God is always looking for those who know they don’t have all the answers. He uses those who are humble in spirit. Arrogance has no room in the kingdom of God. People who don’t think they need God will never experience God. Jesus says we need to be like little children to enter the kingdom. It’s a matter of faith and trust. When we trust God we believe what He says without proof. We accept that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. We don’t need anything more than His Word – because His Word is Love.
The Hope of the World
People run away from accepting who they are and try to be something they are not. They create false selves and unfulfilled lives looking for something that will satisfy their empty hearts. The irony is that what they need and what they are looking for is closer to them than their next breath. Jesus desires for us to live the lives we were created to live. He desires to fill us with His love so that we may share this love with others. Jesus wants to see the world come to God through the light and testimonies of those who have been touched and healed by Him. There is no greater love, no greater power, no greater hope for the restoration of planet earth than Jesus Christ. He is the hope of the world.
The Power of Words
There is nothing more powerful than words. “In the beginning God said let there be…and there was.” We can’t have thoughts without words. We cannot describe our surroundings or even identify ourselves without words. All inventions, innovations, medical advances, new technologies were conceived through thoughts and given birth through the use of words.
Words can also be used as weapons with devastating results. “I hate you.” “You’re stupid.” “You’ll never amount to anything.” All wars first began through the use of words.
Words are powerful. They bring blessings or curses. Peace or war. They hurt or they heal. We need to always be careful about what we think and say. Use your words to bless, build up and encourage, not to tear down or tear apart.
I invite you to share words of blessings to as many people a day as possible. Speak encouragement into the lives of others. Not only will they be blessed, but you will be blessed as well.
The Difference is You
One of the biggest differences between God and the gods of other religions is compassion. God deeply cares for others. He wants people to love Him and live long healthy lives. He also wants those who love Him to love others on His behalf. This is why it is so important for followers of Jesus to express love and kindness to everyone they meet. We never know when a warm embrace, an act of hospitality, or a listening heart will open the door for someone to experience the love of God for the very first time. It is through our words and our actions that God changes lives. Show someone you care – today.
No PDA
Every now and then you will see someone with a bullhorn or boombox standing on a street corner or on a college campus ranting and raving about those who do not believe in Jesus going to hell. The question is does this fairly represent the Christian faith? The answer is no. Jesus says no way to PDA (Public Display of Affliction). Those who are following Jesus do not threaten people with condemnation. They represent Jesus by sharing His love for them through kindness and acts of service. You cannot threaten or frighten people into a relationship. Jesus did not come to condemn you. He came to love you. It is His deepest desire for you to receive that love and to share that love with those who have not yet experienced it. It is a love that not only will change your life, but a love that will change the world.
Belief or Faith?
What does it mean to “believe” in Jesus? Does it mean you believe Jesus was a real historical person who lived, breathed, and died on this planet? Does it mean that you believe in His teachings? Or does it mean that you believe He is who He says He is and that He was resurrected from the dead and lives today? How does believing in Jesus affect your life?
Most people who profess believing in Jesus live their lives as if Jesus was crucified, dead and buried. They read and learn about Him, but they don’t walk and talk with Him. As a result they live their lives as though Jesus doesn’t exist. They worry, they get stressed out, they try to overcome their problems on their own because a dead man can offer no help or assistance to the living.
Followers of Jesus know that their Lord and Savior lives. He is interactive in their daily lives. When they pray, they know He listens. They do not worry or get stressed out over daily living because they know He walks with them. They can do all things through Jesus because He gives them the strength to do so.
A belief in Jesus is worthless. Faith and confidence in Jesus and the willingness to follow and trust Him is priceless and will change your life forever.
Vulgar Language
George Carlin, master wordsmith, comedian, and commentator on culture, passed away last year at the age of 71. Carlin gained noteriety as well as popularity with his comedy routine, “The Seven Words You can Never Say on Television.” These words are considered to be vulgar and are “bleeped” everytime they are expressed over the airwaves.
Vulgar language also has no place in church. The most vulgar phrase I have ever heard expressed in the church is this one: The church is a business! It is usually expressed by leaders and members of the finance committee. This phrase is obscene to followers of Jesus. The church of Jesus Christ is NOT and will NEVER be a business. If that were the case pastors would be required to have BA’s rather than MDIV degrees.
Here are some differences: Businesses are based on worldly man-made principles; the church of Jesus Christ is based on supernatural Kingdom of God principles. A business cannot afford to take an unnecessary risk; the church cannot afford not to. A business is an organization; the church is a living organism. The bottom line for a business is the dollar sign. The bottom line for the church is changed lives. I could go on, but I think you get the point. Whenever the church is run like a business it becomes a well-oiled machine on the brink of spiritual bankrupty.
Volunteers Need Not Apply
Everywhere you go these days, people are talking about volunteers. The Hospital needs volunteers. Meals on Wheels needs volunteers. Homeless shelters and food banks all need volunteers. And that’s great. I think every social and charitable organization needs to recruit volunteers. But when it comes to the church volunteers need not apply. One volunteer in the church is one too many. Why do I say this? Because the church is not a social or civic organization. There is only one thing the church can offer that social and civic organizations cannot – Jesus Christ. And Jesus is looking for servants, not volunteers. The difference is volunteers give their time and money to worthy causes. Servants give their lives to following Jesus. A church filled with volunteers will accomplish many good things. A church filled with Christ-following servants will change the world!
I Am Not a Christian!
There I said it! I have come out of the closet to profess to the world that I am NOT a Christian. It sounds heretical doesn’t it? How can a man who spent the last twenty years of his life as a pastor in the United Methodist Church proclaim loud and clear that he is not a Christian?
Well, look at it this way: If Christianity is all that it’s cracked up to be, then how come Jesus wasn’t one? Please understand. I am not trying to be cute, arrogant or trite. I am, however, very serious about my conviction. I no longer consider myself a Chistian and I will never consider myself a Christian again.
The reason is simple: The word “Christian” has become an adjective in our culture. We have Christian books, Christian music, Christian movies, Christian toys, Christian comics, Christian businesses, Christian politicians, Christian churches, and Christian people. The word “Christian” was never meant to be used as an adjective. It was mean to be used as a noun. Therefore, to avoid confusion I tell everyone I meet that I am not a Christian. I am a follower of Jesus. He is my Lord and Savior. He is my leader and guide. He is my passion and the love of my life. He is my constant companion. He is my best friend. Where He leads I will follow.
The world doesn’t need any more Christians, but it is in desperate need of people who follow Jesus. This distinction, believe it or not, makes all the difference in the world.
Fresh Air
I finally did it. After twenty years of faithful service as a pastor in the United Methodist Church, I retired on July 1, 2008 at the age of 57. Why retire so early? Because I was tired of being trapped and confined behind the walls of the institutionalized church. It has been my experience that churches will do almost anything to avoid following Jesus. Structures, programs, activities, fellowship dinners, meetings, etc. all designed to keep the congregation locked behind the doors of the church.
When the church tries to keep God inside its doors, Jesus weeps.
Freedom to follow the Son!
