Don't Be That Guy

There are people who claim to speak for God and about God.

They speak well.  They know big words and are smooth talkers. They could have a nice title and an education.  At first this would sound impressive.  The clues are in their motives.  Their speaking is only to satisfy themselves.  There is something in them that feels empty.  They want the power of telling others what to do.  

The result causes division in those who want to follow Christ.  Their speaking causes people to sin.  

Don't think you can help them.  At first you might think you can steer them back on track.  But Paul in the book of Romans says to stay far away from them.  See Romans 16:17.

Don't be that guy.  Watch out for people like that.  

The Strong will do this- Romans 15

Paul tells those who are strong that they need to help others.  Then he describes teachers.

Teachers are full of joy and peace.  He says this is the result of their trust in God.  So, he prays for them.  God gives joy and peace to those who trust him.  He tells the church that they are full of goodness and that they can teach each other.  

I think I see people who are not yet teaching each other.  But they could.  As they walk with God they can help others do the same.  If they keep on reading the Bible and praying it through, they for sure could be sharing in the lives of others.  

But, Mondays are hard days.  Most go to work to start the week.  Monday for me is usually a debrief and evaluation of the service and mission of the church.  I notice that not many Mondays are full of joy and peace.  Wondering if the people in church took steps closer to God.  Did the Sunday morning message really make sense?  I think I might expect too much.  Did we really worship God?  Or was it just singing songs and going through the motions?

How does the church move those who are ready to be teachers/ disciple makers?  Thankful for 3-4 people who would meet today.  They are able.  There are more.  I will be praying and looking to see how God does this.  

Today I am telling myself to be simple and clear.  It has to be God who does the work.  There are some things that we can do better.  We can work on those.  There are some who don't want to change.  I can minimize my efforts there.  There are some who want to be used by God.  That is a good place for me to spend my energy.  

Planning to pray and trust God to raise up a team of people who help others.  

Have a glass of wine, But keep it a secret

Happy are those who don't feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.  But, they are to keep in  between themselves and God.  See Romans 14:22 in the Bible.  

The priority is harmony in the church.  The problem is gray areas.  Things that some people consider wrong and other people say it is ok.  Meat, wine and holy days are all given as examples.  I would think there could be many more areas like these.  

Why would we be told to keep this to ourselves?  Keep peace in the church.  So as not to look down on another, whether they keep the rule or think it is ok for freedom.  People will answer to God, not answer to one another in these areas.  We live to please God not each other. 

When you know someone has a problem with something you are doing, you need to be kind.  At times you should abstain when they are around you.  You should not tempt them to do something they consider sinful.  

The Bible is the rule.  If the Scriptures give a command on the subject, then it is not right.  

But there are gray areas.  We have our opinions.  Live in freedom as you yield your ways to God.  Read Romans 13:13- 14:23 for the rest of the teaching on this.  

Understanding Merry Christmas

The young man told me I could wait at the edge of his neighborhood.  I asked if I was allowed to go into his neighborhood.  He said yes, but most people do not want to.  They think they might get sick.  

Abaco has one of the toughest living conditions that I have ever seen.  A place called Pigeon Pea or sometimes referred to as the Muds.  As I remember, there was not running water.  Mostly it was wood frames to make small houses.  Many small houses built up against each other.  Too many people in houses that were very small.  Dirty and bad smells.  It is a camp of refugees who have made it out of Haiti.  I think it was about 10,000 people.  Many women and children.  In homes that do not survive the hurricanes.  Homes that do not have healthy water treatment.  So the sewer is only into the ground.  So when it rains the sewer comes back up.  

I have been trying to understand what it would be like for God to put on the flesh of a human and come to live among us.  

It would be like moving into the conditions of the Muds.  To go in to live like them.  Show them love and learn what that life style feels like.  Then I could understand their struggles.  

Jesus did not need to learn what it is like to live on earth.  But he showed us that he understands everything we face.  My paraphrase from Hebrews 4:15 in the Bible.  

Jesus is the person that stands before God on our behalf.  He understands our weaknesses from experience.  He knows what we are going through.  He loves us that much.

I trust Jesus.  He understands me.  Merry Christmas.  

Does the Priest get Eternal Life?

Wait!  Stop!  First, I am not talking about your priest.  Or anyone alive today.

Jesus tells the story about a Jew on the road from Jerusalem down into Jericho.  The road goes north about 17 miles and descends about 3000 feet.  A little passed the middle of the trip is the part that winds and descends.  Many called this the way of blood.  All who were listening to Jesus likely knew where he was talking about.  

A Jewish man is beaten, robbed and left for dead.  The priest continues on his journey walking on the other side of the road.

This conversation all started with a question.  Teacher, What do I have to do to have eternal life?  Jesus affirms the answer given by the Pharisee.  Love God with all you have and love others as well.  But, to justify himself the religious leader asked Jesus, "who is you neighbor?".  

The thief saw this man as an opportunity.  The lawyer saw this as a case to be discussed.  The inn keeper saw this as good business.  The religious priest saw this as a messy situation.  But, Jesus saw this as a need to be met.  This is how followers of Christ will love others.  

All those who follow Christ will love God and love others.  The test will prove our love for God and others as we stop to help those we come across in life.  We walk around noticing people the way God sees them.  We will get messy as we step into others lives with our resources to show Gods love.  

Read the story from the Bible in Luke 10:25-37

Slow Down

Interruptions could be the best part of the day.

Jesus was on his way to see a 12 year old daughter who was sick and close to death.  A woman touches the hem of his robe and she is healed.  Jesus stops to talk with the woman.  

I wondered how the dad of the daughter who is sick would have felt.  Probably wishing they would hurry up.  

But, Jesus takes time to talk with the woman who came to him.  He takes time to hear her story.  To relieve her from trembling.  To call her daughter and encourage her.  

To be like Jesus I need to slow down and notice people.  To be available to someone who might be hurting.  Maybe I will see needs of those around me.  We need to be out in public and available to be used by God to encourage those we see.  

Where do I need to be.  Why all the hurry.  

Slow Down.  

Luke 8:43 +

See the People

Making disciples is all about helping people the way Jesus did and does.

Yesterday I picked up a man who lives in a tent city with others that are homeless.  He is a follower of Christ.  Life has not gone so well.  But, he can walk with God in a homeless community.  Not sure I can tell him much about how to live in that place.  But I can share with him about our God who cares and loves him  and those in his community, right where they are.  Maybe 2 homeless people will join us next week.  Maybe our church can show God's love to him and those in his community.  

I met with a lady this morning who is supposed to have surgery today.  How many days does God have planned for her?  Again, I am short on answers, but I know God is with us and with her today.  A mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.

I am so thankful for our church.  Last week I heard about a church where the pastor was 95 years old.  No one comes to the church that is under age 65.  I am sure he is a kind old man.  But, he would come each week and tell the same story.  He was not able to remember that he told the same story last week.  I do admire how those people would be so kind to listen again each week.

But somehow we forget the purpose of the church.  The church is called to make disciples.  The church must help people follow Christ.  It is not about me.  I think it is not acceptable that a church misses the next 2-3 generations.  Traditions should never be valued over people.  

We have young and old in the same church.  We look at the Bible as we seek to know God.  We want to be all things to all people so that we can help them know Christ.  We stay short on traditions.  We stay strong on the truth, the Bible and humbly seek after God.  

I talked to God this morning and will look to share him with someone today.  

All for Jesus,