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.

Reflections on the Season

As a boy, I remember always feeling like I was on the outside looking in; that I never truly belonged; that I was out of place. There are a variety of reasons for this. My isolation was a lonely feeling. Before long, I convinced myself that it was what I wanted, but it was only self deception. Man was created for companionship not isolation. Loneliness is a harbinger of a deeper hunger; stronger than just wanting to belong, it was the hunger to be loved and to feel love. One day Jesus spoke to my heart, breaking through the isolation and the walls I had built up to protect my heart from the hurt. I learned that He loved me and wanted me to belong to Him. He wanted me to live with Him forever. He wanted to heal the pain and the hurt and embrace me. There are many people who are hurting at this time of year. The holidays extenuate their loss and lonliness.  People tend to be more depressed more at this time of year.  Funeral homes report that their volume of business increases as well.  People feel as if they are on the outside looking in and wanting to belong. So how can we help as a church?  This year let us continue to strive… to excel in making it our goal to see that people come to know that Jesus cares and wants them to belong.  Let us insure that we care and want them to belong as we reach out. The Thanksgiving and Christmas season is more than knowing you belong... it is knowing you are loved.

Be Thankful...

We live in troubled times; times of bleak economic news; times of unrest and uncertainty; times that portend the possibility of greater pressures our family as well as the family of faith. Make no mistake; we are a divided nation, politically, idiologically and morally.  It seems that our nation is fighting for its very identity and soul.  And it seems that these troubled times portend a potential for greater pressures against those who hold to the name of Christ.  Yet these are not times unique to our generation alone. We are not facing anything that others before us have not faced in one form or another.

Our faith and confidence in Christ isn’t dependent upon the winds of change or unrest but upon the certainty of Christ’s love, sacrifice and victory. For this reason the Bible teaches us to rest in Him and to be thankful... in all things.  Have you considered that the New Testament writers wrote during times of difficulty and persecution to those who called themselves Christians? It wasn’t written during times of ease or peace, but in the crucible fires of persecution that tested their faith and commitment.  Our forefathers in the faith, both in the first century of Christianity and in the birthing of our nation,  suffered through economic hardships as well as physical persecutions.  Yet they were encouraged to be thankful and to bring honor, glory and praise to Almighty God.   So how do we go about that? We do so by remembering all we have in Christ, especially in His resurrection.  We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us and gave Himself for us.  We persevere in faith, knowing that there awaits a day when trials, tribulations, persectutions and oppression shall pass.  We look with expectancy and assurance that there is coming a day when He will return; when Peace will be established; when righteousness shall rule.  In the meantime, we give thanks... thanks for all we have in Christ and have been given in Him.  We give thanks... for the hopeful and absolute expectation of His coming...  We worship with praise and assurance in our hearts... We serve knowing that it is what He would have us do because He led the way... We pray for the coming day that all will be made right to His glory and praise.

Be Grateful and Wise

The old warrior leader, Joshua, challenged the people to make a choice as to whom they would serve. He had made his choice and reaffirmed it before the nation. “… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Accepting Jesus as Savior, and committing to following Him in our daily life is a choice. To men like Peter, Paul and Bartimaeus, the choice to commit one’s life to following Jesus was reasonable in light of what Jesus has done for us. A life dedicated to following Jesus isn’t a life wasted, but rather a life invested. Making the commitment to following Jesus is the wise choice. It is the grateful choice. Jesus Christ purchased our salvation, redeeming and freeing us from sin, death and the grave. Paul cautions the Roman saints to use liberty as license to sin; use your liberty to follow the Lord.  Bartimaeus did all he could to get the attention of Jesus.  His voice rose above the crowd; their advice and angst in order to bring his petition before the Lord.  When Jesus asked what he wanted, Bartimaeus asked for life change.  Jesus responded, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole".   Blind Barimaeus had life change that day.  No more would he have to beg for a living.  For the first time, he could make choices that heretofore were not available to him.  What would he choose to do with his life not that he could see... not that he was normal? The Scriptures tell us.  "And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way."  This formerly blind man who had a new lease on life, made the grateful and wise choice.