Biblical Community

James 5:13-20

True, biblical community…what does it look like? The picture that scripture paints is one of getting involved in the lives of others for forgiveness, healing, celebration, and restoration. Not simply to be there for others, expecting transparency on their behalf. But to allow ourselves, as well, to be transparent in true humility and meekness, that we may be an open book to a few trusted friends. And to share with these trusted friends the seasons of our soul; the prosperous times, as well as the tough times, including sins we’ve committed.

God always allows and uses these seasons of the soul to call us to action. And the call to action is to produce a greater godliness in each of us; that we learn the deeper truths of the grace and mercy of God the Father.

The audience James is addressing is believers, church-goers, Christ-followers. When he says, “is any of you in trouble?” he’s talking to church folk, not the prostitute on the street or the professional thief. We get into trouble; we mess things up, sometimes on purpose. We’re fallen, and we still tend to wallow in our sins. It’s a temporary season each of us experiences at various times in our spiritual journey. James asks, “Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy (of a good mind; prospering), let him sing songs of praise. Is any of you sick (weak). He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.”

These are seasons each of us has endured. Can you recall times when you were in trouble; when Satan’s temptation got a foothold and you opened the door to sin? Were you quick to seek God for forgiveness in prayer? And did you confess to a trusted friend your temporary slip-up for accountabilities’ sake?

When you’re happy do you sing songs of praise to God thanking him for his goodness? This too is a temporary state. Frustration and stress could be just around the next corner (please know that we can experience the joy of the Lord even in seasons of darkness. Joy can be constant; happiness not necessarily so).

When you’re weak with sickness in your body, do you include your church leaders to pray over you that you would be healed? Hopefully they’re trained and prepared to pray the prayer of healing.

James paints this picture of community for us so that the seasons we journey through are not traveled alone. We have a God-commissioned responsibility to share our burdens with one another; to rejoice with one another; and to pray for one another. And our prayers for one another are powerful, even saving us from death.

Will you make accountability a priority in 2009? Make a spiritual pact with a few close friends; to confess temptations and short-comings, and agree to pray for one another daily.

Lord, I thank you that you use us to sharpen one another. Thank you for the healing that comes from trusted friendships. Amen.

Boasting in my Weaknesses

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Has God been gracious to you to show you things in the spirit that most people haven’t been shown? As fallen people, we have much temptation to boast in such revealings. After all, to be shown a dimension of God that’s rarely seen or understood by others is special stuff. I’ve often wondered why the privilege is bestowed on a few. I suggest that the answer is, that God knows the heart of man, and he knows who he can trust with what’s been given. He knows if someone will become puffed-up with conceit. I have to ask myself, do I boast in the revelations of God; am I someone special to receive such spiritual insight? Or, like Paul, do I say, “you know, I could boast in these things, and it would be the truth; but what would I gain from it?” “Instead I’ll boast about my short-comings and my weaknesses, because that’s when God’s power rests on me.”

He goes on to say, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

But why does confessing our weaknesses cause God’s power to rest on us? I believe it’s a humility/pride issue. Nothing good ever comes from pride. It’s all about self, and putting self in front of others. Paul says in Philippians 2, “in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Humility always produces godliness. Giving up your place in line; allowing someone else a first choice; confessing a short-coming to a trusted friend. This is God’s pathway to righteousness. Humility says, “I screwed up, and it’s my fault.” Pride says, “I may have screwed up, but it wasn’t my fault.”

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul says, “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” Even as he asked God to take away the “thorn,” God said, “no, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

So there is a cost. But the cost of enduring hardship and confessing weaknesses pales in comparison to knowing God intimately and having his power rest on us.

Another year is gone, and the clean slate of 2009 is before us. Are you ready to step into the new year with a desire for God’s power to rest on you? I am. The cost is humility, expressed and evidenced by confession of weakness and short-comings; and putting the needs of others before our own.

I’ll finish with James 5:16…”confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.”

Lord, may I always be quick to confess my sins and weaknesses to you and to my close friends. And may your power rest on me, for your glory, that others may see Jesus. Amen.

Taking Thoughts Captive

Possibly the hardest aspect of living an upright life is keeping my thoughts pure and focused on God. Believe it or not, prayer time for me can be the most difficult time to stay focused. I guess that really shouldn’t surprise me, because I know that Satan doesn’t want me to have clarity of thought when I pray, and experience intimacy with God the Father. He’ll throw just about anything in my path to divert me. Recently, in a time of prayer, I found myself battling countless images and thoughts attempting to drag my mind away to wander aimlessly. The sense I had was of a soldier in Vietnam, fighting his way through the brush, looking for an opening. But the sticks, limbs, and tall grass kept hindering his vision as he attempted to walk through.

In my prayer time, as I attempted to press through to effective prayer, these thoughts and images kept coming at me, making it tough to want to continue praying.

Then God brought 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 to mind. This says that He has given us authority to tell our thoughts to straighten up and fly right. Our whole being needs to be in submission to God. That includes our words, our actions, and our thoughts. Other people witness our Christian (or non-Christian) example by our words and actions. They can’t see our thoughts. They don’t know the battles we fight in our mind.

For a Christian, probably more so than a non-Christian, the battle to keep our thoughts in check is the greatest battle of all. I would even say that the mind is the battlefield in which our battles are won and lost.

Intense prayer is not easy. James 5:16 says “The fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” We can’t believe even for a second that Satan wants our prayers to God to be powerful and effective. Our prayers, when offered in faith, have tremendous influence in the spiritual realm. And we can be certain that our enemy will do all he can to distract us from effective prayer.

So how do we combat those diversions? Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, he gave his authority to his disciples, which is also passed onto us (read John 17). All things were subject to the authority of Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Paul teaches us that we don’t wage war like the world does, because we fight with divine power and authority. Let this passage in 2 Corinthians sink in deep…

Corinthians 10:3-5 (New International Version)

3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The authority of Jesus in us was imparted to us so that we would have authority in the spiritual realm, just as Jesus did (does). When the enemy comes in like a flood with distracting thoughts, we have the weapon of Jesus’ authority to command them to be obedient to Christ Jesus.

God bless……..Brian

Tis the Season

As I foolishly agreed to go to Walmart on Friday morning at 5 am, I came to grips with the fact it’s really here…..the Christmas shopping season. What happened to October?

It seems like we’re always anticipating the next season. I think we all look forward to Spring when the freeze of Winter has us in its grip. I get my hopes up in February when the trees bud after a brief warm-up; only to be brought back to reality with the next frigid blast from Canada. Springtime is fickle, giving us glimpses of Summer to come, yet reminding us that Winter is not completely behind us. June can’t get here fast enough. By the time the August heat rolls around, I’m ready for bonfire weather, complete with sweatshirts and hot chocolate. I do, however feel sorry for my neighbor, as he gets all of my falling leaves. A couple of weeks ago as I was pulling into my driveway, there he was with a leaf-blower, blowing them all back into my yard (with a smile on his face, of course).

Fall is the time of year that seems to bring the most contentment. The beauty of the changing leaves, and the crispness of the autumn air, causes us to want it to hang around a little longer. As October’s beauty gives way to the nakedness of November’s cold, our thoughts begin to gravitate towards Thanksgiving and Christmas. Who of us doesn’t yearn for the warmth of heart that these family holidays bring; and the anticipation that comes from making plans to see family and friends…not to mention the hope that snow will be falling when you get up on Christmas morning.

Our secular society has done its best to steal Christmas. Removing “Christmas” from advertising should upset us, but it shouldn’t rob us of the reality of God’s Truth, that He sent his only Son; to be born of a virgin; to live a perfect life; and die sacrificially for you and me, so that we can stand clean before Him.

In this wonderful season of Christmas, as we enjoy the decorations, lights, school programs, special gatherings, and other warm & fuzzy things, let us remember… “For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11. Have a wonderful holiday season.

Brian

Interrupted Lives

Individuality is one of our created blessings as God’s creative crowning achievement. We’re made in his image; for his glory; and for his pleasure. Our individual uniqueness is as varied as the color spectrum. And with this uniqueness comes the variations in which each of us deals with adversity and change. James encourages us to “…consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds…” Some of us welcome life changes, and trials, because they make us stronger; while others cringe at the very thought of change in direction.

In a recent time of devotion, I came across another passage in James that challenges us to loosen our grip on our own self-made plans.

Here are a couple of questions we should ask ourselves…

Am I the type of person who lives by my blackberry…hour by hour…meeting by meeting…with a specific agenda to keep to?

Am I the type of person who would rather take things as they come, remembering a few things on my “to do” list…as long as I get some things accomplished?

How do you react when someone, or something, comes along and throws your entire well-planned schedule out the window? Do you take it in stride…or do the wheels fall off?

Here’s what James 4:13-15 says…
13-Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14-Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15-Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

Here are just a few more questions…

When was the last time your schedule was interrupted by God?
What did that day end up looking like?
How did you react when you realized your agenda was going to be set aside?
How long did it take for you to realize that God was changing your plans?

I have a recent personal story. It is not earth-shattering, nor is it really that spiritual. But it completely interrupted my own plans. I have not been sleeping well for the past three weeks. I’m sure you’ve been there. My body is plenty tired, but I just can’t shut down my mind…very frustrating. So, many nights I’ve gotten out of bed and watched TV until 2 or 3 am. Last Saturday night I thought for sure that this was the night I was going to get a full night’s rest. I even went to bed at 9:30 to take advantage of how tired I was. I hadn’t fully fallen asleep yet at 11:30, when the phone rang. It was our son calling from a gas station clear on the other side of town. He was putting gas in the car, but when he got back in to start the car, it wouldn’t start. He needed me to come and jump it. I can’t express to you the level of frustration I felt; being in my warm bed for two hours on the verge of much-needed sleep. Now I have to get up, go out in the cold, drive clear across town to jump my son’s car, which will take all of 60 seconds. I was about half way across town when I kind of sighed, and said to God, “you’re messing with my plans, aren’t you God.” I calmed down, helped my son, and came back home. Guess what…I went to bed, couldn’t sleep, got up and watched TV til about 3 am. The only real change as a result of this experience was that God was reminding me not to get caught up in my own plans, as important as they may seem, because he may have something else in mind.

I shared this scripture with our college group at church this week, made up mostly of high school seniors. I asked them to apply this scripture to their college plans. I asked them if they had left room in their plans for God to change them if he wanted to. A look of stress came over one of the girls. She said, “If I don’t get into U of I my life will be over.” That’s tough to respond to because so much of her time and energy has gone into these plans, that to simply say “lighten up,” would be a slap in the face. She needed to know that God wants her to make specific plans, and that in all likelihood, her college destination will be U of I; because it’s a good fit for her, personally and academically. Her hard work will be rewarded.

I encouraged her, and the others, to pray this prayer…
“Lord, I’m so glad that you know me, and that you direct my plans. My plan is to go to U of I and major in _______. I ask that you bless my plans and open the right doors for me. But if you have another path for me, I’m willing to go where you lead. Open the doors that you would have me walk through, and give me your wisdom to make the right choices.”

This should be our prayer, no matter what plans we make. It completely takes the pressure off of us. It’s his plan, not ours. We need to be faithful to lead productive lives for the Kingdom. I hope you’re interrupted soon.

Brian

Goings on

This year has brought a good number of changes to my life…..all good. I used to look forward to sitting down and writing my thoughts here, for various reasons. One is that I enjoy the process of writing down the things that God shows me, either through experiences, or as I seek him in quietness. Another is that I feel a sense of responsibility to convey the Truth I’ve been entrusted with. Yet another is reading your replies; as what I’ve experienced, you share in them and glean truth and encouragement from it.

God has brought changes this year. As I came on staff at Logan Street Baptist Church, I knew He was putting me in a place that he had been preparing me for for several years. In the 7 months that I’ve been there, there has been much fruit. And along with that has come the sense of finally being in the place I was created for…leading people in worship, and ministering to the college and career-aged young adults. I have thrown myself into the position, and I am loving every single minute of it.

I hadn’t checked my blog stats in a very long time…thinking that since I hadn’t written in such a long time, that probably no one has been visiting. Well I was wrong; folks are still visiting quite frequently. I’m very grateful that you continue to visit this blog to check up on me and read my thoughts.

Another thing that has taken up a considerable amount of my time this year is a new radio station. We’re not yet on the air, but after a 7 year process with the FCC, we received our final approval just last week, and hope to be on the air by mid to late November. We will be a full-time Contemporary Christian station broadcasting at 90.9 FM. Our call letters are WVYN, and we will be known as “90.9 the Vine.” Please visit our web site at www.wvyn.org for additional information. As you can guess, we’re extremely excited about what God is doing, and the “buzz” that’s being generated in the area.

Things will continue to be very hectic as things progress at the church and the radio station, but I do hope to blog more often, as I seem to be settling into this hectic schedule.

I feel compelled to encourage you to read Psalm 46 today. Take care.

Brian

A mini-movie of Grace

I’m back. Thanks for your patience.

In a recent time of prayer and quietness with the Lord, I was drawn to pray about my own integrity, as well as the character and integrity of those around me, such as my family and those I have partnered with in ministry. And as I prayed in that direction, the Lord gave me a picture of what seemed to be a crime scene investigator and his partner digging for clues relating to a crime. It was a dark, wet night, and this man wore a trench coat and hat. As I looked closer at this movie playing in my mind, I realized that the investigator was actually digging for inconsistencies in the personal testimonies in the lives of Christians, to expose them to the world. A closer look still, and I realized that it was actually my life that he was digging up, trying to expose my inner-most thoughts, intentions, motivations, and actions. As he continued to dig further to expose these areas, my heart began to race with anxiety, knowing that what he uncovered would be “out there” for all to see. How embarrassing and humiliating this was going to be when he successfully uncovered what I had successfully hidden for all these years. Continuing to observe him, I noticed him becoming increasingly frustrated with his dig, until finally he threw his shovel to the ground, looked over to his boss, and said…”Sorry Chief, there’s nothing here but Jesus.”

As God brought this mini-motion picture to a close, I was humbled at God’s amazing grace, and was so incredibly grateful, knowing that as the devil attempts to destroy us, that we have such a loving heavenly Father who protects us and keeps us. God, through His Son Jesus, has removed the old, and has made us new creations in Him (2 Cor. 5:17)

Hebrews 11:6 says that He rewards those who earnestly seek him. Earnestly means with a pure heart. I’m so glad that the love of God, through Jesus, found me and has forgiven my past, and set my present and future on a solid path lighted by his holy Word.

Brian

Where have I been?

Thanks for your patience. It’s been nearly 2 months since I’ve written, due mainly to the fact that I’ve been quite busy with my new church responsibilities. But I have a couple of things brewing in me that I look forward to sharing with you very soon. So please come back often.

God bless!

Brian

The End of a short, but meaningful era

Death and Taxes; we know we can’t avoid them. To see God without dying is a privilege only Elijah experienced in the Old Testament. Hebrews 9:27 says “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” It is appointed for us to die. When, where, and how is written in God’s appointment book. To avoid taxes is unethical, not to mention illegal. Very few ever get away with not “rendering to Caesar.”

If we live out our lives with the single desire to be pleasing to our Heavenly Father, there is something else distinctly unavoidable for us. And that is….CHANGE! Proverbs 16:9 says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” If I’m a soft, moldable piece of clay in the hands of God, he will bring us to, and take us through, changes in the course of life, even though our plans may have been to stay on the course we were on.

Many of you know that I’ve been a member of The Shepherdsmen Quartet for about a year and a half. We recorded 2 CDs with me as a member, logged countless miles in the bus, witnessed the Lord do amazing things in us and through us, and experienced friendships that will last a lifetime. There was no end in sight, and we were looking forward to 2008 as another year of great music and ministry.

Here are a couple more scriptures… 1 Corinthians 2:9 “Eye has not seen , no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” And Colossians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory…”

God, in his wisdom, had another path for me. Unexpectedly I was approached by the pastor of Logan Street Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL, and was offered the position of Contemporary Worship Leader. This is something that I had not pursued, nor did I know they were looking for such a person. Tina and I took a few days to pray about it, and felt very strongly that I was to accept the position.

Needless to say, we knew that business as usual with The Shepherdsmen would be affected. To be committed to both would mean that the effectiveness of each ministry would suffer. Discussions led to the decision that the quartet should forge ahead without me; to find a replacement so that they can move forward without hindrance, ministering as often as possible; which would be nearly impossible with me needing to be at Logan Street every Sunday morning.

So I leave behind fond memories of effective labor for God’s Kingdom as a member of The Shepherdsmen Quartet. And I look forward to the challenges and blessings that lie ahead, as a new season of ministry begins at Logan Street Baptist.

I close this post with one of my favorite “promise” scriptures. Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

I pray today that you remain soft in his hands.

Brian

What will you choose today?

This morning as I was spending time in prayer, without consciously thinking about it, I found myself saying to God, “Lord, I choose to lay down my burdens; I choose to live uprightly before you; I choose to be an encouragement today; I choose to seek you with all I have; I choose Your word to be my influence.” I didn’t begin my prayer time that way. But I did begin by worshiping Him, which led to asking him to reveal His glory. And when your heart is pure before God, and you catch even a minute glimpse of His glory, that which we choose to do becomes God-focused, instead of self-focused.

We have God’s Word to lead us in the way of right thinking. It cleanses us; redirects us; and reveals to us the heart of God, which is for us not against us. If we choose today to submit ourselves to his life-giving Word (Jesus), our desires will change; and those desires will result in choices that bring honor to Him.

God bless you today………….Brian