Real Power

Springtime in Alabama is a time of change.  Flowers bloom, trees bud, sun shines, rain falls, and occasionally a surprise in the form of a late snow.  This season presents quite a quandary, and not just for the weatherman.  Most of us face the issue of what to wear each morning.  We check the weather on television or even online, but we can never be sure if we are right.

Take, for instance, just this morning.  I chose to wear a light jacket on this  morning as I walked to deliver a message to my wife at the school and then to the Post Office before walking home.  During that short walk, the wind began to blow across my face and through my thin jacket.  I began to have negative thoughts about my decision to walk, and to question the reliability of the local weather forecast.  I felt as if the wind had a mind to blow my coat away, I pulled it a little tighter around me and began walking a little faster.

When I was approximately half way between the school and the Post Office, I began to get warm.  The sun decided to come out to play.  Oh how good the sun’s warmth felt on the back of my neck!  Oh how nice that warmth felt as I continued my trek!  By the time I reached the Hadder's Pharmacy I had to stop, not to catch my breath, but to take off my jacket.  What the wind failed to do with its force, the sun accomplish with gentle warmth.

This event reminds me of a certain fable concerning a conversation turned contest between the wind and the sun.  The wind in the fable did boast to the sun of its power, and did try and fail to remove a man’s coat by force.  The sun however prevailed, by warming the man so that he removed his own coat.

This story is like the story of God.  God, although He has the power, does not use this power to force us to do His will.  God in love, being love, gently warms our hearts through the sacrifice of His Son (John 3:16-17).  In another place John records, “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1Jo 4:9-10 – ESV).

This story also contains instruction for us.  How do we influence people?  Many times we try to force our opinions (correct or not) on others.  We feel or think we know what is best for them and we tell them so in no uncertain terms.  If we force them to listen and close our ears to their thoughts and beliefs, we can not lead them to truth, they only tighten their coats of doctrine more tightly around them and quicken their pace to get away from us.  What if, what IF, we tried to gently warm them with the truth of God’s love?  What if, what IF, we let God’s love flow through us and warm their hearts?  What if, what IF, we let our light shine on them instead of shining the light in their eyes?  Remember Jesus’ words, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mat 5:16- ESV).   Look again to the context of John’s words in 1 John 4:

“We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1Jo 4:6-11 - ESV).

Take note of those around you, and let God work His power through your life, as you let your light shine, and act in love to those nearby.

What are Your Answers?

I love God because . . .

Finish this Thought . . .

I am asking you the reader to complete this post today.  I will begin with a couple of thoughts and leave the floor open for you to interject your thoughts.  Here we go . . .

God is . . . .

• Love,
• Light,
• Good . . .

Keep this going.
Scott 

I Quit!

I quit!  I have had enough!  I'm tired!  I'm worn out!  I'm frustrated!  I cannot take anymore!  I am resigning today!

I am quitting, you cannot change my mind!  Do NOT try to talk me out of it.  I refuse to second guess my decision to quit!  My mind is made up, my decision is final!

Honestly, I have wanted to say that for a long time.  I have considered quitting before and have taken hours to pray about it.  This is the only way!  I quit!

Quitting is a tough decision to make.  Quitting is not the weak way out.  Quitting take determination!  Quitting takes a great deal of faith.  When you quit, you wonder what people are going to say.  You wonder how your resignation will affect others.  But I have to quit!  Now it the time to quit!  Quitting was a difficult decision, I had to consider some characters in Biblical Historical Narrative.

What if Noah had quit?  No one was on his side, people laughed at him, encouraged him to quit, but he kept building the ark.
What if Abraham had quit?  No one would blame him.  How can you continue to have faith that God will give your children and inheritance when you are 98 and childless?
What if Joseph had quit? At every turn life seemed against him.  Yet he hung in there, did not quit and God's people received relief from a great disastrous famine.
What if Jesus had quit?  Satan offered a way out.  He asked God to take away cup of burden, but nevertheless, He stuck with God's plan.

But I have to quit!  There is just no way around it.  This is something I have to do -- right NOW!  TODAY!  This moment!  I refuse to put it off any longer, so for the record as of right now, I QUIT!

• I Quit worrying about what others think and I start caring more about what God thinks.
• I Quit making excuses for not being a better husband and father.
• I Quit complaining about the church and my brothers and sisters in Christ.
• I Quit prejudging others.
• I Quit looking for and finding fault.
• I Quit gossiping.
• I Quit looking for the easy way out.
• I Quit living for self and start living for Jesus.

Will you quit with me?

As we quit, let us resolve to be like all those Bible characters who stayed the course.  At the end of our individual lives, may we be able to echo Paul and say, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Tim 4:6-8.

Scott

Sunday's Sermon on Slideshare

Here is my sermon from Sunday.  This is the PowerPoint.  Maybe you can build a lesson from this snippet.

Scott

Jan 17 Am Three Great Words

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Removing Evidence

The following list claims to be actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews.  A number of years ago, I shared this list with someone who works in USAF maintenance at Eglin AFB, and one who worked at a maintenance facility in Vietnam during the war. Both admitted that they had seen and made similar replies to similar maintenance requests.

Problem: "Left inside main tire almost needs replacement."
Solution: "Almost replaced left inside main tire."


Problem: "Test flight O.K., except 'autoland' very rough."
Solution: "'Autoland' not installed on this aircraft."


Problem #1: "#2 Propeller seeping prop fluid."
Solution #1: "#2 Propeller seepage normal."
Problem #2; "Propellers #1, #3, & #4 lack normal seepage."


Problem: "Something loose in cockpit."
Solution: "Something tightened in cockpit."


Problem: "DME volume unbelievably loud."
Solution: "Volume set at more believable level."


Problem: "Dead bugs on windshield."
Solution: "Live bugs on order."


Problem: " IFF inoperative."
Solution: "IFF inoperative in OFF mode."


Problem: "Friction lock causes throttle lever to stick."
Solution: "That's what they are there for."


Problem: "Number three engine missing."
Solution: "Number three engine found on right wing after a brief search."


Problem: "Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear."
Solution: "Evidence removed."


The last one gets my attention.  I estimate that this is exactly how many of us try to deal with our spiritual shortcomings.  There is evidence of sin in our lives, but instead of trying to correct the problem, we try to remove (or at least hide) the evidence. But we must remember that we will only find forgiveness when we are humbly honest and contrite before God.  Consider the words of the Psalmist:


"Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me." Ps 51:1-3.


No more hiding of evidence as there had once been in David's life.  Now he comes to God with an honest remorse about his actions.  He comes with a desire to once again be right in God's eyes.


Let's live with a heart like Davids.  Stop hiding the evidence and truly fix the problem with God's gracious help (Heb 4:16).


Scott

Book Review - The Shack

I received a copy of the book, The Shack, by William Young for Christmas.  I delayed reading it until I had finished a couple of other books.  I started The Shack Sunday evening and finished Tuesday night.  This was a book that kept me interested.  I completely enjoyed learning the theology within the book.  The Shack is a story of one man's struggle with ongoing tragedy in his life and his ensuing struggle with God.  Much like Job, the book's main character, Mack, has an opportunity to confront God.  Mack walks away with a renewed reliance upon God and a new theology of God.  Through his encounter with God, Jesus, and their Spirit, Mack has to give up his long-held beliefs to understand God in a way that is new to him, and I think would be new to many who read this book. 

There are concepts and underlying notions within the book that I take issue with.  I will not comment about those other than to say for the most part they have to do mostly with 1) what William Young records as Mack's vision of God's appearance, and 2) a tendency for the story to seem somewhat reactionary to the abuses of mankind in the name of religion.

The theology that Mack comes away with has merit and is worthy of consideration.  Specifically in three areas.

1. God is interested in a dynamic relationship with man.  There are many passage of Scripture that emphasize this same point, beginning at the beginning.  In the Garden of Eden man had free access to God and God to man.  Man however acted independent of God and broke the relationship.  He began to hide himself from God.  God walked in the cool of the day looking for man.  Knowing that sin damaged His relationship with man, He, through Jesus, began to provide a way for the restoration of that relationship.  In the prophets God says what He desires is for man to "do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly" with Him (Micah 6:8).  In his second epistle to Thessalonians, Paul tells them that those who KNOW God will escape condemnation.  Knowing God is having relationship with Him.
   
2. Jesus is God: Mack's previous concept of God was that God the father was mean and controlling whereas God the Son was gracious, loving and understanding.  This changes for Mack when he really gets to know God and see the scars on His wrist match the scars on Jesus.  The words of Jesus plainly speak the same.  In words of comfort to His disciples, Jesus says, "If you have known Me, you would have known the Father . . ." Jn 14:7ff.  A real relationship with Jesus is a real relationship with God and the Spirit.  They are truly one in purpose, emotion, and action, even if they sometimes seem to act independently.
3. God and suffering.  Mr. Young and Mr. Philips record words as coming from God, and they summarize the understanding of God's involvement in the world in a way I cannot, but in a way that I believe to be accurate in many ways. God says, " . . . just because I work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn't mean I orchestrate the tragedies.  Don't ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I needed it to accomplish my purposes.  That will only lead you to false notions about me.  Grace does not depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering you will find grace in many facets and colors." (pp. 187-188).

There is one more thing worth noting, and that is the role and value of forgiveness in our lives.  Not only the forgiveness we need from God, that He freely and lovingly offers in Christ, but also the forgiveness we extend to those who hurt us.  There are people Mack has to forgive so that he might begin to heal. Mack struggles with the process, but learns that forgiveness is not simply for the forgiven, but also for the offended.

Overall this book was a great read.

Scott McCown

Distractions

I am easily distracted by noises, movement, and other things that happen aroun . . . sorry a Cardinal flew by my window, where was I  . . . oh yeah, distractions.  I can be reading a good book, watching a game or TV show, talking on the phone, studying, or in a conversation with someone and something simple will happen and my focus changes. 

This interrupt driven nature can get in the way of relationships.  I learned early in our 20 year marriage, that when Amy wants to talk, I mute or even turn off the TV.  I do the same when our son, Andrew, asks a question.  If I am on the computer (working or researching) I choose to completely turn away from the keyboard or screen.  People are more important than technology.

This characteristic also can inhibit effective study.  I am struggling this week especially, there are roofers on my house, where I am working this week, so I can be here if they need to ask a question.  The hammering, scraping, the sound of falling debris, and their banter keeps getting me off task. (What was that noise? - brb . . . They dropped a load of shingles in the trash truck.)  See what I mean?!

I am sure I am not the only one easily distracted.

There is one other area that distraction can cause great harm; the realm of spiritual focus.  Many of us find the things of the world way too distracting.  The world pulls at us, flashes pretty lights, makes beautiful music, and paints beautiful scenes that lead us to at best momentarily lose focus on God and at worst lead us completely away.  That must be why Peter penned the following warning: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Pet 5:8 (ESV)

Scott

Worship: Giving Our Best to God - A sermon

Worship: Giving Our Best

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What are You Waiting For?

Above: Andrew waits for someone to distribute

presents at our Family "Thanksgivemas" last week.

Adam had to wait for God to create a companion for him.
Noah had to wait over a century while he built the ark for the rains to come.
He had to wait for the water to recede once the rain stopped.
After not waiting for God, Abraham finally waited for God to provide and heir.
Jacob waited to see if Esau was still angry.
David waited for Saul's reign to end before taking power.
Elijah waited in caves for the Lord to speak.
Israel and Judah waited for the Messiah to come.

What are you and I waiting for? Spiritually we are waiting for Christ to return so that we can be with Him eternally (1 Thess 4:13ff; 2 Pet 3:10-15).

BTW:  We need to learn this concept of waiting and apply it to our temporal life.  I can wait to make that purchase until I can afford it.  You can wait for sexual intimacy as a part of marriage.  I can have patience with you and with myself as we individually and collectively mature in Christ (1 Thess 5:14).

Scott

Jesus Wants to Change . . .

Every morning, I look in the mirror. What I see needs some attention. Hair is out of place, stubble grows on my chin, and so on. I make the needed changes before I walk out the door. I wish I could make a few more changes as easily as I comb my hair.

There are also things Jesus wants to change. Not about Himself, but about me and you.

1. Jesus wants to change my VOCATION: "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." Lk 5:10. My job may be a teacher, coach, bank teller, lawyer, or doctor, but my vocation in Christ is to reach others for Him.
2. Jesus wants to change my DIRECTION: "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." Lk 19:5. Like Zacchaeus many of us focus on our own goals and directions. We are looking out for self. Jesus wants us to follow Him toward perfection.
3. Jesus wants to change my PRIORITIES: "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." Lk 9:62. Living in the world, we find the things of the world easily distract us. Jesus wants us to be focused on what is spiritual over what is worldly.
4. Jesus wants to change my LIFE: "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." Mt 19:21. Are we willing to trade our physical possessions for eternal treasure in heaven? True happiness is not found in our belongings, but where we belong.
5. Jesus wants to change my RELIGION: "For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering." Lk 11:52. Jesus is talking to the religious leaders of His day. We need to be certain that we as leaders and as individual Christians are walking daily with God.
6. Jesus wants to change my SITUATION: "But he who is forgiven little, loves little." Lk 7:47. When I understand how much God has forgiven me, I cannot help but love Him and turn my daily focus to Him.

Scott

Who Do You Love?

In our Bible class yesterday morning, Rick W. told us about three statements he heard in a sermon recently. I cannot help but think about what the preacher said. Let me know what you think.

"If you attend worship on Sunday Morning, you love 'your church.'"

"If you attend worship Sunday Morning and Sunday Evening, you love 'your preacher.'"

"I you attend worship Sundays and Wednesdays, you love the Lord."

Scott

Do You Love Like Jesus?

Jesus loved the Heavenly Father - Matt 22:36-37. Do you and I love the Lord with ALL of our heart, soul, and strength, or do we love Him just a little more than self?

Jesus loved the Word of God - Matt 24:35. Do you and I spend as much time listening or reading God's word as we do to the emails, blogs, and updates of our online friends and family?

Jesus loved Prayer - He was a man of prayer, there are many instances we read of Him going off to pray. Do you and I take time out of our day to talk with God?

Jesus loved Lost Souls - Luke 19:10. He loved the lost enough to sacrifice himself for them. Do you and I love them enough to tell them about God's offer in Christ?

Jesus loved the Church - Eph 5:25. Jesus gave His life for the Church, His Bride. Do we love the church or do we find excuses not to be around

When I Preach

Last Thursday on iPreach, I mentioned the following poem about preaching. After a search on Google, I found the entire poem, but was unable to find the author's name. If any one knows or finds out, please leave a comment and I will give credit where credit is definitely do.

When I Preach
(Unknown)

When I preach, there are some who say
They could listen to me all day.
Others think I preach too long.
And some think I go about it wrong.
Some say my sermon is much too deep.
To others, it's shallow and they go to sleep.
Some report I hold them spell bound,
While others squirm and look around.

Some speak of me as an orator,
But others feel I'm a perfect bore.
Some believe I have no light,
And others think I preach just right.
Some affirm that I'm too bold,
Others wink and say I'm cold.

Some used to say I was much too young.
But others declare my spring has sprung!
Some folks tell I have met success.
Others think my work is a mess.
Some have said my pay is too low,
When they discover the pace I go.
Still others say it is above the peak,
"Why he only works three hours a week."

From all this, 'tis plain to see.
That as a preacher, I'm up a tree.
Condemned if I do, condemned if I don't;
Criticized if I will, criticized if I won't.
I can't please men of such discord,
So I'll just keep trying to please the Lord.

Fighting Apathy . . . Maybe.

When I was a teenager, I was reading through a BC Comic book. In one particular strip, Peter and Curls were discussing an upcoming election. Peter asked Curls if he was voting for the Apathy Party or the Lethargic Party. Curls replied, "I don't know, I just don't see any difference any more."

Apathy is a real issue not only in politics, work, or school, but apathy invades the church as well. An attitude of apathy can destroy efforts to do what needs to be and should be done. The wise man recorded, "Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys," Prov 18:9 (ESV). Apathy reveals itself in our lives and actions. Below you will find a list of symptoms of apathy. If you see more than one in your life, take time to pray and to refocus.

Symptoms of Apathy Toward the Work of God and Christ:
1. Irregular Attendance. If I struggle to be motivated to attend worship and other church events, my actions suggest I do not care.
2. Lack of Participation When I am Present. I will come to worship, but not to Bible Classes. I am here, but I will not participate in class discussions. I am here, but I will not open my mouth to sing praises. I am here, but . . . Well you get the picture.
3. Consistently Arriving Late. Tardiness indicates that an event (church in our discussion) shows a lack of concern. If I am truly excited about an event, I will arrive on time - if not early.
4. Waning Effort to Teach the Lost. This may be one of the early indicators of apathy. If I do not care about others or about the cause of Christ, I will not share the message.
5. Few (if any) Private Devotionals or Personal Studies. This is the first cause of alarm. If I am not spending time growing in my relationship with God, my lack of effort communicates that I no longer care about being with God.

Just somethings to think about. Now we need to look for motivation to get moving. That's another post.

Scott

Why I Believe . . .

As I drove through the rain this morning, a passage from the New Testament kept running through my mind, "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1 Pet 3:15 ESV)." I decided to give my readers an introduction to "Why I Believe."

1. The order of creation shores up my faith. The universe, our solar system, this earth, and our bodies are too organized and efficient to be an unintelligent accident.

2. The text of the Bible has stood the test of time and the onslaught of attacks through the centuries. Doubters, skeptics, and opponents of the Bible as the word of God are not new. They may never go away, but in my studies and research, the Bible holds up as more accurate and better preserved than any ancient text.

3. As an historical writing, the history and science recorded in the Bibles pages stands out as true. If then the history and science are true, the rest of the text is true -- including the passages about Jesus.

4. Jesus is an historical figure, and as such, the Bible claims him not to be madman, nor simply a prophet, but the Messiah of the Jews, the Christ that mankind needs. Through the sacrifice of Jesus as Christ, our loving God offers forgiveness of our sin that sentences us to hell.

5. The example of the historical figure Saul or Tarsus (a.k.a Paul) solidifies my belief. Here we have a man who was the biggest opponent of Christ and the Way of Christ than any of his peers. He was zealous to stop this movement. His conversion as recorded in Acts 9, Acts 22, and Acts 26 show his complete turn around to become one the most prominent heralds of the Good News of Jesus as the Christ.

These are just a sample of why I believe. Why do you believe?

Scott

Do You Still Have Your Crown?

Tuesday night was the next to the last lesson in our series of Revival messages from Levi Sides. He challenged each of us present last night with the message, "Don't Let Anybody Take Your Crown."

He described our crown using Bible verses as:

• Incorruptible - 1 Cor 9:24
• Never Fading - 1 Pet 5:4
• Indescribably beautiful - 1 Cor 2:9
• A Prize of High Calling - Phil 3:14
• A Rest - Heb 4:9-11
• Eternal - 2 Cor 5:1

This Crown of Glory (1 Pet 5:4), of Righteousness (2 Tim 4:8), of Rejoicing (1 Thess 2:19), and of Life (Jas 1:12) is the symbol of a victorious king and belongs to the one who overcomes (Rev 2:10-11).

We must guard our crown against the one who would see us lose it. We must guard against the schemes of the devil. Certain Galatians (Gal 5:4) and Demas (2 Tim 4:10) are examples of some who forfeited their crown by returning to their old ways or by loving the things of this world more than the things of God. When we stand strong and endure to the end (Matt 10:22), we have the assurance of that Glorious Crown.

Scott

Amazing!

Our Revival continued yesterday evening with an challenging reminder from Brother Levi Sides. He reminded us of the Amazing nature of God's Grace. Through the years many appropriately defined Grace as God's unmerited favor toward us or in the form of this acrostic: God's Redemption (Riches) At Christ's Expense. Bro. Sides gave us a new acrostic to consider as Pillars of the Grace of God:

G - Goodness of God: God's goodness is all around us. The simple fact that the earth, when tended and cared for, provides what we need. God's goodness is especially evident in His gift of His Son.

R - Redemption of God: Redemption is a great theological concept that many of today's generation do not fully grasp. Levi gave us two great examples; 1) Captured African Natives bound for the US and Great Britain in the 1800's being bought back by family before the ship left port. 2) A man whose family gives all they have emotionally to keep him from leaving them for a lover. As I thought more about this illustration on my Morning Drive, I kept thinking of the prophet Hosea and his bride, Gomer.

A - Acceptability of God: God longs for all to be saved. He is not willing that any should perish, He is not a respecter of persons. There is nothing you can do that will prevent God from wanting to save you, nor keep Him from being able to save you. Consider Saul of Tarsus.

C - Conditions of God: Grace is God's offer, yet there are simple conditions of acceptance. These conditions are those of active obedient faith.

E - Enjoyment of God: Once we experience God' Grace, like the Ethiopian in Acts 8, we continue on our way rejoicing in our life in Christ.

Scott.

Can You Read This?

hint: Psalm 118:24

Scott

Giving our Best

How good is good enough? You know why I ask such a question. Many people in and outside of Christianity compare themselves with others using the "I'm as nice, moral, good, etc. as the next person" statement. Again, how good is good enough? Is 80% good, good enough? Is 90% good, good enough? What about 99.9%?

Most of us would agree that 99.9% is really good. But consider the following statistics. If 99.9% is good enough then:
1. The IRS could lose 2,000,000 documents and that would be alright.
2. 22,000 checks could be deducted from the wrong account each hour.
3. 30 passenger planes crashing each day in the US would be acceptable.

I don't know about you, but I am not satisfied with those figures. I wonder then if God is satisfied with 99.9% from us? The simple truth is 99.9% is not enough for God, unless I have an arbitrator (Job 9:33).

Paul tells us about an Arbitrator that is available for us. After describing his own inability to be 100% he writes in anguish, "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" He immediately answers his own agony, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin." (Rom 7:24-25, ESV).

We still should strive to "Walk in the light" (1 Jn 1:7-9). We should do our best to live a life "worthy" of our "calling" (Eph 4:1). but walk knowing that if we are doing the best we can while covered by the blood of Christ, our short-comings are wiped away. "Thanks be to God!"

Scott