You had the chance to make the game winning catch, but you dropped the ball. You were one vote away from becoming Class President, but you were defeated. You were one grade away from making the Dean's List, but you missed the mark. You were one interview away from getting the job of your life, but the company hired someone else.
We've all traveled down the road of failure at some point in our lives! It doesn't matter who we are or where we come from, we've all experienced this terrible reality. The Bible acknowledges this phenomena and records two of Jesus' apostles who failed Him miserably.
First was Simon Peter whom Jesus took as one of His "inner three" apostles along with James and John. They were so privileged that at times only the three of them were able to watch Jesus in action when the other nine apostles could not (e.g., raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead, beholding Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration, and being with Jesus as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest) - Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 14:32-41; Luke 8:49-56.
Peter was the first apostle to confess Jesus as Messiah (Christ), Son of the living God. Peter temporarily walked on water with Jesus, and received the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." As brightly as this follower of Jesus shined at times, however, he had a dark side. When crisis came, Peter cowered in fear. Crisis occurred when the temple guards, chief priests and elders of the Jewish community arrested Jesus. When asked if he was a follower of Jesus, Peter DENIED three times ever knowing Jesus. He didn't want to in any way be associated with Jesus for fear of his own life. Peter failed! - Matthew 14:29; Matthew 16:16-18; Matthew 26:69-74.
The second apostle who failed Jesus was Judas Iscariot. All we really know about Judas Iscariot is that his obvious character flaw of a covetous spirit and love for money (pilfering the apostles' money bag while no one was looking) caused him to BETRAY Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Judas failed! - Matthew 26:47-50; John 12:4-6.
Both of these men were apostles of Jesus Christ. This meant that they could raise dead people, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, exorcise demons, and miraculously regenerate the nerves of paralyzed people. It meant that they had authority over the demonic world, authority to forgive or retain people's sins, and directly represent Jesus as His ambassadors wherever they traveled. But both men failed Jesus miserably! - Matthew 10:1-10; John 20:22-24.
While both of these men failed their Lord, both of them handled their failure markedly different. Peter wept bitterly after he sinned, then repented, returned to his fellow apostles and became one of the greatest leaders in church history. Judas, on the other hand, went out and hanged himself after he had realized his guilt in betraying the innocent Son of God - Matthew 27:3-10; Luke 22:61-62; Acts 2:14-41.
What do you do when you fail? How do you react? Do you give up? Or do you fight back with a "can do" spirit? Are you more like Peter or like Judas? You're thinking, "How can I be like Judas if I'm reading this blog?" "Judas killed himself, but I didn't." True you have not physically killed yourself, but maybe you (like Judas) refuse to accept God's forgiveness for your failure. Maybe you (like Judas) went off by yourself and cut away from people; from community.
You have a choice my friend. You can either run from failure or face failure. You can overcome! You can do it! And remember .... GOD WANTS YOU!!!!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Changing Into Champions
Today is "Super Sunday". It has become somewhat of a National Holiday in the United States of America. For the past 43 years the National Football League has featured Super bowls in which the best two teams of their respective conferences face off against one another to determine who is the "world champion" at this level of professional football.
This year the New Orleans Saints play against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have been here before (Super Bowl III against the New York Jets, Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys & Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears), but for the Saints, this is the first time in the franchise's history. Needless to say, as impressive as the Saints have been during the 2009 season, they are the underdogs in this match up.
For many fans, this game symbolizes triumph over tragedy. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ripped apart the city of New Orleans as the nation watched in horror the devastating effects of the storm. To many locals of New Orleans, the Saints' football team provides hope for the torn city. Even if the Saints lose the Superbowl this year, they have already lifted a city from hopelessness to hopefulness. They won the NFC Championship game and positioned the team where it has never been positioned. They are winners already!
I think of God during these times as He looks at us: where we've been, where we are, and where we can go. As some have articulated in the past, God loves us for who we are, but loves us too much to leave us where we are. Meditate on that truth for a moment: God sees potential of where we can be, and if we will walk in his direction, we can achieve true moral greatness.
David, a little shepherd boy slew the Giant Goliath with a small, flat stone and a sling shot. A young Jewish girl named Hadassah whose name was changed to Esther ascended the throne of Persia as Queen and saved the Jewish people from extermination. Rahab transitioned from a promiscuous prostitute to a woman of faith whose story still moves people to greatness. God loves to lift the underdog to new heights. He loves to do extraordinary things in ordinary people.
Read Hebrews 11 for more marvelous stories of faith. God used ordinary men and women to affect life changing events in history. He Changed them into Champions! He can use you, my friend! Jump on board! And remember ..... GOD WANTS YOU!!!!
This year the New Orleans Saints play against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have been here before (Super Bowl III against the New York Jets, Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys & Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears), but for the Saints, this is the first time in the franchise's history. Needless to say, as impressive as the Saints have been during the 2009 season, they are the underdogs in this match up.
For many fans, this game symbolizes triumph over tragedy. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ripped apart the city of New Orleans as the nation watched in horror the devastating effects of the storm. To many locals of New Orleans, the Saints' football team provides hope for the torn city. Even if the Saints lose the Superbowl this year, they have already lifted a city from hopelessness to hopefulness. They won the NFC Championship game and positioned the team where it has never been positioned. They are winners already!
I think of God during these times as He looks at us: where we've been, where we are, and where we can go. As some have articulated in the past, God loves us for who we are, but loves us too much to leave us where we are. Meditate on that truth for a moment: God sees potential of where we can be, and if we will walk in his direction, we can achieve true moral greatness.
David, a little shepherd boy slew the Giant Goliath with a small, flat stone and a sling shot. A young Jewish girl named Hadassah whose name was changed to Esther ascended the throne of Persia as Queen and saved the Jewish people from extermination. Rahab transitioned from a promiscuous prostitute to a woman of faith whose story still moves people to greatness. God loves to lift the underdog to new heights. He loves to do extraordinary things in ordinary people.
Read Hebrews 11 for more marvelous stories of faith. God used ordinary men and women to affect life changing events in history. He Changed them into Champions! He can use you, my friend! Jump on board! And remember ..... GOD WANTS YOU!!!!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Snow Shows ...
Snow is beautiful! It cleanses the atmosphere of impurities, kills germs, and blankets the earth with a pure white covering. Kids play in it, adults both marvel and dread to drive in it. My youngest daughter and I were outside earlier today as the snow continued to fall on top of several inches that were already on the ground, and we played together by making angels, throwing snowballs, cleaning off our vehicle, and racing each other. It was fun seeing her react to the beauty of God's snow.
God communicates powerful messages to His creation about the importance of snow on both literal and metaphorical levels. Consider these two prolific passages from the Prophet Isaiah:
"Come now let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." - Isaiah 1:18
How can anyone read this text of Holy Scripture and not rejoice at the reality of renewal through God's grace? God, through the Prophet Isaiah, told ancient Israel that He was aware of the ugliness of their sins, but that He would cleanse them from their spiritual impurities.
"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:10-11
The magnificent truth about this statement is that God compares His word to rain and snow, and states that all three of them serve a dynamic purpose. Rain and snow have an amazing purpose in God's creation. They both water, cleanse, and nourish the earth. Hence, when God sends rain and snow, they do not give a negative return to the Creator. They have accomplished what they were sent to do.
It is the same with God's word. Whenever we read the Bible, we are listening to God's words. Whenever a preacher proclaims the word from the pulpit, he must indeed "... do it as one speaking the very words of God." - 1 Peter 4:11. When a minister of the Gospel preaches the very words of God from the Bible, the people hearing those words can know that they have heard a message from God.
God's word has the power to transform lives by freeing people from sinful strongholds (e.g., sexual immorality, homosexuality, adultery, lying, stealing, cheating, drunkenness, lust, covetousness, etc.), while making people better parents, spouses, friends, business partners, forgivers, lovers of God and lovers of people. God shows His creation how to live more fulfilled lives through His divine power.
Finally, God's word points us all to the path of eternal life in heaven. This is true because the written word teaches us about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who gave His life for each and every one of us on the cross by dying for our sins. He then was resurrected from the tomb on the third day after His crucifixion proving that He is the Lord, the Son of God - Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-5.
All who place faith in Jesus by repenting (changing their mind, turning from sin to God), confessing Christ, and being baptized will have their sins forgiven. This is true because once a person is united with Christ, His precious, sinless blood cleanses and frees the penitent believer from sin - Matthew 26:28; I John 1:7; Revelation 1:5. Paul told Timothy that "... salvation is found in Christ Jesus..." - 2 Timothy 2:10. The question then becomes, "How does a person get "in" or "into" Christ to obtain salvation?" Please read Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:36-38; Acts 3:19; Acts 10:43; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:1-4; Romans 10:9-10; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:18-21.
As the Hebrew writer says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Time to get on board! Remember .... GOD WANTS YOU!!!!
God communicates powerful messages to His creation about the importance of snow on both literal and metaphorical levels. Consider these two prolific passages from the Prophet Isaiah:
"Come now let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." - Isaiah 1:18
How can anyone read this text of Holy Scripture and not rejoice at the reality of renewal through God's grace? God, through the Prophet Isaiah, told ancient Israel that He was aware of the ugliness of their sins, but that He would cleanse them from their spiritual impurities.
"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:10-11
The magnificent truth about this statement is that God compares His word to rain and snow, and states that all three of them serve a dynamic purpose. Rain and snow have an amazing purpose in God's creation. They both water, cleanse, and nourish the earth. Hence, when God sends rain and snow, they do not give a negative return to the Creator. They have accomplished what they were sent to do.
It is the same with God's word. Whenever we read the Bible, we are listening to God's words. Whenever a preacher proclaims the word from the pulpit, he must indeed "... do it as one speaking the very words of God." - 1 Peter 4:11. When a minister of the Gospel preaches the very words of God from the Bible, the people hearing those words can know that they have heard a message from God.
God's word has the power to transform lives by freeing people from sinful strongholds (e.g., sexual immorality, homosexuality, adultery, lying, stealing, cheating, drunkenness, lust, covetousness, etc.), while making people better parents, spouses, friends, business partners, forgivers, lovers of God and lovers of people. God shows His creation how to live more fulfilled lives through His divine power.
Finally, God's word points us all to the path of eternal life in heaven. This is true because the written word teaches us about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who gave His life for each and every one of us on the cross by dying for our sins. He then was resurrected from the tomb on the third day after His crucifixion proving that He is the Lord, the Son of God - Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:1-5.
All who place faith in Jesus by repenting (changing their mind, turning from sin to God), confessing Christ, and being baptized will have their sins forgiven. This is true because once a person is united with Christ, His precious, sinless blood cleanses and frees the penitent believer from sin - Matthew 26:28; I John 1:7; Revelation 1:5. Paul told Timothy that "... salvation is found in Christ Jesus..." - 2 Timothy 2:10. The question then becomes, "How does a person get "in" or "into" Christ to obtain salvation?" Please read Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:36-38; Acts 3:19; Acts 10:43; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:1-4; Romans 10:9-10; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:18-21.
As the Hebrew writer says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Time to get on board! Remember .... GOD WANTS YOU!!!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Is God for Real?
Modern religion has in many ways done a huge disservice to the God of the universe and everything He represents. Religion today has become a multi-billion dollar industry filled with a lot of hoopla, glitter, rock star preachers, concert worship styles, and a prosperity message promising a joyful life essentially free of pain. All one has to do is 'claim it' and 'name it' and it's yours.
This modern message sets people up for failure, however, because it promises things that the God of the Bible never promised. As a result of these false promises, peoples' hopes are dashed to the ground. Instead of faith, there is cynicism and distrust toward religious institutions in general. Naturally, people are asking the question, "Is God for Real?" "How can I believe such hogwash?" "All those religious people want to do is take my money." "They don't really care about me." These are the kinds of sentiments expressed from wall street to main street, from the urban community to the rural community, from the bars to the church pews.
Interestingly, the word 'religion' only appears a few times in the Bible, and when it does appear, it sometimes makes the eyebrows raise. In James 1:26-27 the Bible says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Isn't that an amazing passage of Scripture? Why didn't God say that conducting a worship service loaded with tithing, drum beating, dramatic presentations, emotional testimonies, and great charismatic preaching result in pure religion? No! Instead, He focuses on how we treat others and how we exercise self-control over our own lives!
God centers on three very important aspects of these two verses of Scripture: (1) It matters what we utter with our tongues, (2) We must look after those who can't look after themselves in difficult times, and (3) We must practice holiness - a religion that is life transformational; thus setting us apart from what 'everyone else does.' I can see how this would be acceptable religion in God's eyes!
It's time to get back to the basics folks: religion must be God-serving, not self-serving! Spread the word! And Remember .... GOD WANTS YOU!!!!
This modern message sets people up for failure, however, because it promises things that the God of the Bible never promised. As a result of these false promises, peoples' hopes are dashed to the ground. Instead of faith, there is cynicism and distrust toward religious institutions in general. Naturally, people are asking the question, "Is God for Real?" "How can I believe such hogwash?" "All those religious people want to do is take my money." "They don't really care about me." These are the kinds of sentiments expressed from wall street to main street, from the urban community to the rural community, from the bars to the church pews.
Interestingly, the word 'religion' only appears a few times in the Bible, and when it does appear, it sometimes makes the eyebrows raise. In James 1:26-27 the Bible says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Isn't that an amazing passage of Scripture? Why didn't God say that conducting a worship service loaded with tithing, drum beating, dramatic presentations, emotional testimonies, and great charismatic preaching result in pure religion? No! Instead, He focuses on how we treat others and how we exercise self-control over our own lives!
God centers on three very important aspects of these two verses of Scripture: (1) It matters what we utter with our tongues, (2) We must look after those who can't look after themselves in difficult times, and (3) We must practice holiness - a religion that is life transformational; thus setting us apart from what 'everyone else does.' I can see how this would be acceptable religion in God's eyes!
It's time to get back to the basics folks: religion must be God-serving, not self-serving! Spread the word! And Remember .... GOD WANTS YOU!!!!
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