Expect the Best

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Mark

Looking Ahead by Jorge Feteira

“Take your umbrella – it may rain!” Most of us have heard a parent or spouse say that as we were on our way out the door. As a student, I sometimes ignored my mother when she suggested I take a jacket with me to school; only to wish I had listened to her later.  Whether or not we were Boy Scouts, we all know we should “be prepared.”

Entering into a New Year is a wonderful time to ensure that we do our best to prepare for the opportunities and challenges that await us. Planning and preparation is simply smart. Presuming is simply, well…stupid.

God expects us to use the wisdom, knowledge, and common sense He has given us. But to presume we can predict or control the future by our preparation is foolish. Solomon wrote, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” (Pr. 27:1 NIV).

So without presuming, let’s suppose that God allows us to live another year; what can we do to ensure that we make the most of it? Prepare for the best!

There is no doubt that God loves us and wants only the very best for us. Since His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Is. 55:9) we may be very surprised by what God does. Whatever happens, we may rest assured that He is in control and will cause everything to work together for good to those who truly love and follow Him (Ro. 8:28). Notice that Scripture doesn’t teach that everything that happens to us will be good; only that God will cause the results to be good.

You may only expect the best when you prepare      for the best!

You have heard it said, “Expect the best, but prepare for the worst.” May I suggest that you may only expect the best when you prepare for the best! Ask yourself, “If I knew that I could accomplish anything this year, what would it be?”

Now, run your desires through the “filter” of Scripture. Jesus said, “If you abide in Me and my words abide in you, you will ask what you will and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7). The key, of course, is an intimate relationship with Christ and a thorough knowledge of and belief in His word – the Bible. When we have an ongoing relationship with Christ and we are continually growing to know Him as He reveals Himself to us in His word we may confidently bring our requests to God knowing we are within His will.

Now, how will you practically prepare for God’s best? First, by knowing Him and His plan. There is no question that God is working in our world today. As Henry Blackaby has described in his watershed book, Experiencing God, He is working to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways. God has a plan. God has an agenda. Amazingly, He wants us to join Him in His work! He wants to use you for His glory in ways that you cannot imagine!

This New Year you will have opportunities to join Him in His work of encouraging, teaching, serving, giving and even helping others to know Christ personally. Will you be prepared?

Please pause and consider this fact: you cannot expect God’s best until you are His. He does not have favorites, but He does have “intimates.” He created you for Himself.

Will you admit that you need Him? Will you believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, personally died for your wrongs and rose from the dead to make a way for you to have a real and personal relationship with God? It’s incredible that God loves us so much that He will forgive anyone of anything if we will simply trust Him, call out, and surrender to Him!

You could be made new in this New Year! God specializes in creating, changing, forgiving, healing, loving, and restoring. He only wants the best for us and the truth is – HE is the Best for us!

Determine that with His help you will not miss Him and His best this year by receiving the “gift of God [that] is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord” (Ro.6:23b).

No one knows what the future holds, but we can know Who holds the future! He promised, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb. 13:5)!

Resolve to seek Him, trust Him, know Him, and follow Him everyday this year. Then you can expect the best!

 

 

Posted in Challenge, Encouragement, Expectation, Faith, Future, God's Will, Hebrews, Isaiah, New Beginning, New Year, Personal Growth, Preparation, Proverbs, Romans, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Do You Know What’s Going On Around You?

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Mark

At a class reunion I discovered that I have the dubious distinction of having more surgeries than anyone else in my senior class. For this accomplishment I received a yellow tee shirt with a reprint of the game “Operation” emblazoned on the front. I love it!

Having had a number of surgeries I have grown familiar with the routine. My first surgery since I was a child was a knee surgery to remove torn cartilage. As I began awakening from surgery I remember feeling pain and hearing voices, but being unable to open my eyes. I was still unaware of what was going on around me.

I share this because it reminds me of the very real possibility of going through life “anesthetized” to what is going on around us. I have discovered that even without medication I can be in “another world” and miss life.

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” Gen. 28:16

Unfortunately, I sense that a great many people are living their lives in a “fog” – out of touch with the life God intended for them to experience. We’ve all had someone bring us out of our thoughts by saying, “Are you listening?” While in school as a young person, I’ve had this happen with embarrassing frequency and my grades reflected it!

Of course, there is a need to meditate or simply sit and think. Surely we don’t do this enough, but thinking and meditating or reading and studying have nothing to do with the “fog” of life that concerns me.

It is a lack of awareness. Awareness of God’s presence. Awareness of other’s needs. Awareness of opportunities where God is working and awareness of His voice.

“Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).

Recently I was in Greenville and I had the privilege of meeting with Ken Hemphill, the Dean of the Doctorate of Ministries Department at North Greenville University. In addition to experience as a pastor, Hemphill has authored numerous books, served as the president of The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and started a publishing company; Auxano Press.

He is not only a wealth of practical knowledge of biblical church growth, but also embodies a passion that is contagious. You may be sure, as he answered my questions I took careful notes and paid close attention. I was not about to “daydream” or take my eyes off of his while he talked. I wanted to be “present” and not miss a thing.

Later that evening, I sat in a noisy restaurant while waiting for my son and daughter-in-law to meet me for dinner. I started going through my iPhone looking for messages, Tweets, Facebook updates – anything to pass the time. Then I simply asked God to help me be aware of what He is doing around me so that I not miss Him.

Shortly, amidst the cacophony of noise and conversation behind me I heard the phrase, “start a church.” I couldn’t make out much more, but that was enough. I wanted to meet this individual. As he and his wife stood to leave I said, “Excuse me, but did I hear you say that you were starting a church?” A broad smile came across the face of this handsome young man and he said, “Yes!”

I introduced myself to him and his wife and explained that I was a pastor and excited about anyone growing God’s Kingdom. He said he had been on staff with Perry Noble of New Spring Church and was soon moving to Indianapolis to launch a church. I was excited to meet him and told him I wanted to be sure to support them through my prayers.

When my son walked in I introduced him to the young church planter and his wife. As they talked, they quickly realized that they had played baseball against one another in college! What’s more, is that another young man who was going to Indy to help them played baseball with my son and had been a member of our church in Sumter! What a surprise!

You can imagine my delight to learn that a fine young men I knew was going to invest his life in such a cutting-edge work! I’m convinced that had God not led me to pray for “awareness” that I might have missed this.

What will you miss today by not being still and knowing He is God? What will you miss today by not begin aware of what is going on around you? What will you miss by living in your world instead of His?

“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed” (Ro. 13:11).

Listening,

 

Posted in Challenge, Encouragement, Personal Growth, Psalms, Romans, Time Management | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Too Busy for God?

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Mark

The Amphitheater at The Big South Fork National Park

Living next to the Big South Fork National Park was one of the rewards of working in eastern Tennessee. Whenever possible, my young son and I would explore this beautiful part of God’s creation. It seems the natural beauty made me more aware of His presence.

On one occasion I was visiting the park’s amphitheater to see if it would be appropriate for an outdoor worship service. I stopped and sat on the front row of the amphitheater, closed my eyes, stilled my thoughts and focused on Christ. I don’t know how long I sat there without moving and only praying quietly, but after some time I opened my eyes to see a beautiful tan fawn with white spots on its back only 15 feet away. I was amazed and sat motionless taking in this incredible moment. After a minute or two the fawn slowly walked off into the woods. I was in awe. I was in awe of God’s creation, but I was more in awe of God.

This moment is precious for several reasons, first how often do you get to observe a wild animal up close; especially a delicate little fawn. But the moment was precious before I opened my eyes and saw the fawn. Simply being in a quiet place and giving God my full attention made the time a treasure.

Not many of us have the privilege of living somewhere as magnificent as a national park. For perhaps most of us, the day has little to no silence or solitude. God designed us to need periods of rest and reflection in order to be whole and to hear His “still, small voice.” And of all times, this is the season we should be listening to Him and preparing to celebrate His birth.

You may say, “With all I have to do, how can I?”

There is One Who has an answer for you…but you must be still and let Him speak. Only then will we enjoy the relationship with God He intends for us to have.

This is the very reason He came to Bethlehem – to make a way that you and I could know Him in a real and personal way. What a tragedy it would be if we allowed the material blessings of the season to keep us from the very reason for the season!

Find a quiet place, even if it has to be your closet or bathroom. Choose a quiet time, even if it has to be before everyone gets up. Be still. Read the Christmas story. And just adore Him.

Let us all say along with Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1Sam. 3:9).

 

Posted in 1 Samuel, Christmas, Encouragement, Personal Growth | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Genius

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Mark

I was slow to give in, but when I decided to go to an iPhone it wasn’t long before I was “all in.” I liked the phone so much that when I found a reconditioned outgoing model MacBook at an electronics store I jumped at the discount and haven’t looked back. Apple products are popular for good reason; they work and they work well. The phenomenal success of Apple is largely due to the genius of its founder, Steve Jobs.

Jobs was more than remarkable, most would agree he was a genius. Beginning with a workshop in his garage and a [$1500] loan, Job’s vision, creativity and pursuit of excellence led Apple to the top. Sadly, his battle with cancer ended on [date] and the world lost a brilliant man.

As a result of his leadership millions of people’s lives are better. Apple computers have positively impacted nearly every field; from professionals in education, design, research, medicine and publishing (to name but a few) to the everyday consumer who uses an iPhone or an iPod.

Steve Jobs’ success was not purely due to his genius development of micro technology and innovative ideas for processing data. His influence on people made the difference. While not all of his personal and managerial skills would be considered exemplary (It has been said that Jobs was known for striking fear in the heart of his employees), his ability to inspire his workers to seek perfection in discovery and design multiplied his influence.

Today, from management to the young representatives in their stores, Apple employees carry Jobs’ confidence and commitment to excellence. Choosing to endow their Apple store technicians with the title of “genius” is not arrogance. It is an expectation of excellence as well as a sign of confidence in their staff.

But what is true “genius”? One helpful definition states, “Generally, it is accepted that a genius is not only someone with a very high IQ but also someone who breaks new ground with new ideas, discoveries, inventions or even works of art.”[i] Using Merriam-Webster’s definition of genius, clearly Jobs had “extraordinary intellectual power especially as manifested in creative activity” and was “endowed with transcendent mental superiority.”[ii] I particularly appreciate this definition because of one word – “endowed.” Jobs’ abilities were developed with discipline and hard work, but the essence of his capabilities came from His Creator.

Whereas there may be little the average person has in common with the genius of Steve Jobs, we may nevertheless enjoy a far greater potential than most of us realize. The same God Who created Einstein, Newton, and Mozart also created you. Your only limitation is His will. You can be anything He allows you to be and accomplish anything He enables you to accomplish.

Knowing this, many people have made the mistake of trying to “use” God to accomplish their own goals. This is a terrible blunder for many reasons, not the least of which is that our goals are far too limited and small compared to His will for us.

Few things are more tragic in life than wasted potential. The fact we must face is that even if we were endowed with the intellect and creativity of a genius we still would not reach our potential outside of a real and personal relationship with Christ.

We must understand that it is much more desirable to be truly wise than to be a genius. Scripture teaches us that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Pr. 9:10). We are told to “get wisdom” (Pr. 4:5) and to “seek for wisdom as for silver” (Pr. 2:4).

Wisdom is not only knowledge; it is the correct application of that knowledge. However much parents love their children and however smart they think they are, few would entrust their jewelry to them. The children simply are not wise enough to know how to care for such valuables.

Similarly, the average person, even those who are sincere Christ-followers, may go through life playing marbles with diamonds. We may look back one day and realize we daily allowed priceless treasures to pass through our hands never realizing their worth.

Every true treasure will be wasted without wisdom. Our health, relationships, resources, and opportunities never reach their potential outside of God’s guidance and enablement.

Unfortunately, too many are “wise in their own eyes” (Pr. 12:15). Their pride attempts to cover their inadequacies and they are not teachable. Destined to live in the “shallows” their growth is stymied. Only a real and personal relationship with Christ through humble surrender can rescue them from eternal insignificance.

Would you be wise? Seek the Lord. Look to Him in reverence and awe. Admit your utter inability to accomplish anything of eternal value without Him. Open the Bible and say, “O Lord, Teach me and make me truly wise!”


[i] Internet: http://www.aboutintelligence.co.uk/phenomenon-genius.html accessed October 19, 2011.

[ii] Internet: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genius accessed October 19, 2011.

Posted in Encouragement, Personal Growth, Proverbs, Success, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Bitter Rivalries and Broken Relationships

Posted on December 3, 2011 by Mark

Swinney

What happens when you combine hearsay with  presumption and a blend in some deep-seated animosity? You get an angry reaction – much like Clemson’s Dabo Swinney’s unfounded anger and rant against The University of South Carolina’s football program earlier this week.

Swinney has a reputation for being a fine coach and an even better man. His reaction was to what he had been told “The Old Ball Coach” of The University of South Carolina, Steve Spurrier, posted on Twitter.

Actually, what had been tweeted was not what Spurrier had said at all. He had not mentioned Clemson. The person who sent the tweet added the phrase provoking Swinney and the Clemson family.

Upon learning that he had been mistaken, Swinney pointed out the steps Spurrier should have taken to clear up the matter. At least in one response, he did not initially express any regret over his own comments.

As though the instate rivalry needed any fuel, Swinney’s comments naturally fanned the flame. The sometimes not-so-friendly feud among palmetto state residents has it’s highs and lows. Swinney’s comments may give ammunition to Carolina fans, it may be amusing to some, but I don’t believe it is a high point – for either side.

Swinney was right in saying, “And I don’t know if he really said that or not. I guess he did. There’s been no rebuttal. But if said that it’s disappointing to be honest with you. Because I was taught to win or lose with class. That’s kind of a childish thing to put out there, to be honest with you.”

Wise words. “IF” he said it. Who could find fault with this reaction. Unfortunately, he didn’t stop there. He began a diatribe against USC and Spurrier that was unwarranted.

This does not change my opinion of Swinney or Spurrier. Who has not said something that they should not have said? That’s true in sports rivalries. It’s true among friends, families, coworkers…and it’s true among believers.

One of the main causes of problems in a marriage is communication. Sadly, the same is true in churches. Only God knows how His mission is hindered and his people are hurt because of dissension among Christ-followers.

There will always be differences among fallen people. Good people disagree. Tragically, many times we don’t know how to prevent and heal offenses. We don’t know how to “agree to disagree agreeably.”

We can prevent many unnecessary hurts and misunderstandings if we will follow these Seven Simple Principles for Peaceful Relationships:

  1. Be Gracious – True or not, does it really matter? Can you not simply overlook it? There are few issues for which we should fight.
  2. Believe the Best – Think the best of someone until you are forced to think otherwise.
  3. Check Your Facts – Before you declare someone “guilty” would the evidence stand up in court? Too many people are “convicted” on hearsay evidence. Even if a trusted friend says something they could be mistaken.
  4. Don’t Rely On Feelings – Emotions can mislead us.
  5. Don’t Judge What You Can’t Judge – Only God knows our hearts. Resist the temptation to presume you know someone’s motives
  6. Go to the Source – If necessary, confront the one who supposedly caused the offense. Don’t go angry. Only when you can humble yourself, be peaceful, and truly listen. Swinney suggested Spurrier should have called him. Could Swinney not have made a personal call to his colleague and simply ask him?
  7. Forgive – God is well able to defend you, clear up misunderstandings, and deal with people who do wrong. Give it to Him and forgive as He forgave you.

God help us to heal the bitter rivalries and broken relationships in our churches! Our enemy is not each other, but the Evil One.

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.21 May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be onein Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.”                                                                                                     -Jesus (John 17:20-21 HCSB)

 

 

 
 
Internet: http://newsok.com/dabo-swinneys-mouth-lands-him-on-the-hot-seat/article/3628617 accessed December 2, 2011.
Internet: http://www.wltx.com/news/article/161612/2/Dabo-Slams-USC-Theyll-Never-Be-Clemson–?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Cbc%7Clarge accessed December 2, 2011.
Internet: http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=7305975 accessed December 3, 2011.
Internet: http://www.dailygamecock.com/sports/item/3020-dabo-swinney-lashes-out-at-steve-spurrier-usc-football-program accessed December 3, 2011.
Posted in Challenge, Church Health, Communication, Discipline, Dissension, Division, Family, Gossip, John, Personal Growth, Rumor, Slander | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 88 Comments

Grateful

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Mark
Gratitude Liberates

Gratitude Liberates

What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?

Perhaps, like me I immediately think of the years my entire family has been able to gather together and enjoy a delicious meal and uninterrupted time with one another.

While those memories are priceless, there is one Thanksgiving that taught me to be thankful like no other. While visiting some friends who serve God in an Islamic Republic I was fortunate enough to be with them over the day we Americans celebrate as Thanksgiving.

It was a bitterly-cold, snowy day when we gathered together in their warm home to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal. The room was full of happy voices and the smells of turkey, vegetables, pie, and baked bread. The scene was almost like a Norman Rockwell painting come-to-life. We surrounded the table laden with food with our heads bowed and a window view of the snowy city served as a backdrop. Young and excited children respectfully grew quiet as we stood around the table, joined hands and my gracious host gave thanks.

As he prayed, we were deeply thankful because we knew that there was no doubt that only God could have allowed us to experience this memorable time together. Consider our Thanksgiving meal, in America, stores are loaded with an overwhelming variety of food for the holiday. But in this secluded part of the world it was very different. It was no small feat that the lady of the house searched markets for weeks in advance in order to assemble the necessary ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Where she couldn’t find something, she improvised. I brought simple things from America like cranberry sauce, canned celery, and sweet potatoes. We enjoyed a feast that was rare in this part of the world. Thank You Lord!

…the hammer and sickle and statues of Lenin             were still prominent 

It was not only the food for which we were thankful. You see, just a few years earlier Americans, especially American Christ-followers, would not have been allowed to be in this great country because it was at the heart of the former Soviet Union. It would have been unheard of for Americans to live relatively free where the hammer and sickle and statues of Lenin were still prominent. Thank You Lord!

But what is even more amazing than the fact that we were serving Christ in the former Soviet Union is the fact that we were serving Him in an Islamic Republic! We knew it was a privilege to be allowed to be there so we were careful to obey all the laws of our host country, respected the beliefs of others, yet were still able to make many friends and introduce them to the One True God. God had opened the door and allowed us to obediently enter. Thank You Lord!

In our hearts we saw what God had done. We considered His provision. We were grateful for our health. We were in awe of His love and grace as well as the amazing opportunity before us. When my friend said, “Amen!” there was an echo from the rest of us.

God help us to be just as grateful as we celebrate this day of giving thanks. And wherever we may be, may we express our gratitude with a renewed commitment to sharing His story with those around us.

Be sure to share your favorite Thanksgiving memory by commenting below!

Gratefully,

 

 

 

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. 

-Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)

Posted in Family, Freedom, Gratitude, Mission, Psalms | Tagged , , , , | 35 Comments

Your Epitaph – What Would You Have it to Say?

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Mark

What Will Your Epitaph Be?

God desires that we live our lives in such a way that the preacher won’t have to search for good things to say about us at our funeral. I heard the story of a man named Bill whose brother Will had passed away. Will didn’t attend church so Bill had to find a pastor to preach his brother’s funeral.

The deceased was a well-known swindler, tax-evader, cheat, liar, and even blasphemous. His brother asked the pastor not to mention any of the negative things about his brother, but tell everyone how godly, good, and noble he was and how faithful he was to his family. Bill told the pastor, “If you’ll just say these good things about Will, I’ll give you $100.”

During the funeral, when it came time for the eulogy, the pastor wondered how he could say any good words about a man who was so bad. Then he had an idea.

“As all of you know,” The pastor began, “Will was a gambler, a cheat, a swindler, a liar, who loved to run-around on his wife and cursed God, but I believe he was a saint… compared to his brother Bill!”

Ouch!

We expect people to say nice things about those who have died,  but we would all hope that when our funerals are held that the nice things said would be true. What is an even better goal is that the nice things that are said really matter long after we are gone.

It is true that if someone wanted to say negative things about us, they could. None are perfect. Even so, when it is all said and done, wouldn’t it be great to have made a difference in this world for God? Wouldn’t it be satisfying to face death knowing that you have impacted lives for Christ and that your legacy will last generations?

How to Ensure Your Epitaph is Eternal

  1. Get Real and Get Right – Ultimately it doesn’t matter what people say about us. What really matters is what God says about us. Be honest to God. Don’t fool yourself into believing your own press releases. God knows your heart. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Ask Him to forgive you, cleans you, and make you the person He wants you to be.
  2. Major on the Minors – Continue to seek God and adjust your life to His plan. Stay in God’s word each day and choose to order your life in a way that is pleasing to Him. Take time to listen as well as talk in prayer. Determine to be faithful in the little things – even when nobody is around.
  3. Love those God Loves – God so loved the world that He gave His Son. You will never meet someone whom God does not love. Consider others more important than yourself. Ask God to use you to express His love to them.
  4. Love God with All You’ve Got– Above all, seek to know God more intimately and love Him more deeply each day. Do not allow anything or anyone to distract you from Him.

Through utter dependence upon the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, as well as utter determination to finish well, you can know that your life will make an eternal difference. Either directly or indirectly, God will use you to touch your children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, as well as your neighbors, friends, and acquaintances. 

My goal for an epitaph? Malachi 2:6

“True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness and turned many from sin.”

Yes, it is a lofty goal, but I know it is God’s will. And by God’s grace, it shall be true.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jude 24-25 (NIV)

Posted in Challenge, Death, Discipline, Encouragement, God's Will, Humor, Jude, Legacy, Malachi, Personal Growth, Preparing to Die, Reputation | Tagged , , , | 35 Comments

Disciplined Drive

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Mark

While in high school I had unusual drive to succeed in sports even if I was only average in the classroom. From one sport to the next, I was determined not only to make the team, but also make a difference on the team. To endure the pain of running cross-country I would repeat a verse of Scripture in my mind.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Cor. 9:24).

At the time, I did not understand the context of the passage. What I did know was that only one person was going to win the race and if I was going to be the one, I’d better train harder than anyone else. I took the verse out of context and made it fit my circumstances.

But God had a lot more in mind than a ribbon, medal, or some temporary trophy when He led Paul to write these words.  The goal, the dream, the “prize” for which Paul devoted himself to winning was completing the mission given to Him by God – the clear communication of the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.

Like an athlete, Paul was in “strict training” (v.25) and was not content with going through the motions (v.26).

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize  (1Cor. 9:27 NIV).

Using a figure of speech, Paul basically said, “I keep my body – I keep myself – under control. I rule it; it does not rule me.” This self-discipline is what everyone needs to overcome challenges and achieve God’s best for their lives.

B-52 Flyby

Captain Ray Baker flew for the Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. He developed discipline through his military training. Serving as a pilot in the Air Force required extraordinary discipline. This was especially true serving in a war zone.

When he came home to California on a furlough, his nephew, Martin Baker took him out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. As they were eating and enjoying dinner together Captain Baker suddenly dropped his utensils and ran out of the restaurant.

Martin followed him out the door and caught up to him in the parking lot where he asked him where he was going. “I was looking for my plane,” he replied. He was actually looking for his B-52. When Martin asked him why he suddenly ran out to find his plane he said, “I heard the buzzer!” Then Martin realized that there was a buzzer in the restaurant above their table that was used to let the waiters know a meal was ready. When it rang, Captain Baker’s discipline took over and he reacted as he was trained.

Discipline is necessary for success in life. A lack of discipline as a pilot could easily cost a pilot his life and the lives of others as well. Being undisciplined as a student will cause grades to decline. Eating without discipline will cause our health to decline. An undisciplined life is a vulnerable life rather than a victorious life.

Paul told Timothy,

“Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1Tim. 4:7b-8 NIV).

Many times when I was young I sacrificed in an attempt to run faster, play better, be stronger, earn a letter, impress a girl, or win a scholarship. Now that I am older I continue to exercise, but for different reasons. Now I work out in order to be healthy, burn off stress and compete in a mens’ baseball league. While these goals are good and exercise is important, we should ask ourselves is it not more important to discipline ourselves spiritually in order to follow Christ more closely?

We may not be one of our military’s elite, but if we are going to avoid being a “casualty” of complacency we must develop our discipline.  We may not be training for the next Olympics, but if we want to be a real “competitor” for Christ rather than simply being a part of the “crowd” we must devote ourselves to growing through discipline.

Consider this question posed by best-selling author, Joe Girard on Twitter, “What choices on a daily basis set you apart from your colleagues?”[1] Or, if I may rephrase it, What choices on a daily basis set you apart as one ready to join God in His work?

In order for us to respond immediately to the “voice” of God as Captain Baker responded to the sound of the bell, we must make daily choices that develop a disciplined life. A drive that is disciplined is focused and fruitful.

[1] Girard, Joe. Twitter; September 17, 2011.

Posted in 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy, Accomplishment, Personal Growth | Tagged , , , , , , | 39 Comments

The Healthy Church – Connected

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Mark

Healthy Churches are Connected to the Vine

When you hear the word, “church” what comes to your mind? Depending on your background it could be something positive or negative. Even so, is your understanding of the word “church” biblical? Does the word “church” mean the same thing to you as it is meant in Scripture? Is your view of “church” what God intends for it to be or is it based upon what you’ve heard from others or the traditions your family has observed? Do you have an accurate view of what “a” church or “the” church is supposed to be?

This is the first installment in a series of weekly blogs addressing the images of the church in the New Testament. If we want to see our churches be all God intends for them to be we would be wise to know how God revealed her in Scripture. As we saw in our introduction to this series, the church is a group of Christ-followers. Here, we will see that the health of a church is dependent upon how His followers are connected to Him.

The first image of the church given in the New Testament was given by the Lord Jesus Himself and is the image of a Vineyard.  The image of a vine is used throughout ancient cultures, but Jesus’ reference has its basis in the Old Testament.  According to Carson, “Most remarkable is the fact that whenever historic Israel is referred to under this figure, it is the vine’s failure to produce good fruit that is emphasized, along with the corresponding threat of God’s judgment on the nation. Now, in contrast to such failure, Jesus claims, ‘I am the true vine’, i.e. the one to whom Israel pointed, the one that brings forth good fruit.”[i]  Therefore, the Lord Himself provides personal assurance that because of Who He is, He will most certainly do what Israel, as a whole, did not do – bear fruit.

How then will the Lord accomplish this eternally important task?  The answer lies within His own words to His disciples in John 15.  There He not only claims to be the Vine, He identifies His followers as the “branches.”

Gardeners understand that it is not the vine itself that directly bears fruit, but the shoots or branches attached to the vine.  In this very passage the Lord emphasized the critical necessity of “abiding” in Him in order to bear fruit.  Attempting to bear fruit apart from the vine would be utter futility.  He accomplishes His task through His people. We can accomplish nothing without Him.

Whether or not His people are connected to Him, as a branch to the vine, and experiencing a growing relationship with Him will determine whether or not our churches are successful in fulfilling His task. When a church is unhealthy or dysfunctional there may be many symptoms and associated causes, but ultimately it is because His people are not abiding or in an ongoing connection with Christ.

We will continue to explore the implications of being connected with Christ intimately and continuously in the next part of this series. Until then, ask yourself if you are truly “connected” with Christ through the new birth (John 3). Have you genuinely turned to Christ, placed your trust in Him as the resurrected Son of God? Do you recognize Him as the Lord and therefore, surrendered your life to follow Him? This is where our “connection” with God begins. Once God establishes this relationship with us, it can never be broken, but the intimacy of this relationship may be hindered unless we are careful to follow Him through obedience.

Therefore, if we are to enjoy His fellowship and bear fruit, we must faithfully follow Him. Without this intimate connection with Christ any hope of spiritual health for ourselves individually or for our church would be futile.

 

 

© Mark Bordeaux

[i] Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John (Page 513). Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, Mich.: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans.

Posted in Church Growth, Church Health, John | Tagged , , , , , , | 124 Comments

Developing Drive

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Mark

At 7:45pm August 8, 2011, Diana Nyad dove into the water off the shores of Cuba on her second attempt to swim the 103-miles to the United States. A marathon swim in the ocean would be a monumental challenge for any athlete, but for the rest of us just the idea would be laughable. But not for Diana. She had drive.

Her goal was to be the first one to make the swim without a shark cage and she expended every ounce of her strength and resources to make the attempt. She had been training for two years by swimming six to twelve hours a day. A goal this challenging could not be attempted alone so she assembled a team of 30 – many of whom were specialists – to help her throughout the swim. Before she could even get into the water and begin her attempt there were huge bureaucratic hurdles to overcome. Ultimately, she had to be willing to risk her life. Her drive revealed itself in her persistence as well as the price she was willing to pay.

Nyad and everyone who seeks to accomplish a great task must have a deep desire; a drive from within, to complete an objective or reach a goal. But what is necessary to have this determination? What are the necessary ingredients to a healthy drive? Can drive be developed?

Developing Drive

  1. Begin with a dream – What would motivate Nyad to attempt such a feat? In her case, it began with a dream. The 61-year-old said she has been dreaming of this all her life. Not every dream is worthy of investment. A dream that does not originate with God is not a dream – it is a silly fantasy at best and a nightmare at worst. “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:4 ESV).
  2. Reach for what is worthy – Life is bigger than us. Other people matter. It is not all about you. Don’t waste precious resources on goals that are selfish and only provide a short-lived reward. Ask: “Does my dream bring glory to Christ?” If you can’t honestly say, “yes,” then it is not worthy.
  3. Consider the consequences of failure – Truett Cathy, the president and founder of Chic-Fil-A wrote a book entitled, It is Easier to Succeed than to Fail. If your drive to accomplish something does not take into account the cost of failure it may be because your goal doesn’t really matter. But a worthy goal that is bigger than yourself will create an innate drive because failure is unacceptable. “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NIV).
  4. Answer His call – When you know that your goal is a part of His plan for your life you can withstand incredible challenges because you know God will enable you to accomplish His will. “He Who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it” (1 Thes. 5:24 ESV).
  5. Accept His plan – When you look at the ultimate aim of your life can you say, “I was born for this”? When you are following His plan and not your own you are a part of His epic adventure. Finding satisfaction in Him is your destiny. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11 NIV).

God has designed us in such a way that we find fulfillment in challenges. Reaching for goals and straining towards accomplishments beyond ourselves brings out the best in us. Don’t settle for less than His will for your life.

 

 

 

© Mark Bordeaux

Posted in 1 Thessalonians, Acts, Challenge, Personal Growth, Psalms | Tagged , , , , , , , | 130 Comments