Keeping The Promise

What does God Expect...

2005-01-19T21:51:00.000-06:00

We are studying 1 Corinthians in our weekly small group. For those that don't know it is a book written by Paul accounting for his time in Corinth.

It deals with immorality both spiritually and sexually...in and out of marriage. Marriage and our obligations to our spouses and how to live in a way that is right with God. A way that honors him and honoring our mate. It is our obligation spiritually to have a strong marriage!

Paul has some tough talk for tough issues of integrity, accountability and morality.

From this I believe that God expects us to run the race and we are all winners if we reach the finish line in a manner that gives Jesus Christ first place in our lives and glorifies God in our successes and failures. For all things come from Him.

If you have never tried a small group you should! I spent 44 years before I was convinced that I should be in a bible study. I never felt that I knew enough about the bible to participate but that is the point isn't? To get into a group to learn what the bible says about what is expected of us and how we should conduct ourselves in all areas of our lives. It helps me and my family and we are developing CLOSE relationships with other couples that we would have never done otherwise.

God expects us to introduce people to Him, live by His word and repent of our sins. Pretty simple eh? Good luck!!

Peace

Multiple Entry Points for Discipleship

2004-12-12T13:31:00.000-06:00

There are so many times that we get hung up, or at least I do....on what we should do to spread the word of God and bring people in to the fold.

I believe that the church gets a little narrow minded on their definitions on how we can minister and limit themselves to those traditional things like Bible study groups and small groups. But there are many people that are not ready or don't feel that they "know" enough to join those kinds of groups. I know I was one of those not so long ago, until someone finally got through to me that that was exactly why I should be in those groups...because I did not know enough.

The question is how are other ways that we can reach out and minister in less formal ways?

One way is by picking your hobby of choice and putting some faith based structure around it....case in point:

There is a group of men that I know that have been playing golf together on Saturday mornings for about 15 years now. They do not all belong to the same church or work in the same business but they do all have a firm and continuing belief in our Lord and in our Savior Jesus Christ.

They do not study the bible during these outings but do start off each trip with breakfast and prayer. The day is also a day of true fellowship and caring for one another. Out of that they bring other individuals into the group and eventually possbily into the men's bible study group.

This gives and avenue to introduce new people to men of faith and I believe is effective.

What other ways can you think of?

Rocking for God

2004-12-11T03:38:00.000-06:00

Our friends and neighbors and us (my wife and I) went to a Christian concert the other night...not just any concert though. You know when you get out of the car and can feel the base beat clear across the parking lot...that this ain't Kansas Toto.

We went to see 3rd Day along with Toby Mack and Diverse City. All I can say is WOW!!!

I can say that Toby and the crew were not for me. But the neat thing was that he is for the the kids. The entire arena floor was filled with kids that were rocking out, celebrating our Lord! Hip hopping and rapping as loud as they could.

Third Day on the other hand was great. If you need a good fix of Southern Rock with a Christian flavor they would fit the bill for you. Good stuff and they are reaching out to all age groups.

Here's a sign of the times.....

During the concert, at a time when we "more mature" would have clicked our BICs in the past....these folks asked for us all to flip our phones. Worked out pretty cool actually without the blister on your thumb!

Availability to blog!

2004-12-10T19:35:00.000-06:00

I posted a view months ago about our availabity to God and the struggle to do that. I can say that I have now lived the lack of that availability....at least as far as trying to spread His word and be a disciple via this blog.

Work, family....work, family....OH and occasionally golf! That pretty much sums it up. That and working to get several websites up and running in addition to the day job.
Samsonite Luggage, Golf Equipment, Acne Treatment, Personal Finance, Online Auction Association, Antique Furniture Restoration and Scented Candles
WHEW!!!

However, no excuses just haven't been posting...

Good news is I have still made myself available in the non cyberspace...building community through a men's and couple's bible study weekly, church and some community missions in the last few months. I plan to start this back up regularly as we get through the holidays.

Have a merry Christmas and remember the reason for the celebration is our Lord Jesus Christ. If not for Him we would not be able to "nail it to the cross" when it comes to our sins and shortcomings.

May God Bless You Richly!
Thoughtfully in my prayers.....

Availabity to God

2004-09-14T13:23:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned a few days ago, we are studying "The Man God Uses" in our weekly bible study. This was the first week of that study and it dealt with integrity, character and setting the conditions to be available to God.

God is available to us at all times but are we of the same mind and condition for Him...

I would dare say not hardly. The discussion today went more toward our availability to God and what exactly is that and how do we set our minds and hearts in a way to always be ready for what God is asking us to do.

When he puts a task in front of us that is not in our plan for the day do we take the time to "Git R Done" as a current comedian would say :-)

Once again, I would dare say not hardly.

What will make us more available...this is what we came up with:

1. Be aware of the situations that you get into each day.
2. Study the "Word". How do you know how to be more Christ-like if you don't know what Jesus did?
3. Listen. Chances to be available to do what is right pop up around us every day.
4. Pray. 'Nuff said.
5. Be active. Just do something. Faith is not a passive, spectator sport. The game has been won already with the crucafiction and resurrection. Will you be there to celebrate...
6. Have flexibility to take that moment when you feel compelled.
7. Have the willingness to be available. God granted us free will, the option of participating or not.
8. Be prepared.

This is by no means a comprehensive list but at 7 a.m. not too bad!

I see these opportunities in my family situation, particularly with little Hannah (the 4 1/2 year old). She makes a special trip as soon as she gets out of bed to find me and give me her pillow (security blanket). I am usually working already (I have an office in the house) but I take a few moments regardless if I am on a call to stop and say good morning and I love you. Then she skips off to whatever is next.

This morning I was gone when she got up so she found her mother and was told that I was not home...she was on her way to my office to put the pillow in safe keeping for the day when she saw me pull up. The pillow did not stay in the chair in my office, instead it came streaking to the back door with the little blond to go directly to Dad with a big smile! God said your doing the right thing this morning and it feels good.

Character, Integrity and Availability. Things I continue to work on this week. Keep me in your prayers...Lord knows I need it. :-)

The Lost Sheep

2004-09-14T04:41:00.000-05:00

This was the subject of Pastor Steve last Sunday at church. This sermon was based on Luke 15 : 1-7 .

Good discussion topic...
Are you one of the 99 or are you the lost one?

I have the yearning for Jesus Christ and am consciously working to get my heart in the right condition. But am I found yet? I believe so but am feeling called to do more...don't know exactly what more is yet.

I do believe, though, that I would rather be found among the lost rather than lost among the found. Pray for me that I will be found, I will be praying for that for not only myself but for all humanity.

Off to another day of work!

The Man God Uses

2004-09-10T17:07:00.000-05:00

I have just started the book The Man God Uses by Henry and Tom Blackaby. It is an 7 week bible study in the men's small group that I attend.

Oh by the way men, if you haven't found a small group to keep you motivated and accountable for maintaining the faith you should stop right now and make that a focus. Having the support group in prayer and the accounting of your actions is beyond good. So just do it! Even if it is not a study group find a person or group of people that support the same beliefs and go play golf each week or meet for lunch. They will become an extension of you that will give you strength, support and sense of community and fellowship that are all essential.

At any rate, the book is a daily study for 7 weeks and I will take you through my thoughts as we go through it. Oddly enough the very first chapter deals with getting a spiritual checkup and with integrity. These are pretty much the same things that I have talked about in the previous posts here.

The key verse for the week is from 1 Cor. 1:27 - 28:

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

He chose the lowly of this world and the despised things.

If you are just starting your spiritual journey as I have in the last year, I would suggest this as reading. We will start with a spiritual checkup and you can read it to in Psalm 15 and see how you stack up. If you are like me you've got some work to do.

A couple of thought provokers (? is that even a word ?)

What is your character? Its what are you when no one is looking and what are you willing to stand for when someone is looking. It is who you are striving to be and what you can be trusted with.

As Steve Farrar put it...he was sitting in a motel room after a long conference and by chance an adult movie happened across the screen...did he watch it or do he move on? Nobody knows but him...and God. I believe he moved on because I believe he is a man of integrity and with integrity he gets the character to move on with what is right.

What is your character?

Are you a man of integrity? Showing a consistency between your actions and inner convictions over time?

We owe to ourselves and our families to have both. Our Lord will judge us and give us responsibility based on how we perform.

Have a great day!

Peace

What is a real man?

2004-09-09T13:18:00.000-05:00

One of the key components of the Promise Keepers is the "Real Men Matter". What is the definition of a real man in this context?

R - Roots his identity in Christ
E - Engages the enemy and knows his position in the spiritual war
A - Admits his flaws and knows his strengths
L - Listens to God's voice and follows his lead

M - Motivates others to follow Christ and commits to authentic brotherhood
A - Accepts his roles and responsibilities
N - Navigates his life on the right priorities

If you are teetering on the edge of your faith and don't know exactly what to do next I would suggest getting to one of Promise Keepers upcoming events.

I don't work for them, am not associated with them and do not receive anything from them by recommending that you do this but if you want to get in a community of men that are all facing the exact same issues as you and you need strength and guidance...man let me tell you this will get you stirred up.

It may make you uncomfortable, it may make you think, it may make you look at how you have been operating and realize that you can't go it alone. It made me do all of those things. I came home a changed man...and I am sure I was not the only one.

I had a private faith going on prior to that event but had a yearning to do more. I knew that going to church each week was not really what it was all about. I do continue to church weekly along with my lovely wife and daughter. We enjoy it...the fellowship, the music, the minister...the whole experience! But that is not what it is all about when you turn your life over to God. It is about sharing, helping, humble servitude to others, building up your spouse and children, being the moral rudder of your family and building God's kingdom!

How does a simple man do all those things when work and the real world get in the way? Well, that is the whole issue now isn't it?

You must (I must) be a real man.

I was thinking the other day...how things that were once considered totally evil are now considered main stream. I was watching a biography show on one of the entertainment channels about Jenna Jameson...on during primetime hours and idolizing people that have made and continue to make their fortunes from the adult film industry. Jenna is even a bestselling author with her written biography.

I am getting off track but she claims to be an extremely religious person and pictures of her house in this program showed all the trappings of a religious belief...crosses and other idols...yet she continues in this industry and lifestyle that is firmly preached against and based on biblical principles is wrong. It degrades our families and our fellow men. This kind of thing really bugs me because of the influences that it puts on my young daughter and her peers.

There is a clear double standard and a misguided belief that we can be in the humble presense of our Lord and live whatever kind of lifestyle that we like. I disagree...there is a moral and biblical line.

Men its time as Dr. Phil would say to get real. We are in a war that is attacking our families and our principles on a daily basis...and all you hear in the media is how the religious right is taking away all of our rights. I don't believe it is human at all other than we are all too lazy or non-committal to say we are tired of it.

I believe it is Satan is taking away my rights on a daily basis. The right for my child to grow up innocent, the right for my marriage to be strong and long lasting, the right to be able to turn on the radio or the television without being exposed to things that used to be considered down right wrong. I do not consider myself to be a prude or a sheltered in any way...I do consider myself tired of things going "to hell in a handbasket" as my father used to say.

I am working on being a REAL MAN...it is definitely a work in progress.

Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper

2004-09-08T16:52:00.000-05:00

I went to a Promise Keepers conference weekend in Dallas, TX in June of this year....the theme this year is "Uprising! The revolution of a man's soul." It was in mine. This was the first time in my 45 years that I had ever done any kind of spiritual fueling and exploration in a public forum with other men.

What an eye opener...that weekend was the "Ah Ha" moment in quest to start learning more and surrendering my life to God. Several thousand men in one place all doing the same thing with one focus is a powerful thing. You find out that being a Christian is not private, there are many others that are having the same delimmas with letting go and turning over to God. We can not do this alone, I have tried as many others have and it is much easier when you let the big guy help out...he is just standing by and waiting for you to ask him.

The biggest ah ha of that weekend was that it is not about us but it is about God. Pretty simple! Even I could get that one. Over 1700 men came forward in an altar call that first night to confess their sins and nail em on the cross...WOW!!

Seven Promises of a Promise Keeper

I will explore my struggles with trying to keep these promises to God and my family.

It is not as easy as it may seem when you get wrapped up in the daily grind of work and human worries.

The biggest promise of all however is if you will simply turn everything over to God and nail your worries, sins and burdens to the cross in the blood of Jesus Christ a weight will be lifted from you and the peace of salvation will be yours!

This blog is an ongoing journey as I try to be a better man, a better husband, a better father, a better friend and most importantly a better Christian...growing God's kingdom, making disciples and becomong more Christ - like in my daily life.

Please join me...