and kings.  What was His purpose?  His purpose was and is to save us from our sins and sins consequence.  This is the reason we celebrate His birth.  This is the reason we sing.  Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners!  Hallelujah, I’m saved; forgiven, and redeemed.  Praise God!  Sing!  Let all that has breath, give praise!

The Motivation for Giving

We call this season, the season of giving.  This isn’t because of the exchanging of gifts; that is what it has come to mean.  The “Spirit of Giving” comes from a loving and merciful God who gave His only Son.  Apart from that gift, there would be no salvation; there would be no peace or joy; there would be no evidence of goodwill but only holy and righteous judgment from a Holy and Righteous Judge.  That God cared enough, loved enough to sacrifice Himself is testimony of His love and compassion for us.  Judicial holiness must be satisfied and that satisfaction came at the sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross.  That is why this is the season of giving.  And although there are many people and things that detract our attention away from such focus, the reality is that the focus of the season is Christ, God’s wonderful and priceless gift to humanity.  It is our responsibility to take and share this gift with the world.  It’s amazing that as Jesus looked unto fields full of ripe grain, His prayer was not for the harvest, but for laborers.  God is calling us to work with Him in sharing His love to a lost and dying world.  Let’s get busy being about sharing Christmas.

One Tree; One Light; One Gift

A hindrance to growth we’ve found is an apathy or antagonism toward God and His purpose and will for our life.  That apathy or antagonism can be combated with an appropriate view toward the Gift’s God bestows upon us.  It begins with salvation, but continues though the sealing and gifting of the Holy Spirit and the sure hope that sustains us through tough times.  There are many who are searching for peach and purpose.  True peace and purpose can only be found in Christ.  Many are focused on the purchasing of gifts and deals proffered by the many stores offering discounts and sales.  But none compare to the gift of Christ.  Christmas is about One Tree, One Light, and One Gift.  As we go about this busy time of year, giving and exchanging of gifts, let us reflect with an attitude of gratitude for that One gift.  It is that gift that is to impact and direct or living and our giving.  Paul reminded the church at Corinth about that truth.  This season is a time to focus on that unspeakable gift; Jesus.  Through Him we have forgiveness, redemption and salvation.  It came at a great cost paid upon a rough tree, wrapped in grace and love.

Independance versus Ultradependence

One of the greatest hindrances to our growth, to fulfilling our purpose and renewing our passion is a mindset of independence.  We were woefully inadequate and impotent when it came to saving ourselves.  Only God could accomplish that.  We are also woefully inadequate in our own strength to grow and serve God apart from Him.  Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing.  (John 15:5)  So why is it that we seem to pride ourselves on our independence?  What we need, individually and corporately, is ultradependence upon God.  We need to move away from self-centered thinking and power, to a focus on the Holy Spirit and His enabling and empowering work.  It is God that works in us to will and to do His Will.  (Phil 2:13).  So it behooves us to follow the leadership of His Spirit.  But too often, rather than obediently following, we resist; and it is that resistance to the Holy Spirit that causes not growth, but spiritual atrophy.  If we would grow and serve God, then we must listen to His voice and follow His direction, both individually and as a church.

Hindrances to Growth and Service

Many things can hinder our Christian growth and ability to worship and serve Jesus Christ effectively.  We all have an area or areas in our life that needs special attention and application of discipline so that we are not hindered in our daily race.  It differs for each person, for one persons strength may be another one’s weakness.  But we all have areas that are weak that could use strengthening.  The danger is in thinking that all we need to do is offset this weakness with one of our strengths.  But when it comes to Holy Living, trying to offset sinfulness or ungodliness with righteousness and holiness is ineffective and trips us up in our living for the Lord.  This is because godliness and holiness is corrupted by sinfulness and selfishness.  They don’t just weigh us down; they trip us up so that we ineffectually run the race.  So it behooves us to take a look at those hindrances and strive to win mastery in them through Christ who strengthens and gives us the victory!

Hindrances to Spiritual Growth

There are things that tend to steal our passion and focus; hindrances to personal growth and worship.  It is incumbent that each believer take an introspective look to root out those things that would bleed off our passion and love for Christ and get them arranged in proper priority so that Christ has first place.  This isn’t easy, and it takes focus.  God had given the nation of Israel a holy feast to emphasize the importance of removing hindrances of fellowship with Him.  During the feast of unleavened bread, families would purge out all the leaven from within the house.  Even the children would get involved to find and remove that which symbolically represented sin.  It is sin which separates and diminishes our fellowship with God.  Jesus opened the way to God by the blood He shed for our sins.  But unconfessed and unsurrendered sin can inhibit growth or cause spiritual atrophy.  If we are to worship and serve the Lord effectively, we must assess our priorities to make sure they are in line with clear Biblical teaching.

The Why of Worship

The Why of Worship can be answered in the simple statement Jesus made to His disciples when He said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you…”  Now don’t misunderstand.  God has given us freewill and the opportunity to exercise is by accepting His invitation to salvation.  But that invitation must be extended.  God chose to save us; He didn’t have to do it.  Isn’t it amazing that the Holy, Sinless, Perfect and All Powerful God chose to save us from our sin.  The emphasis isn’t on our ability to choose, but rather that we have the opportunity to choose.  That fact when coupled with the Person of God should answer for us the question of the Why of Worship.  We worship Him because He is God and has by grace, chosen to save us from our sins.  On top of that, we are not just servants, but children of God and heirs with Christ.  He has taken the dirty rags full or corruption and sin, and clothed us with His robe of righteousness.  He has cleansed us, saved us, and redeemed us by His blood!  That is the Why of Worship!  Praise God for His wonderful and marvelous grace.

Reflections on Worship

A. W. Tozer said, “What you think of God is the most important thing about you.”  Norman Geisler states, “Our concept of God will have a marked effect on our practical lives…our concept of God will, therefore, define the limits of our godliness.”  We will become like those or the one we worship.  The word, worship, is defined as esteemed or to be of great worth and value; to be venerated and held in awe.  To bow and pay respect and homage to the one who is the focus of our worship.  There is no question that we are to worship the Lord and hold him in high esteem.  We are to focus upon Him, adore Him, love Him and obey Him.  That is the true essence of worship.  If our lives lack holiness and godliness it is because we are not truly worshipping God for Who He is.  We may be worshipping our concept or idea of God, but not the God that is; because true worship reflects its object back in the life of the worshipper.  Those who worship God in truth, become more like Him.  When you look at your life, what or who do you see?

Be Teachable

The first lesson of keeping a faith focus had to do with defining and prioritizing the relationships in life.  This is key to walking the walk of faith with integrity.  Last week we covered the only foundational relationship upon which all the rest of our relationships and life is to be built upon; that foundational relationship is found only in Christ.  From this personal and intimate relationship all others are built and established.   Therefore it is important that we make Christ the central and imperative relationship in our life.  Too often we lose sight of this fact; that He is to take first priority.  When that happens we lose our focus and way. 

The second lesson of keeping a Faith Focus is learning what it means to being teachable; to learn from our successes as well as from our failures.  God’s children sometimes are wounded by their own sinful actions and remain inactive and guilt ridden rather than finding forgiveness and an impetus for growth and positive action for their lives and for the Kingdom of God.  Others become wounded by circumstances or situations outside of their control or doing, and find themselves bitter or discouraged and begin to waver in their passion and commitmnt.  Stll others are simply stubborn and rebellious, refusing to confess their wrongful acts.  All of these are disruptive to a positive Faith Focus of a life that glorifies God.  Only by learning the lessons of life and growing in our knowledge and intimacy with God can we maintain a good faith walk; one that glorifies God and possesses an interity based upon faithfulness, obedience and confidence in Christ.

Friendship and Faithwalk

Last week we learned the importance of living out your faith and finishing the Christian race well.  This week we look at the part that friends and personal associations take in our faith walk.  Too many today compartmentalize their lives topically; this belongs to work, this to church, and this to family.  The truth is that our faith in Christ is to permeate every facet of our life; filling every nook and cranny so to speak.  Some today rationalize away their friendship and associations as not belonging to the sacred aspect of life, but rather their secular aspect.  But they forget that we have been called to be an influence; to be salt and light in the secular world.  Believers get themselves into trouble when they try to marry the two; coming away usually having compromised and losing their influence and ability to impact their world for Christ.  Jehosaphat learned that lesson when he tried to enter into an association with Ahab.  It’s a lesson we would do well to heed.

Faith Focus 2

Faith Focus means defining the relationships in your life that are key to walking the walk of faith with integrity. We covered the foundational relationship that is only found in Christ. From that personal and intimate relationship, all our other relationships must be built. It is important that we make Christ the central and imperative relationship. Too often we lose sight that He is to take first priority, thereby losing our focus and way as we live our life out here on Earth. The second lesson of keeping our Faith Focus is on being teachable as well as learning from our mistakes. God’s children sometimes are wounded by their own sinful actions and remain inactive and guilt ridden rather than finding forgiveness and impetus for growth and positive action for the Kingdom of God. Others become stubborn and rebellious, refusing to confess their wrongful acts. Both are disruptive to a positive Faith Focus of a life that glorifies God.

Faith Focus

Last week we learned the importance of living out your faith and finishing the Christian race well.  This week we look at the part that friends and personal associations take in our faith walk.  Too many today compartmentalize their lives topically; this belongs to work, this to church, and this to family.  The truth is that our faith in Christ is to permeate every facet of our life; filling every nook and cranny so to speak.  Some today rationalize away their friendship and associations as not belonging to the sacred aspect of life, but rather their secular aspect.  But they forget that we have been called to be an influence; to be salt and light in the secular world.  Believers get themselves into trouble when they try to marry the two; coming away usually having compromised and losing their influence and ability to impact their world for Christ.  Jehosaphat learned that lesson when he tried to enter into an association with Ahab.  It’s a lesson we would do well to heed.

Life Lessons from King Asa

In our faith walk, it is important that we not only begin the race by trusting Jesus as Savior.  But it is equally important that at the end of our life, we finish well; that our faith hasn’t diminished but grown.  Too many begin well but fail to finish well.  I was slightly disappointed when the Colt defense seemed to have given up against their opponents.  They were on the field, but the fire and intensity were missing.  Too many Christians follow and serve Christ by going through the motions.  Their intensity and passion give way to half hearted indifference and effort in living for Christ.  We are the light of the world, and if our witness is half-hearted and without passion, then it should be of no surprise when the world isn’t impressed or attracted to “our light”.  Jesus said we are the light of the world.  Let’s run the race of life with faith in confidence from beginning to end.  After all, Christ guarantees us that in Him we are more than conquerors.

Simple Leadership Under-estimated

As we continue to look at aspects and influence of godly leaders, we can’t overlook the simple life and ministry of Dorcas. Too many today don’t see themselves as leaders and minimize the im-pact of their life upon others or upon the overall Kingdom of God. Dorcas shatters that myth. This one woman, because of her faithfulness and love, set in motion a sequence of events that resulted in the beginning of a great missionary movement in her day. It wasn’t so much a work of Dorcas, but rather the work of God through her. It was her faithfulness and ministry that put all these things in motion. It was her life impact that set up a sequence of events that God would use to open the hearts of the Jews to the nations. Hers is a life story of faithfulness and love. And though she never went to the foreign field; her devotion to others and to the ministry she performed was something God could use to further His kingdom and grow His people.

Godly leadership

Godly leaders come to rely not upon their own ability and authority, but rather that of God. Zerubbabel was a governor of an oppressed and weak people. God sent Haggai to speak words of encouragement to him as well as Joshua, the High Priest. At a time when the nation had returned back to the land of promise, the people had grown slack spiritually. The reforms of revival were often short lived as people went about their daily task. The people were also haunted by past glory that caused them to be mournful and defeated. These two men were called to be leaders of the demoralized nation; a daunting task. In difficult times, God provides leaders to lead His people. He equips those leaders with the talents and abilities to rise to the occasion to meet the need. Moses and Joshua were such leaders, as was Joseph and Daniel. Some believe that spiritual leadership and examples are set by preachers. It is interesting to note that Zerabbabel was a civil servant. He wasn’t a priest or prophet. God uses men and women who come with diverse histories and backgrounds to accomplish His purpose. If God used them, He can use you today.

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Matthew 10:39

Clear Expectations

Good leadership defines expectations for both sides of the relationship.  Last week we discussed some of the expectations Christ has as He sends us out into the world.  Today, we look at the expectations and price that we can expect to meet as we obey.  Too many enter into discipleship and service with expectations that are askew.  We need to understand the price of discipleship as well as the hardships that can be associated with serving Jesus Christ in a world that so desperately needs Him yet is opposed to Him, His teachings and consequently His people.  We are not to be fearful nor slack in our responsibility, but aware that opposition will come.  This knowledge keeps us from being unsettled or overwhelmed when we meet up with opposition.  It keeps us focused and on task as we accomplish God’s purpose.  As we serve the Lord, let us not only remember the cost and expectations that come with serving Him, but also with the reward that is sure to come as well.

Design or Chance?

There is a war taking place for the soul of America.  The battles fought splash into the classrooms and campuses where our children are educated.  James Owen, a writer for National Geographic News dated August 10, 2006 wrote that Americans adults are less likely to hold to the views and teaching of evolution.  There is a concentrated effort by those in a position of power and influence to change that and would have us catch up to the eastern nations where 80 percent of adults embrace evolution as fact.  What’s the difference in America?  The article states that it is the influence of churches and clergy.  The Bible teaches us that faith begins with the understanding that the worlds were framed by God; that all that is was created by God.  New evidences support that the universe has a beginning.  That means that there is a cause; and that cause is God and His creative work.  Romans 1 tells us that this is part of what theologians call General Revelation.  The Bible is replete with passages that refer to God's creative acts and their witness of His majesty and power. Faith begins in a confident knowing and believing that God is; and that through Jesus Christ, He is approachable.  How important is it that we teach our children about the creation? Extremely!

March 21, 2010

We had a great time of fellowship and revival services this past week with Brother Luellen.  He presented challenging messages that I pray we will take to heart and make proper application.  Revival begins with one, and sometimes spreads throughout a church and community.  I am praying that we have indeed experienced personal revival that will impact the decisions we make and direction we take for the rest of our lives.  As we gather together, let us remember that one can make a difference in his day.  Josiah brought about reforms even though he knew from God that it would not avert the inevitable judgment coming upon the nation. 



 And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. 

2 Kings 23:3

March , 14th, 2010

I am praying that we will se you at Landmark this Sunday as we begin our series of Revival services.  I am hoping that each of our members have been faithfully praying and preparing their hearts to receive the blessings of Revival that we have been praying for over the course of the past few weeks.  Brother Luellen, pastor of Hyde Park Missionary Baptist Church in West Monroe, Louisiana will be our speaker. 


Revival comes from God when God’s people meet the conditions to receive it.  If all we are doing is having a series of meetings then we can expect little in the way of Revival.  But if we come with the anticipation of being in God’s presence, of being challenged by the Word of God to the end of life change and life commitment to service, then Revival will come.  Revival is not a time of year we mark on the calendar, but rather an dramatic life changing experience that moves us closer to God and a commitment to serving Him.  It is my prayer that we have indeed prepared our hearts and are fully expecting God to do something in our hearts, our church, and our community.


Will you not revive us once more?  Then your people will rejoice in you!  _{Psalm 85:6} 

March 7, 2010

In this week leading toward our Revival services, I’m asking that we focus as individuals and as a church to pray for focus.  We need to meet the criteria of Revival: recognition, repentance, reconciliation and rededication. Revival comes when God’s people meet the conditions He sets forth in His Word.  Let’s focus through prayer and fasting on meeting those conditions.  If we are to make the impact upon our community that will impact lives and the Kingdom of God, then we must begin in our hearts and homes.  Our actions may not seem like much, and they may not have an immediate impact.  We never know the results until the effects of personal revival are seen in the lives of others who are closest to us.  We see this evident in the life of Manasseh.  Although his life in the beginning did not reflect that of his father, Hezekiah, he found redemption and reconciliation.  His attempts at national revival didn’t impact many in his life time, but they did impact his grandson, Josiah.

Verse of the Week:  And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thanks offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.

                                                                                                         ^{2 Chronicles 33:16}

February 28, 2010

The training of disciples is the responsibility of the church through pastors and teachers.  The training of children is the responsibility of parents.  Parents can avail themselves of the resources of a local New Testament church but they can’t abscond and relinquish their responsibilities as parents. Parents are the primary teachers of their children.  The National Study of Youth and Religion found that “the single most important social influence on the religion and spiritual lives of adolescents is their parents.”   So how do we go about to train and raise our children.  We’ve been looking at this for the past several weeks, and look to continue to build upon those lessons and give practical guidance to help parents to have a life of influence that impacts the hearts and lives of their children.  The Bible gives insights and instruction into parenting in both the Old Testament and New Testament that when followed, maximizes the impact upon the lives of children and teenagers.  

Verse of the Week  We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

February 21, 2010

I am at the mission in Sheridan, celebrating the work there with a dedication service for the building God has provided.  We can count our blessings for the material things we enjoy, but they mean nothing if not coupled with sincere devotion and dedication to the work.  I want to again encourage our church to not only focus on our ministries here locally as a church, but to write, call and visit our mission points as you can; read their newsletters and blogs; keep the lines of communication open.  I think we can all work to improve in this area.  I am encouraged by what God is doing in LBC and through us.  I am thankful for the new friends we have coming each week and for the friendly welcome they receive.  I pray that we see more professions of faith, life dedications, and commitment to memberships from all of it.  Let’s begin also to pray for the upcoming revival in March and our speaker, Brother Jeff Luellen.

Faith in the Home

We have seen what God looks for in how parents lead in the home.  Abraham had a personal relationship with God.  He had a faith walk of integrity.  Which is extremely important.  Abraham also taught and led his family to know God personally and intimately; teaching them to walk according to the precepts of God’s word.  This was God’s expectation for the nation of Israel in general and for each family in particular.  God commanded the parents and leaders in the home to educate and lead their families in the fear and knowledge of the Lord.  They were to believe and live it themselves and to lead and guide those within their homes to do the same.  Just how imperative is it that each parent to do his or her part to see that the goal is reached?   It is extremely important.  Research shows that the future of our teens depends upon that faithfulness.  It isn’t programs or staffing that brings the result of teens staying faithful to Christ and His church.  It’s the parents.

News from the Home Front:

It has been said that our faith in Christ is just one generation away from becoming footnote in history.  Now I don’t believe that will ever happen because of the Person, Power and Purposes of God.  He is faithful and His purpose will be accomplished.  But the gist of the thought is this; if our nation is to continue as a Christian nation, then the Christian parents and grandparents of today better do a good job to teach and train the generation of tomorrow.  The problem is that there are too many “Casual” Christians that just aren’t showing up when it comes to not just teaching the faith, but living it as Captive Christians.  What does it take to be the kind of parent or grandparent that impacts the coming generation for Christ and mentors what faith is in their daily life?  We find out the answer in our study of the lives of Abraham and Lot.  The first stands as a positive role model while the latter serves as a negative example.  If we are to truly impact our world for Christ then it starts in our hearts and flows out into our homes.

A Question of Motivation

We were by God’s Word to evaluate our commitment and devotion to Jesus Christ. George Barna in one of his books divides Americans into what he calls tribal groups. Two of those groups identify Christians. There are the casual Christians and then there are the captive Christians. This latter group lives their lives devoted to Christ even when it might cost them. The Bible defines this group as disciples; those willing to take up their cross and follow Him. Comfort isn’t their focus, obedience to Jesus is. So how do we begin to move toward true discipleship? It begins with a firm understanding of Who Jesus is followed by a confidence in knowing where we stand with Him.  Those who are clearly founded on these are in a more stable position to move beyond a casual to a captive relationship.


It isn't so much about what us as much as it is about Him.  Many come to Christ not because of Who He is, but because of what He has to offer.  Although we have a desire to be saved from sin, we are willing to be captive to Christ because we are captivated by Him.  Jesus, the Creator and Sustainer of all that is came to this world to die for us as payment for our sins.  Who He is as well as His love for us is what captivates our hearts and brings us to submit our wills to Him.  It is this proper understanding of Who Jesus is. His love for us and our love for Him that fosters the desire to live for Him; to become Captive Christians.

Prioritizing Goals

What is our goal and purpose for the coming year?  It is to make our lives count for Christ.  May this be the year that people come to glorify God because of our witness and outreach.  It is rather obvious that we are living in difficult days and that people are searching for answers.  We have the answer in Jesus Christ.  This year our focus continues to be on our personal outreach into the community as well as our corporate outreach through our ministries at Landmark.  We can make a difference for the cause of Christ if we will focus on Kingdom principles and needs.  But all this begins with a personal commitment to be Christ focused and centered.  We also want to reaffirm that we as a church are ministering to and strengthening families in our church and neighborhoods.  We do this by knowing what God’s Word teaches concerning family and then matching knowledge with action.  The challenge was made last week to speak to one person a week about Jesus.  This is an attainable goal.  Let’s begin by praying for the coming week and the contacts and witness for Christ that will be made.  May God give us fruit for our labors.