Representing something Bigger!

Have you ever seen a company vehicle with their logo on the side? Many times the bumper will have a phone number and the question "how am I driving ?" I don't think the owner of the company is necessarily concerned with feedback from everyone on the road. Instead, the primary purpose of that sticker is accountability for the driver.

The driver needs to be reminded that they are representing something bigger than themselves! When that driver gets in his/her personal vehicle and cuts someone off, it only reflects that individual. When that same person gets into the vehicle with the company name plastered to the side, their driving suddenly affects the image of the entire company. Passers-by will judge the company's credibilitynd reliability based on how he or she drives the vehicle. This places a ton of responsibility on the individual driving.

In the same way, as Christians, we represent something bigger than ourselves. We are representing God and His Kingdom. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells those listening, "You are the light of the World, let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven."

The above verse points to two things. First, we are representing God! How we act may form an opinion of God in the minds of others. You might have heard the saying, "we may be the only bible some people read." Do your actions match up with the view of God you want to portray?

Second, Matthew 5:16 points out the proper motivation behind good works. This time of year people are in a generous mood. I tend to give and help others more in December than any other month. The temptation many of us have is to give for personal gain or recogniton. I fight the temptation to do good works in order to 1) give a good opinion of myself to others or 2) to avoid a negative opinion from others. These are selfish motives.

As Christians, our motivation needs to be bringing glory to God! We are representing God. How are you doing?Ghandi is often quoted saying something like, "I like your Christ but your Christians look nothing like your Christ." The question needs to be asked, is this me?

Blessings,
Jeremy 

Who is Undeserving?

When I first moved to Lubbock TX to go to preaching school, I drove past a little restaurant every day on the way to school. I am especially particular of the restaurants I will try. My first criteria is the appearance of the building. Even though I am particularly fond of Thai food, I drove past a little Thai place with a thought of disgust saying, "I would never step foot in there". The outside of the building was so undesirable, I would keep on driving.

Several years later I was watching the health inspection reports for the city. There was only one restaurant in the entire city that received 100% every week I watched. It was the Thai place I had written off. My first thought was, someone is paying off the health inspector. However, I finally let go of my skepticism and tried it out. You know what? It was the best Thai food I have eaten to date. I loved it. The sad thing is I only lived in Lubbock 1 more year.

I am ashamed to say that it is not only with restaurants that we determine our involvement based on the outward appearance. This also becomes true in opening our life to people and sharing the Gospel with them. I know we would never say consciously that we deem people as undeserving of the gospel, but we do when we neglect to build relationships with them and share with them the gospel of  Jesus.

Ephesians 2 tells how we were dead in our transgressions and sins but God showed mercy and grace toward us because of His great love for us! The truth is that you and I are no more deserving of God's Grace than any other person on this earth. We all have sinned! Had Christ found us undeserving, we would not have a hope of everlasting life.

In Luke 15, Jesus gives several parables to show how God reacts to those who are lost. We see in the parable of the lost sheep that God leaves the ninety nine to search for the one who is lost. Do we have this same attitude as Christians that we would seek out those who are lost to show them the way to God. All are undeserving including us, but God loved us all so much that he would give us the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Blessings,
Jeremy

Catching Bubbles!

We have a video of my son when he was under a year old sitting on the kitchen floor while mama blew bubbles toward him. The excitement on his face is priceless as he anticipates the fun of catching the bubbles as they softly float to the ground. As you probably know, bubbles are impossible to catch. We watched as each bubble would explode in his hands. Before long the laughter and smiles turned to frustration, anger and eventually tears. What seemed like a lot of fun in the beginning had turned into great disappointment.

My wife and I watched the video and laughed several times, but every time I watch the video I cant help but see the similarities between catching bubbles and life. There are so many things in life that on first glance seem like they would be a lot of fun to be involved in, that in reality can lead to much pain and suffering and ultimately eternal death.

This past month we heard devastating news of millions of sins revealed due to the hack of an adult website designed to help people have extramarital affairs. With the revelation of the hack came devastation to millions of men, women and families because of the sins people are involved in. Following the initial blow has come many stories of ruined marriages, torn apart homes, lost jobs and even suicide. The end result of sin (Eternal consequences aside) can be very rough.

God is not one who desires for us to be miserable and like any good parent, he is looking out for our best interest. In a very well-known parable found in Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of the prodigal son. After the younger son asks his dad for his portion of the inheritance, he takes it and lives indulging in sinful activities. It isn't until after the money is gone and he sees the negative effects of his living that the bible says, he came to his senses. After that turning point, he returned to his father where he was welcomed with open arms and celebration.

Sin does bring terrible results and much pain and suffering, but we have a God who loved us so much that he provides freedom from our sins through the blood of Jesus. Won't you turn from the sin that brings destruction and obey the life saving gospel of Jesus?!?!

Blessings,
Jeremy

Don't let them take God out of our Schools!

Over the last several years I have heard statements of how different our schools are now compared to years past. Especially this time of year as kids are going back to school, I have heard several people make statements such as, "they are taking God out of our Schools?" These kinds of comments raise two questions in my mind, 1) Who is "They"? And 2) do "they" really have that kind of power?


The bible tells us, when we become Christians that Christ lives in us and our life should reflect him (Galatians 2:20). Jesus also tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world! (Matt. 5:13-16). So, as long as there are Christians in our schools living by Faith in Christ, no one can take God out!!!

 The danger comes when Christians stop living through Faith in Christ in our schools! In other words, to partially quote a famous bear, "Only YOU can take God out of our schools." As another school year has come upon us, and as we hear more and more that school boards and courts are choosing to stop prayer or keep teachers from teaching about their Faith, I want to encourage all who may have a part in keeping God in our schools to do just that.

1. Students - don't let them take God out of our schools! As you face the pressures of the world that are ever present in our schools, do not be conformed to this world! (Romans 12:2) Remember who you are in Christ and be transformed proving what the will of God is. Don't allow anyone to take God out by keeping him first in your life!

2. Teachers - Don't let them take God out of our schools. What you teach and say about your Faith to your students can be controlled by the school system, but the way you live out your faith cannot. Fortunately, the loudest message you can ever preach is by your actions. As you daily influence the lives of many students, remember the words of Christ, "let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)

3. Parents - don't let them take God out of our schools. As parents, God has entrusted us with our children. With that comes the responsibility to teach them and guide them. We have the task of instilling within them Faith in Jesus Christ. It is not the job of the school or even Sunday school. Proverbs 22:6 tells of the importance of raising our children in the way they should go. Let us all do our part to keep Christ in the lives of our children!

I want to encourage all of those involved in school, but this principle extends to all walks of life. The only way God can be taken out of a society is if Christians cease to live by Faith in Him. Let us boldly and courageously live by Faith in Jesus!

Blessings,
Jeremy

Staying Connected

We are in an age of amazing technology and communication. As a result, many of us have had the opportunity to stay connected with people we might not otherwise. In fact, I know more now about people I saw everyday in High School than I ever did at the time (this isn’t always a good thing). Staying connected to friends and family is extremely important. There have been times when my phone wasn’t working, and you would have thought the world was coming to an end.  When we lose connection, we notice and long for reconnection. Do we view our connection with God in the same way?

The Hebrew writer reminds us of the need to draw near to God (Hebrews 10:19-25). We have been given the avenue to stay connected to God. Christ broke down the barrier that was separating us from God in His death burial and resurrection.  Now we have full access to God through Christ. Are we using that access? Are we staying connected?

In the Context of Hebrews 10, the Hebrew writer brings out two areas that will help us stay connected to God. The first area is in our drawing near to God himself. This is done through prayer, studying the scriptures, praise, worship, meditation, etc. Are we keeping the line of communication with God? The second area the Hebrew writer writes about in verses 24-25 is staying connected to the family of God. In order to remain our connection with God, it is important to remain connected to His body, the church.

As we experience a super busy lifestyle, I want to encourage us all to put some focus on our connection to God. Let us not become overrun by all the things of the world that we lose the most important connection we have.

Blessings,

Jeremy 

Unplugged for a night!

Technology has many benefits, both personally and for the church. I can connect to people on the other side of the country (or world). I have the ability to keep up with old friends from high school or college. In fact I know more about some people I haven't seen or spoken (verbally) to in 15 years than I did when I saw them daily because of facebook! In the church I have simultaneously worshipped with brothers and sisters in India, and Africa through skype. The ability to stay connected with missionaries in various countries allows us to give emotional and spiritual support beyond just providing for them financially. Not to mention the benefits that come through the unlimited amount of resources for study and spiritual growth found on the internet.

Although there are many benefits of technology, there are many downfalls as well. One of the biggest is the disconnect it potentially causes with those we are closest to. Have you ever been in a large group of people and no one is talking to each other because everyone (including myself) is plugged in to some device? Last night I was reminded of the need to unplug every once in a while and spend time with the ones we love.

For the last week West Texas has been suffering from a severe winter storm. About an inch of ice built up on everything. 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon the power went out, and about 7 we no longer had cell service, forcing us to unplug. As the temperature in the house quickly dropped, we (un-excitedly) informed the kids we would have to snuggle up altogether in mom and dad's bed tonight to stay warm. You should have heard the reply from our daughter. High pitched and exited she screamed, "I love snuggling! I'm so excited!"

We spent the next several hours; playing with flashlights, reading 7 books (normally it's only 2!), eating a candlelit dinner, visiting with one another, and finally snuggling up on the couch to drift to sleep. To put it like our 2-year old we were "just hangin out!" As annoyed as I was at first, it turned out to be the best night we've had in a long time! We really enjoyed each other.

I was also reminded of the need to spend time with our church families. Right after the church was established in the book of Acts, we see them continually spending time together. Not only that, every time Luke mentions their togetherness he says and God was adding to their numbers (acts 2:42ff). There is a huge need for the family of God to be together, share meals together, encourage, and enjoy each other.

Though technology connects us to much of the world, it can disconnect us from the people in the same house or church building as us! I am the worst about this. I know this post alone will be used by some to hold me accountable in these matters. No matter how connected we are, through social media, to people in our families and our churches,nothing compares to physically spending (unplugged) time together!

Set aside some time to go unplugged and get together with people you love. Turn off the TV, put down your phone and snuggle with your family! In our churches, let's purposefully plan some time just to be together this year!

What keeps me in Ministry!

There was a survey making the rounds not long ago asking questions about leaving ministry. A large number of ministers leave ministry every year. I am a relatively young minister with few years experience. I understand my credibility lacks compared to many. However, I would like to share with you the motivation I've used to make it through the downs of ministry.

Many factors affect remaining in ministry, for me it comes down to motivation. What drives you? Where does your motivation come from in ministry? In my opinion, if it's money, it won't be enough. If it's comfort, not likely. Popularity? someone is always going to dislike you. So what should motivate us? Well, obviously wanting to please God should motivate us, but you can be pleasing to God in any field you want (well maybe not every field). I found it has to be something else.

I learned this motivation from a rather interesting place...my three year-old daughter. At three, she was in that extremely annoying "why" stage. She asked "why" about everything. So, learning from Jesus, I decided to counter her questions with questions of my own. I too began asking "why" to everything she said. In asking this question, I learned a very important lesson. She'd say something like, "I want you to lay by me dada." I would respond, "Why Rylee?" to which she said, "because I love you Dada." Or she wanted me to sit by her and after asking "why" her response was, "because I love you Dada." One time she even said she wanted to go eat pizza and answered that question with, "because I love pizza Dada." In all of those answers I see that Rylee is motivated by Something ...LOVE!

I have learned over the last 8 years in ministry that success in my ministry comes when my number one motivation is Love for people. When I first began full-time ministry I rated my success based on numbers and invitations to speak at workshops and lectureships, or how well I could fix the "problems" of the church. Had that remained my motivation, I doubt I would have made it through some of the difficulties.

Paul says in 1 Cor. 13, without Love all we do is meaningless! You can preach at the largest congregation in the brotherhood, and get invited to all the biggest workshops but if you do not have love it means nothing. You can have many degrees and get straight A's all through school, but if you do not have love it is meaningless. However the opposite is also true. You can preach at little bitty church in Timbuktu middle of nowhere, and if you have love you will be successful in ministry! You don't even have to be in formal ministry. You could be a sacker at a grocery store and if you have a love for people you can have a successful ministry!

One of my favorite moments in the earthly ministry of Jesus is right before the feeding of the 5000. Jesus' disciples had just come back from preaching to spend alone time with him. Also, John the Baptist had just died. Jesus needed some time to get away from the crowds and be refreshed. Mark says as they were going the crowds saw them and RAN around the lake. Picture 5000+ people running around the lake to meet Jesus! Had it been me in the boat, I would have said, "turn around, we can outrun them!" Not Jesus! It says seeing them He felt COMPASSION for them!!! Jesus was driven by Love, are you?