During these festive days people glibly say Merry Christmas with little thought of the true meaning of Christmas. In our materialistic society these words often mean I sure hope you get alot of stuff or hope your Christmas is fun and full of joy. Yet, for many, Christmas is just another day on the calendar with little in the way of possessions or fun and joy. It is another day to survive the best that one can. It is for this reason that I have had mixed emotions about Christmas and at times even dreaded the holiday season. I see the hurt of parents or grandparents who cannot give anything to those that they love or the pain of Christmases past that are a reminder of hurt and abandonment. Many people struggle with depression and rejection as carollers sing about a Silent Night because they don't know the peace of Jesus and they have not experienced God's love for mankind. To me this is what Christmas is all about-the gift of a loving God, the very best gift possible, His own Son, who would forever remain with mere mortals as Immanuel, God with us. There is no greater gift known to mankind than Jesus and the celebration of His birth is not limited to one day on the calendar but is to be celebrated every day. Jesus truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
I feel I am the most blessed man possible because I get to see God being revealed before my very eyes nearly every day. This is living that abundant life Jesus talked about, this is kingdom living. Each time I see Jesus show up I get to celebrate Christmas all over again. While volunteering at Helping Hands this week I got to see Immanuel. This wonderful ministry provided groceries, a meal, and gifts for seniors and children who would not have much this year. What I love about ministries like Helping Hands is that their ministry takes place every day and is not limited to one or two dates on a calendar. Hunger and desperation never take a day off and neither do they, nor should the Church! So far the best present I have had for Christmas is the hug of a grandfather named Mike. Mike and his wife are raising their two grandsons and they were not going to be able to do much for Christmas. To see Mike's eyes as I carried a box of toys towards their table was Christmas for me. To have the blessing of hugging this man and pray for him, to see the kingdom of God being manifested before my eyes was the best Christmas possible. It put all of my troubles and heartache in the rear view mirror. It was like that each time I prayed or talked with someone Tuesday. On Wednesday I took some cakes and cranberries to Open Door Ministry in High Point. This ministry provides groceries, a shelter, and warm food to those in need. Again, I got to see Immanuel in action and felt Him when I was hugged by a staff member. Those that were there were very thankful of our small contribution to those in need. When they said Merry Christmas they understood the meaning of their words. Friday I met Chris who leads West End Ministry in High Point and again I got to see Immanuel in action. They to do a great work for the least of these. They feed 60-70 children a warm meal three days a week, hand out groceries, provide housing for homeless women, operate a thrift store and provide many other services to the community.
Jesus said, the kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21). Each time we serve someone else, pray with them, love them, and give them hope the kingdom of God is manifested, Immanuel. We can have Christmas 365 days a year if we choose. There is a world of hurting people within our reach and within us is the hope of Christmas. May God bless you as you bless others, Merry Christmas
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Honesty, the best policy?
When I was growing-up we were taught honesty is the best policy. My father is a man of integrity and he would be honest with a person regardless of the consequences. This is the model that I have tried to follow but it doesn't always work out so great, especially in church. When I was in the corporate setting I would say or ask what everyone else was thinking but wouldn't. I got in trouble then and I still get in trouble now. Once a friend told me I would have a hard time being a pastor because I walked in the office of the prophet, I just told it the way it is. He was right, except I love people and love shares the truth in love and grace because truth sets you free. This same truth telling will get you awkward looks and even some criticism.
Once when preaching I talked about being a sinner saved by grace but continuing to struggle with sin because deep down in my carnal nature, I am a sinner. Some of the seasoned saints rebuked me because followers of Jesus are not sinners. My personal view is that sanctification is a process and I am a work in progress that still messes up. This is an honest statement. I have heard people say that they are saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit and have not sinned since that wonderful day. I also am saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit but I continue to struggle with sin. Sometimes I win the battle sometimes I lose. I can relate to Paul in Romans 7 about his own struggle with the sinful nature. The wonderful thing is that my battle with sin is not what it used to be. Today, the battle is more over the matters of the heart that are hidden to men but open to the eyes of God instead of the more obvious short comings that others can see or hear. The bad news is that matters of the heart are still sin before God. It seems that I have come to the place in my own life where I am grasping just how dark my heart can be at times. I am not proud of this revelation but darkness is only revealed as the Holy Spirit is working within the heart. It is understandable to me that Paul can write that he is the chief of all sinners. It was not a past tense word but present tense. Even the great Paul struggled even though he was a man of faith, insight, obedience, and contentment. What makes me think that I am even less of a sinner than Paul? The best news of all though, is that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. In other words, we are not condemned because Jesus understands the struggles of the flesh. He knows our hearts are for Him and we are doing our best to follow Him but sometimes that sinful nature pokes through. My body might be dead to sin but my spirit is alive because of His righteousness. This is not permission to live sinfully because there should be an earnest desire to live free from sin through the Holy Spirit.
Now for one moment imagine what would happen to the church if we would admit that we struggle with a sinful nature. People could actually relate to us. We would no longer be viewed as saved, sanctified, and petrified. Possibly we could be seen by others as followers that have struggles in life who sometimes we miss the mark, that we are actually human. Those watching a life lived honestly will see the times that Jesus picks us up and helps us along the road of life. A policy of honesty will also enable us to help those who have sinned and to love on them because we will see them as we are seen by Jesus. Love covers over a multitude of sins (1Peter 4:8). Let us begin first by loving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then loving ourselves and our neighbors. This love would begin a reformation in the church that would turn the world upside down one more time.
When I was younger I thought you had to be perfect, sin free, to serve God. No, you just have to know Jesus! Until we are honest we will be viewed by the world as the frozen chosen and few want to be with us because of our lack of humanity.
Once when preaching I talked about being a sinner saved by grace but continuing to struggle with sin because deep down in my carnal nature, I am a sinner. Some of the seasoned saints rebuked me because followers of Jesus are not sinners. My personal view is that sanctification is a process and I am a work in progress that still messes up. This is an honest statement. I have heard people say that they are saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit and have not sinned since that wonderful day. I also am saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Spirit but I continue to struggle with sin. Sometimes I win the battle sometimes I lose. I can relate to Paul in Romans 7 about his own struggle with the sinful nature. The wonderful thing is that my battle with sin is not what it used to be. Today, the battle is more over the matters of the heart that are hidden to men but open to the eyes of God instead of the more obvious short comings that others can see or hear. The bad news is that matters of the heart are still sin before God. It seems that I have come to the place in my own life where I am grasping just how dark my heart can be at times. I am not proud of this revelation but darkness is only revealed as the Holy Spirit is working within the heart. It is understandable to me that Paul can write that he is the chief of all sinners. It was not a past tense word but present tense. Even the great Paul struggled even though he was a man of faith, insight, obedience, and contentment. What makes me think that I am even less of a sinner than Paul? The best news of all though, is that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. In other words, we are not condemned because Jesus understands the struggles of the flesh. He knows our hearts are for Him and we are doing our best to follow Him but sometimes that sinful nature pokes through. My body might be dead to sin but my spirit is alive because of His righteousness. This is not permission to live sinfully because there should be an earnest desire to live free from sin through the Holy Spirit.
Now for one moment imagine what would happen to the church if we would admit that we struggle with a sinful nature. People could actually relate to us. We would no longer be viewed as saved, sanctified, and petrified. Possibly we could be seen by others as followers that have struggles in life who sometimes we miss the mark, that we are actually human. Those watching a life lived honestly will see the times that Jesus picks us up and helps us along the road of life. A policy of honesty will also enable us to help those who have sinned and to love on them because we will see them as we are seen by Jesus. Love covers over a multitude of sins (1Peter 4:8). Let us begin first by loving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then loving ourselves and our neighbors. This love would begin a reformation in the church that would turn the world upside down one more time.
When I was younger I thought you had to be perfect, sin free, to serve God. No, you just have to know Jesus! Until we are honest we will be viewed by the world as the frozen chosen and few want to be with us because of our lack of humanity.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Redistributing Church Wealth
Depending upon which side of the political aisle you sit either you hate the idea of wealth redistribution or you love it. Fortunately we are not dealing with governmental politics but with church ethics and responsibility. As a pastor I would often hear the words, "Where there is a vision God makes a provision." If the church was struggling financially then either the vision was wrong or you were outside of the will of God. Either way, you the pastor, were doing something wrong. What if a struggling church is not doing anything wrong but rather they are inside the will of God and having to depend on others in the Body to supply the need? Maybe the problem is not the church that is struggling but churches and denominations that are not stewarding the resources of God biblically. This a thought provoking proposition and one that could cause some controversy in many circles. But far too many churches and ministries that are in the will of God, doing the work, are struggling to keep the doors open while others are hoarding money in savings, sitting on massive assets, acting as if the money is theirs and not God's.
There are some pastors and leaders who have a kingdom mentality and understand the biblical model that was set before us in the early church. In Greensboro a church took up an offering for another, larger church that was in need. In areas like Detroit, Fort Worth, and Little Rock there are stories of churches collaborating together for the good of the community, going far beyond the four walls and denominational boundaries. These are examples of the church being the church. Even though I pastored a church that struggled financially, the leadership understood the need to bless other ministries in our community each month and to consistently give to ministries that had a similar mindset. On occasion we would receive a phone call thanking us or asking why we would give to another church but those calls were rare. Our purpose in giving was to be sowing into ministries that were kingdom minded. At the same time we honored our denominational obligations and supported missionaries. The attitude of the leadership was to honor the LORD and to sow into His kingdom, it was never for the recognition of men or to reap our own rewards.
There are many New Testament scriptures to support the idea that churches are to be sharing their wealth and supporting those in need. In Acts 11:28-30, the prophets prophesied that there would be a famine in the land and each disciple responded by giving to those in need as they were able. (It is interesting to note that it was disciples providing support and not those sitting on the sidelines.) Paul exhorted the church in Rome to, "Share with God's people who are in need." (Rom 12:13 NIV) As Paul writes to the church in Rome he says that he is on the way to Jerusalem carrying an offering from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the "poor among the saints in Jerusalem." These churches were pleased to give an offering to their brothers and sisters in Christ who had a need. (Rom 15:25-27 NIV) There are several other exhortations to help those in need; 1Cor 16, Gal 2:10, 1John 3:17, James, and the very words of Jesus, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt 25:40 NIV) Finally, Paul penned these words of instruction to the church, "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." (2Cor 8-15 NIV)
The church in America is great at responding to disasters that may strike a community. They are generous with their time and resources. For any of us that have had the blessing of serving in a relief role following a disaster we have seen the kingdom of heaven kissing the earth as we are the hands and feet of Jesus. Yet, every day a church will close it's doors because it did not have the financial resources to minister to the needs of those in their community. These are disasters in the making because lives hang in the balance and it could be that this church or ministry is the only one able to meet the need. These disasters could be avoided if we would follow the model set before in the New Testament. We should consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. One day each church leader will be held accountable for the financial resources for which they were responsible. How will we respond to the King when He asks how did you steward the money I left in your care? Will we hear the words, "well done, good and faithful servant! or "...throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matt 25:21, 30 NIV) The choice is ours. Let us pray that no more ministries in the will of God be shuttered because of an unbiblical view of sharing the wealth or disobedience to the exhortation of scripture.
Note-after writing this I thought there might be some who would argue that if we were in the will of God then the finances would be available because God's plan can never be stopped. I agree with this position but what if God's is speaking to a heart and that heart is in disobedience? Just a thought.
There are some pastors and leaders who have a kingdom mentality and understand the biblical model that was set before us in the early church. In Greensboro a church took up an offering for another, larger church that was in need. In areas like Detroit, Fort Worth, and Little Rock there are stories of churches collaborating together for the good of the community, going far beyond the four walls and denominational boundaries. These are examples of the church being the church. Even though I pastored a church that struggled financially, the leadership understood the need to bless other ministries in our community each month and to consistently give to ministries that had a similar mindset. On occasion we would receive a phone call thanking us or asking why we would give to another church but those calls were rare. Our purpose in giving was to be sowing into ministries that were kingdom minded. At the same time we honored our denominational obligations and supported missionaries. The attitude of the leadership was to honor the LORD and to sow into His kingdom, it was never for the recognition of men or to reap our own rewards.
There are many New Testament scriptures to support the idea that churches are to be sharing their wealth and supporting those in need. In Acts 11:28-30, the prophets prophesied that there would be a famine in the land and each disciple responded by giving to those in need as they were able. (It is interesting to note that it was disciples providing support and not those sitting on the sidelines.) Paul exhorted the church in Rome to, "Share with God's people who are in need." (Rom 12:13 NIV) As Paul writes to the church in Rome he says that he is on the way to Jerusalem carrying an offering from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the "poor among the saints in Jerusalem." These churches were pleased to give an offering to their brothers and sisters in Christ who had a need. (Rom 15:25-27 NIV) There are several other exhortations to help those in need; 1Cor 16, Gal 2:10, 1John 3:17, James, and the very words of Jesus, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt 25:40 NIV) Finally, Paul penned these words of instruction to the church, "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." (2Cor 8-15 NIV)
The church in America is great at responding to disasters that may strike a community. They are generous with their time and resources. For any of us that have had the blessing of serving in a relief role following a disaster we have seen the kingdom of heaven kissing the earth as we are the hands and feet of Jesus. Yet, every day a church will close it's doors because it did not have the financial resources to minister to the needs of those in their community. These are disasters in the making because lives hang in the balance and it could be that this church or ministry is the only one able to meet the need. These disasters could be avoided if we would follow the model set before in the New Testament. We should consider the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. One day each church leader will be held accountable for the financial resources for which they were responsible. How will we respond to the King when He asks how did you steward the money I left in your care? Will we hear the words, "well done, good and faithful servant! or "...throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matt 25:21, 30 NIV) The choice is ours. Let us pray that no more ministries in the will of God be shuttered because of an unbiblical view of sharing the wealth or disobedience to the exhortation of scripture.
Note-after writing this I thought there might be some who would argue that if we were in the will of God then the finances would be available because God's plan can never be stopped. I agree with this position but what if God's is speaking to a heart and that heart is in disobedience? Just a thought.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Save Yourself
One of the things I have always wrestled with is, why can I pray with people and see the answer to their prayer needs, yet, in my own life I don't see the same thing happening? Over the years I have seen people healed, families reconciled, financial blessings coming forth, etc. At the same time I pray for the healing of myself or family members, praying for family relations or tight finances and the answer seems slow in coming or non-existent. In those moments it is easy to begin to doubt your own faith or anointing and questioning God . Inevitably someone will come along saying if you just had enough faith or if you prayed more or if you spent time fasting, whatever it may be that you are not doing enough of, putting the burden on your lack of spirituality. Doubt begins to creep in and the questioning of self as you wrestle in prayer and nothing seems to be happening . Ministers are especially prone to this because they will stand before the people encouraging faith, trust, and prayer and yet they are not seeing the results in their own lives. We cry out why not me Father what is wrong with me, where are you?
This morning as I was pondering this mystery I began to think back to when Jesus was on the cross and the mockers yelled at him saying, "He saved others; let Him Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God." (Luke 23:35 NKJV) Friend can you hear the cry of the mocker who says, if he truly is the anointed of God, the servant of the LORD, then let his prayers save him. Let his body be healed, let his financial need be met, let his family live in peace, if he is truly a follower of Christ. Can you hear the seed of doubt being planted in the mind and soul of the believer? This seed of doubt could cause one to question their anointing, their hearing the voice of God, their faith, and tragically for some, even their belief in Jesus.
So what is a possible explanation of why the prayers of the anointed are at times seemingly bouncing off of heavens of brass, getting nowhere? Maybe, just maybe, God is using this time of struggle as an example to others of perseverance, faith, and obedience regardless of the outcome of prayer. Jesus set before us the model that we should follow because we are to imitate him. Jesus could have saved Himself but He chose to hang on the cross for our sake. He was being obedient to the Father. An African American pastor by the name of Curtis in Hamlet impacted my life by what he modelled. He is one of the reasons that I preach and teach with passion. I heard Curtis preach his mother's funeral the same day he got out of the hospital after having surgery for cancer. I cannot always remember the titles of my sermons but I will never forget the message Curtis brought forth, "What Time Is It?" I told the Father I wanted to be that kind of preacher, just like Curtis. One day as I was sitting with Curtis as he was having a blood transfusion. During that time, as we shared together, he told me that he knew he was going to die but that he was going to teach his church how to die with dignity, with joy in his heart, and praising God until he went home. Curtis did not lack faith, he was a righteous man and his prayers were powerful, availing much, yet he died. Jesus said of the apostle Paul that he would suffer much for the name of Jesus. Paul a man of faith, prayer, and obedience, set before us an example of rejoicing in the midst of the trial. Consider for a moment that the reason for the lack of answered prayer has nothing to do with us but this is God's good and perfect plan that we might not be able to comprehend. God turns everything to good. Let me challenge you a little more, maybe God has faith in us that we will get through to the other side of the trial in victory. In the story of Job God asked satan, have you considered My servant Job? God knew Job would get through his long dark night of the soul without cursing God or denying His existence. Curtis endured his cancer with joy, completing the assignment God had thrust upon him, now standing before the throne of Jesus.
Our unanswered prayers are not a sign of failure but rather an opportunity to walk out life before others with joy in our hearts, completely trusting in the promises of God. These times of tribulation will pass and our hearts purified as we trust and believe. It is in the midst of wrestling with God that the mysteries of heaven are revealed.
May God bless you and if you find yourself in this season of wrestling with God be encouraged, God is preparing you for the next level.
This morning as I was pondering this mystery I began to think back to when Jesus was on the cross and the mockers yelled at him saying, "He saved others; let Him Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God." (Luke 23:35 NKJV) Friend can you hear the cry of the mocker who says, if he truly is the anointed of God, the servant of the LORD, then let his prayers save him. Let his body be healed, let his financial need be met, let his family live in peace, if he is truly a follower of Christ. Can you hear the seed of doubt being planted in the mind and soul of the believer? This seed of doubt could cause one to question their anointing, their hearing the voice of God, their faith, and tragically for some, even their belief in Jesus.
So what is a possible explanation of why the prayers of the anointed are at times seemingly bouncing off of heavens of brass, getting nowhere? Maybe, just maybe, God is using this time of struggle as an example to others of perseverance, faith, and obedience regardless of the outcome of prayer. Jesus set before us the model that we should follow because we are to imitate him. Jesus could have saved Himself but He chose to hang on the cross for our sake. He was being obedient to the Father. An African American pastor by the name of Curtis in Hamlet impacted my life by what he modelled. He is one of the reasons that I preach and teach with passion. I heard Curtis preach his mother's funeral the same day he got out of the hospital after having surgery for cancer. I cannot always remember the titles of my sermons but I will never forget the message Curtis brought forth, "What Time Is It?" I told the Father I wanted to be that kind of preacher, just like Curtis. One day as I was sitting with Curtis as he was having a blood transfusion. During that time, as we shared together, he told me that he knew he was going to die but that he was going to teach his church how to die with dignity, with joy in his heart, and praising God until he went home. Curtis did not lack faith, he was a righteous man and his prayers were powerful, availing much, yet he died. Jesus said of the apostle Paul that he would suffer much for the name of Jesus. Paul a man of faith, prayer, and obedience, set before us an example of rejoicing in the midst of the trial. Consider for a moment that the reason for the lack of answered prayer has nothing to do with us but this is God's good and perfect plan that we might not be able to comprehend. God turns everything to good. Let me challenge you a little more, maybe God has faith in us that we will get through to the other side of the trial in victory. In the story of Job God asked satan, have you considered My servant Job? God knew Job would get through his long dark night of the soul without cursing God or denying His existence. Curtis endured his cancer with joy, completing the assignment God had thrust upon him, now standing before the throne of Jesus.
Our unanswered prayers are not a sign of failure but rather an opportunity to walk out life before others with joy in our hearts, completely trusting in the promises of God. These times of tribulation will pass and our hearts purified as we trust and believe. It is in the midst of wrestling with God that the mysteries of heaven are revealed.
May God bless you and if you find yourself in this season of wrestling with God be encouraged, God is preparing you for the next level.
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