The Sin of Envy

When we think of sin, external sins usually come to mind first. Activities such as sexual immorality, lying, stealing, cheating, cursing, drunkenness etc., are typically the first sins that pop into our minds. For many Christians these sins may not be the ones they struggle with the most. Deeper internal sins may be another story. A sin that is becoming an increasing battle in our culture is envy.

Envy is defined in the dictionary as “a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.” My favorite definition of envy is a quote by Harold Coffin, “Envy is the art of counting your neighbors’ blessings instead of your own.” Envy is a sin that has potential to cause us to have bitterness towards others and can affect how we treat people. It also has been linked by some to low self-esteem, depression and even suicide.

Psychologists say that social media has played a part in the increase of envy today. When we scroll through our news feeds on social media accounts, we see the highlights of peoples’ lives. We typically post the good things going on in our lives. As we look at all these highlights it can cause the temptation to become envious of others and feel bad about the realities in ourselves.

The bible gives some practical advice that can help us overcome envy. First, we must learn to be content in all situations. Paul shares the secret he has learned to contentment in Philippians 4:10-14, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Another thing we must do is to free ourselves from materialism. Jesus tells us in the sermon on the mount in Matthew 6:19-21 to store up for ourselves treasure in heaven and not on earth. Finally, overcoming envy is a matter of where we put our focus. In Colossians 3:2 Paul encourages us to set our mind on things above. We need to rid ourselves from the temptation to compare ourselves to others and start comparing ourselves to Christ!

Blessings,

Jeremy

The Sin People Love To Hear But Hate To Talk About - Gossip

As a preacher, I have come to find there are several subjects that are extremely difficult to talk about. Typically, the level of which we struggle with a sin directly effects the level of receptivity we show toward instruction. There is a tendency to speak more boldly about subjects that others are facing than the ones we face. One such sin that we have the tendency to shy away from is gossip.  

Unfortunately most of us have been involved in gossip either as the spreader, the receiver or the subject. James tells us, “But no one can tame the tongue it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” Therefore, he suggests that everyone has trouble with the ability to control what they say. Gossip has the potential to do a lot of damage. Proverbs 16:28 reminds us of this fact, "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends." Paul includes gossip in lists of sin with potential to separate us from God and deserving of death in places like Romans 1 and 2 Corinthians 12.

The best definition I have heard of gossip is, "talking about a person who is not present that sheds them in a less than positive light, whether true or false." When engaging in conversation about a party not present we need to stop and ask ourselves several questions. 1) Is this conversation shedding them in a less than positive light? 2) Am I a part of the solution or furthering the problem? 3) Would I feel comfortable if the person unexpectedly walked in on the conversation?

Sometimes we think that we are only involved in gossip if we are spreading it. It takes both a sharer and a listener to produce gossip. We are equally guilty if we are listening to gossip. We need to take action when others are sharing gossip. Several approaches can help in stopping gossip. 1) Speak positively of others when they are being shed in negative light. 2) Let them know that you are not comfortable with the conversation and don't think we should be talking about this without the other present. 3) My personal favorite, is to ask them if you can quote them on this.

We have to take great responsibility with the things that we say and listen to. Let us all take the advice of Paul in Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Blessings,
Jeremy

Endure!

On Monday Morning April 16^th 2018, something happened that hadn’t happened since I was 2 months old in 1985. An American woman won the Boston Marathon. Des Linden became the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years. On top of that, she was not a favorite at all to win the race. The weather conditions were very unfavorable as the entire 26.2-mile race was ran in 42-degree windy rain with a windchill factor below freezing. Des even recognized that she probably would not have one if the conditions were favorable. It was her grit and determination that gave her the victory. As you can imagine when she crossed the finish line wiping rain off her eyes, she was filled with great joy and emotion with her feat.

Myself and other preachers and bible class teachers talk often about how the Christian life is compared to an endurance race such as the marathon. We recall verses like Hebrews 12:2, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The challenges and obstacles we face in life take much endurance to make it to the finish.

We also note Paul’s comparison to the Christian life as a race in a statement he makes to Timothy at the end of his life. He says in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.” Paul understood and endured many of the challenges associated with living a faithful life in Christ. It should be our goal to have the confidence at the end of our life to make such a bold statement as Paul.

To be able to make the same statement at the end of our life two things must happen. If you are familiar with race results, you know at the very bottom of the results there is a list of names that do not have a time next to them. Instead, they have one of two acronyms.

1.      DNS – Did Not Start the race – At this year’s Boston Marathon, there were many elite athletes who looked at the weather forecast and decided the conditions were too much and opted not to run. It goes without saying that there is no chance of receiving the prize if you never start the race. We must start the race! We start the race of faith when we become a Christian. I say it often, baptism is not the end goal it is the beginning!

2.       DNF – Did Not Finish – This year there was an abnormally high number of elite runners who received the marks DNF next to their name because of the poor running conditions. The champion even said she considered dropping out at mile 6 but pushed on. In our life as Christians we see the challenges that might cause us to want to drop out we need to push on and finish the race! Hebrews 10:26 tells us the dangers of going back to a life of sin,  “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” This why the Hebrew writer says we need to lay off every encumbrance of sin that so easily entangles us. We must continue faithfully living for God after we begin the race.

My hope and prayer is that everyone reading can stand at the end of their life (remembering that we do not know when that will be) and boldly say, I have finished the race!

Blessings,

Jeremy

April Showers Bring May Flowers

“April Showers Bring May flowers,” is a phrase heard often in the spring when storms can dampen picnics and outdoor activities for many. The words are uttered to remind that the beauties of spring will soon follow. It is a phrase that is also spoken in times of trial and struggle. The sentiments are that this season must be endured but happiness and joy is soon to follow.

James gives a similar statement in James 1:2-4. He says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James reminds us that the trials and struggles we face now help mold us into the people God wants us to be. We all, standing on the other side of storms in our life, can look back and see how they have helped us to mature and to grow to where we are today.

In this life, we will face trials and many storms. We need to push through with endurance looking forward to the growth and maturity that we are developing. When you find yourselves suffering during a storm always remember, “April showers bring may flowers!”

Blessings,

Jeremy

The Sunday Morning Speck

On Sunday morning, I looked in the mirror and saw a small speck of something on my suit jacket. My first assumption was, it has to be food. I proceeded to pick the speck off of my jacket. As I pulled on the object, it continued to grow. I realized it was a piece of thread from my jacket. Now it looked worse than before. Hind-sight, I realized I should have done the sensible thing and sought assistance from my wife who is a master at helping me look presentable (and what a difficult task that can be). She would have quickly snipped the thread and removed it completely.

Having a preacher’s mind, I immediately thought of spiritual application. This is often how we deal with sin in our life. Our first thought is, “I can fix it on my own.” Typically, our first inclination is to try and hide it. We see this thought process in King David after engaging in sin with Bathsheba (1 Samuel 11:1-27). His first response was to cover it up. This led to unethical decision making as King, lying, and ultimately murder.  When David took matters into his own hands, things got worse quickly. It wasn’t until a good friend confronted him that he finally took it to God in repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-13).

The reality is we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jesus is the only one who can remove our sins. If you have not been covered by the blood of Christ in baptism (Acts 2:38), there is nothing you can do to remove your sin. We cannot cover up the bad with good deeds. We definitely cannot hide our sins from God. They have to be forgiven by Jesus.

After we were baptized, we all realized that temptation continued and we still fall short at times. As real as the temptation to sin is, there is still a temptation to deal with sins on our own. We must remember what John tells us in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Christ is faithful to forgive us our sins. We all need to recognize our inadequacy in dealing with our sins and take them to the only one who can remove them from our life, JESUS!

Blessings,

Jeremy

Knowledge and Wsidom

There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. It is possible to have knowledge without wisdom but it is not possible to have wisdom without knowledge. A quick dictionary search shows the major difference between the two.  One definition of Knowledge is stated as, “facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.” However, a definition of wisdom is, “the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.” The difference being, knowledge is the obtaining of information and understanding about a subject, whereas wisdom is the ability to apply that information in action. In other words, one can have knowledge and do nothing with it but wisdom is the ability to put that knowledge to use. Miles Kington explained this difference well when he said, "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." 

The Bible commands us to have knowledge, but not knowledge alone. It must be put into action. After preaching the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says it like this in Matthew 7:24, “whoever hears these words of mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” On the other hand, he continues in verse 26, “everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” Everyone that heard the sermon had the same knowledge, but the difference between wisdom and foolishness is how one acts on that knowledge.

We can have a lot of biblical knowledge, but it is meaningless if we are not living it out in our lives. The bible speaks often of the need to be wise. Other than Jesus the bible speaks about the need for wisdom by Paul, and by James and in the book of Proverbs. Paul says in Ephesians 5:15-16, Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

As we continue to grow in our knowledge of God’s word through personal study, bible classes, sermons etc., let’s make sure we are not just storing it away in the filing cabinets of our minds. Let us put it into practice with great wisdom!

Blessings,

Jeremy

Getting Rid of Grumbling!

Several months ago, I preached a sermon about complaining. The next morning, I woke up and our Air Conditioner had quit working. It took several weeks to get it fixed! It is always a goal of mine to be relevant in my preaching, but the relevance of that situation and the temperature in the mid 90s really put me to the test. Complaining, or as the bible calls it grumbling can become a source of trouble in our spiritual lives and in our lives as the body of Christ. We see throughout the Bible that God has a disdain for grumbling.

While examining grumbling we can see why God does not like it. First, the source of grumbling is selfishness. In Numbers 16, shortly after God's people have come out of Egyptian bondage, they begin grumbling about food. It begins with a self-centered desire. Their selfish complaining blinded them from seeing God had just brought them out of a way worse situation. Similarly, when we are focusing on negatives and complaining, we can fail to see the good that God is doing around us.

James and Paul both touch on the dangers of grumbling for Christians. James tells us if we grumble the judge is standing at the door (James 5:7-9). Paul lists grumbling as a sin with potential to keep us away from God (1 Corinthians 10:6-10).

The bible doesn’t only tell how bad complaining is for us, it also gives the solution to grumbling. The first thing we can do to combat the temptation to complain is to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we look at life with the perspective of the spiritual blessings in Christ, there is always much to be thankful for. The second way to combat grumbling is to trust in God and not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). We have a God who loves us and gives us the greatest gifts of all in Jesus Christ. Paul says that he has learned how to be content in all circumstances, and Paul had some negative circumstances. The secret being, he can do all things through him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:10-13). I want to challenge myself and all of us to follow the example of Paul and rid our lives from complaining. This is accomplished through thanksgiving and as we trust in God who is in control of all things!

Blessings,

Jeremy 

The Power of Forgiveness

You may remember the 2003 MLB playoffs when a loving fan of the Chicago cubs attempted to catch a foul ball that could have been caught by one of the players. Steve Bartman was then booed and later blamed, by many, for losing the National League pennant, something they hadn’t won since 1945. This led to much hatred toward Bartman and his family. Police officers had to escort him home and protect his house that night.

Over a decade later, the Cubs finally won the World Series last October. To show forgiveness to Bartman, this July the Franchise issued him an official championship ring welcoming him into the Cubs family. He showed his appreciation in one of the first public statements made since the event saying, “I humbly receive the ring not only as a symbol of one of the most historic achievements in sports, but as an important reminder for how we should treat each other in today’s society.” Forgiveness is a powerful thing!

Not only is forgiveness something that is needed in our society, it is commanded for us as Christians to be forgiving people. We see benefits for both the forgiven and the forgiver. When we hold on to grudges it can damage us physically, emotionally and spiritually. Paul encourages Christians to show forgiveness in Ephesians 4:31-32, “ Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven.”

The motivation for our forgiveness is Christ’s forgiveness toward us. Romans 5:8 reminds us, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us! When we became a Christian, and if we walk in the light Christ is faithful to forgive us (Acts 2:38, 1 John 1:9). In response to His forgiveness toward us we are to in turn forgive others. Let’s all take the example of Christ and grant forgiveness to those who have mistreated us!

Blessings,

Jeremy

Stones On A Path

Stones on a path can do one of two things. First, they can be used to form a path. Along the edges of a hiking trail, neatly arranged rocks can show the correct way. Stones can also form a path in their natural position, such as large rocks in a river used to safely cross while staying dry. In these cases stones form the path we take and help us to reach our destination.

On the other hand, stones on a path can become an obstacle of stumbling. Unevenly strewn rocks on a path can go unnoticed and obstruct your way, and at times may even cause us to fall. The very first time I did a trail run, I tripped over an unnoticed rock. After falling, I came to my knees and noticed my face came inches from a cactus!

Many struggles and trials we face in our spiritual life are like stones. They have the opportunity to help us along our journey, or they can become stumbling blocks, obstructing our path. The difference depends on how we decide to use them. A lot of times we can look hindsight at past trials to determine if we used them to strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God or have they hindered our faith and our relationship with God? Depending on how we answer that question will help us to use future trials to form our path of faith rather than trip us up.

James tells Christians in James 1:2-3, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." In Jame's view, trials can help form a path toward complete faith. Joy is a choice. With every trial we need to make the choice to allow it to form the path of faith, rather than obstruct it.

Blessings, 

Jeremy

Watch what you say!

At camp last year, I did an object lesson for the boys in my cabin. A boy volunteered to squeeze an entire tube of toothpaste onto a paper plate. The tube emptied with ease leaving a huge pile on the center of the plate. I then requested another volunteer to put all the toothpaste back into the tube. He struggled for several minutes trying various methods. He tried picking it up and shoving it in, using toothpicks, and he even tried putting the paste in his mouth and blowing it into the hole. Every method proved impossible to get all of it back in. No matter how hard he tried, there was still toothpaste on the plate, the ground, the outside of the container, and even on the face of the boy.

Harsh and hateful words are similar. Once we have said something unkind to someone, it is impossible to take it all back. Yes, there can and should be forgiveness, but damage is already done. Not only do unkind words hurt the other person, they often leave the offender with regret and remorse, as well as broken relationships in many cases. Much care and thought should go into what we say to others. James speaks a lot on the dangers of the tongue. He gives a great rule of thumb to consider when choosing our speech. James 1:19, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” We need to slow down and think before we say something we may regret.

James tells, and most of us realize, how difficult it is to tame our tongues. He says it is like a wildfire with the ability to do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. As Christians, we must learn how to control the things we say to others. Let us take the advice of Paul and improve the way we speak to each other. In Ephesians 4:29 Paul tells Christians, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

Blessings,

Jeremy 

A Place of Safety!

In February, our family began a new adventure by raising nine laying hens from chicks. After keeping them inside for six weeks, it came time to move them to the coop. The transition to the coop is a fascinating event. For two weeks, they are locked in the coop 24/7. After the transition period, they can roam freely in the yard throughout the day. On the first evening of freedom, the most amazing thing happens. The very moment the sun dips below the horizon, all nine chicks immediately head into the coop, take their roost and can be locked in safety through the night. In two weeks, they learn of the haven they have.

As I watched this phenomenon of learned behavior, I thought of the spiritual haven we have in the Lord. The 23^rd Psalm speaks of the safety we have when we walk with our Good Shepherd. He is the one who keeps us safe through the storms of life. In the same way chickens learn, we learn of the safety God provides. As the Bible instructs parents in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Let’s all remember the safety of the Lord that we have learned, and go to him first in times of trouble.

Blessings,

Jeremy

Influenced

A while back my sister came to visit and brought her dog, Lola. Lola and Bear (our dog) quickly became friends. One day, after being let outside, Lola and bear decided to take a stroll around the neighborhood. They were shortly returned by our neighbor. This was out of character for Bear, as he's always stayed close by, even with the gate open. After Lola left, bear took off again and wasn't returned. Thankfully, after frantically searching and posting on social media, we found bear at the city pound.

This event immediately reminded me of the power of influence. We are always being influenced! Paul warns the brethren in 1 Corinthians 15:33, "Do not be deceived, Bad company corrupts good morals." This does not mean we should keep ourselves from anyone who is not a Christian, for this would go against the principle of shining the light. However, we need to be alert to what and who we are allowing to influence us. No one is immune to negative influence. Even the apostle Peter allowed the Judaizers to have negative influence on him in Galatians 2:11-12. Paul says he had to publicly rebuke Peter. In the same way, if we let our guard down, we can succumb to peer pressure.

We must also remember, as powerful as negative influence can be, positive influence is equally as powerful. We need to surround ourselves with those people who influence us to be the people God desires us to be. We also must seek to be a positive influence on others by shining our light in a way that men will see our good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). 

Blessings,

Jeremy 

Eager to share!

Recall something you have been eager to do. Maybe it was a vacation you had planned, or a movie you waited months to come to theaters. If you are married, hopefully there was an eagerness about your wedding and the life you would spend with your future spouse. Our eagerness is typically a reflection of the value we place on that for which we wait. 

In Romans 1:15, Paul says, “I am eager to preach the Gospel to you also who are in Rome.” Paul has an eagerness about preaching the Gospel. He continues to further explain the reason for his eagerness in verse 16 saying: “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” The value of the Gospel is its power to save! Because of that power and salvation, Paul says he will NEVER be sorry for preaching it. Have you ever said or done something that later you were ashamed of and had to apologize for? We all have, but Paul knows that preaching the Gospel will never be something he is sorry for! 

Do we have the same eagerness that Paul had about preaching the Gospel? If the answer is no, there might be something wrong with how we value the Gospel. First, we must look at the power that the Gospel has. It is powerful because it is from God! Secondly, we must look at our salvation. Do we value our salvation as we should? The Gospel gives us the opportunity to escape the wrath of God and to live forever with God in eternity. There is nothing in this world that even comes close to the value of our salvation! I hope we all can stand up and boldly say that we are eager to share the Gospel and are not ashamed to do so! 

Blessings,

Jeremy 

"I Have to." or "I Have To!"

Growing up, when my family went to a restaurant, my parents made us order water to drink (because of cost). I hated water! Often my response would be, "I have to drink water, ugh!" It wasn't until years later that I gained an appreciation for water. It happened during wrestling season my freshman year of high school. In order to make weight for the very first match, I (In a very unhealthy decision) withheld liquid intake for over 24 hours. Upon stepping off the scale, I gasped, "I have to have water!" I didn't go for a Gatorade or a pop, I bolted for the water fountain. Experiencing and realizing the true necessity of water completely changed my attitude toward it.

In the same way, we may be tempted to have the "do I have to, ugh" attitude toward serving the Lord. It can be easy to view our service to God as an obligation over a necessity. The impression is given, in Revelation, this might be the attitude Jesus addresses with the church in Laodicea. If we view our relationship with God in this way, we will not be devoted in the way we should.

Rather, we need to develop an attitude similar to the Psalmist in Psalm 42:2 "My Soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?" Do I thirst for God, do we have an attitude that says, "I HAVE TO serve God"? We need to develop a longing and desire to serve God and His Kingdom!

Blessings,
Jeremy

Living With Joy

This time of year, we hear a lot about having Joy. Some may say the Holiday season produces much joy in them. Others may disagree with that statement. The Bible gives a unique picture of Joy we may not commonly think about.  The Zondervan topical Bible defines biblical Joy as, “"the emotion excited by expectation or acquisition of good.” However, James tells suffering Christians to have Joy even in trials, or bad circumstances James 1:2. If joy is the emotion exited by the expectation or acquisition of good, how can one have joy in bad situations?

The Greek word commonly used for Joy is Chara which means, “joy, delight, or gladness.” It is closesly related to the Greek words for grace (charis) and gift (charisma). Then, joy can be thought as the response to the gift of God which is Grace. 

When we receive gifts, we vary our reaction based on how we value the gift. Our assessment of worth may be made on monetary value, sentimental value or based on who's giving us the gift. However we value, if we find a gift worth a lot, we react in accordance. The same can be said about how we react to the gift God has given us in Christ. The more worth we see, the more joy we express!

Considering the gift that God has given us in Jesus, Joy should be the response we have regardless of the circumstances. In other words, our attitude should be in direct response to God’s gift and not the circumstance. Joy is therefore a choice we must make even when bad things happen to us. How can I have joy in a difficult time? We have joy by, not responding to the situation or circumstance, rather responding to the grace we have in Christ!  The choice should be easier knowing the blessings we have in Christ. I want to encourage us all to live a life of joy no matter what circumstances we face!

Blessings,

Jeremy  

Three Logical Steps to Effective Evangelism!

As Christians, we have responsibility in reaching the lost of this world. No matter our line of work, marital status, age, gender, etc. If we are Christians, we have a part in the great commission to spread the Gospel. Evangelism can be intimidating, and may cause feelings of being unprepared and inadequate in our efforts. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul gives a three-fold approach to evangelism which helps lessen the intimidation factor (Colossians 4:2-6).  

The first step of evangelism we all need to be involved in is Prayer. Paul tells the Christians at Colossae, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” The prayers Paul requests have two parts; prayer for open doors, and prayers that He will be able to walk through those doors. We need to be praying for opportunities of evangelism, but we cannot forget our awareness and ability to take advantage of those openings.

Paul’s next step for evangelism deals with our conduct. He says, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” How we act around non-Christians is crucial in our efficiency in reaching them with the Gospel. The loudest sermon a person can preach is done with actions. Jesus tells of the importance of actions in the Sermon on the Mount when he says to practice good works so that men may glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Oftentimes, the way we conduct ourselves opens doors to spiritual conversation.

 Finally, after we have prayed for open doors and conducted ourselves with wisdom, Paul says to look at our speech. “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” In our efforts to share the Gospel with people, we have to be willing to speak the truth to them. We must connect the lost of this world with the one who can save them from their sins. Peter tells us to be prepared to give a defense in 1 Peter. 3:15 saying: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." Both Peter and Paul speak of how we need to have gentleness and grace In our defense. Think in terms of how Jesus spoke to lost people throughout his ministry.

The process Paul gives seems a natural and logical approach to evangelism. Once we have spent time and effort in prayer for open doors, waited with awareness for opportunities, and methodically planned our actions and conduct with wisdom, Sharing the hope we have in Christ seems to be the logical progression.  We all have a part in the evangelism of the world. No matter who we are, we can pray for opportunities, conduct ourselves with wisdom and speak the truth with grace.

Blessings,

Jeremy 

Focus and Press on!

It always saddens me when the Olympics come to an end. Over the last two weeks I have watched the Olympics every evening. I enjoy seeing the greatest athletes compete against one another on the biggest stage. I will watch any event, even the ones I have no clue what is going on! More so, I delight in the stories of athletes who have overcome various difficulties in life to reach the top. Athletes come from many backgrounds with various obstacles. Some have overcome injuries, unfortunate circumstances, poverty etc. Yet others have overcome struggles they brought on themselves by making bad choices or following poor advice. When asked how they succeeded, most give a similar response, FOCUS and press on!

 As Christians, we will face various struggles and obstacles in our lives as well. These have potential to hinder us from pressing on if we let them. It is no wonder, Paul and the Hebrew writer both compare the Christian’s life to sporting events and challenge us with the same message, Focus and Press on.

The Hebrew writer urges Christians to, “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Unfortunately even as Christians, we will continue to struggle with sin. We must keep our focus in the direction of Christ.

In a comparable way, Paul encourages the Philippians saying: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14). In our life there will be situations and circumstances that threaten our forward progress. We need to choose, as Paul did, to let go of the past and press on toward the future.

In our walk with God, we will face hurdles. Some may come as a result of circumstances beyond our control, others will come from choices we make. Whatever the cause, Let us take the advice of Paul and the Hebrew writer by maintaining our focus on Christ and always pressing forward toward the goal!

Blessings,

Jeremy 

You can't follow from the front!

Not too long ago, our family went to a waterpark. After having a snack, we headed back to our spot. Knowing the best route, I told the family to follow me. In response to his excitement, my son kept jumping out ahead. Every time we came to a turn, he guessed the wrong path resulting in me correcting him. Finally, after several turns I said to him, “Buddy, you can’t follow if you are in front!” As those words left my mouth, I was immediately reminded of similar words from Jesus. 

First, in Matthew 16:24 Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Second, in Matthew 19:30 Jesus says, “But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” Jesus is informing us, we cannot follow from in front. Being a true follower requires a lowering of self. In the same way my son could not see the correct way to go, when 
we put our wants and desires above Christ, we will be blinded from seeing the example Christ has given us.

It is impossible to follow Christ if we put ourselves in front of him. We have to deny ourselves so we can properly see andfollow the example that He’s given us. As we are witnessing, humility is not a popular concept in the world. Humility creates much difficulty. From a worldly perspective, it is unpopular to lower ourselves. Though there is often difficulty that comes while following Jesus, the rewards are amazing!

Blessings,

Jeremy

What does your image say about you?

Why does everyone feel the need to decipher which parent a baby looks like? When our daughter was a  baby, every couple of weeks people flopped their opinion. One week someone joked saying: "she's lucky dad, looks just like her mom." Sure enough, two weeks later her luck shifted, as everyone would say, "she's a spittin image of dad!" For the life of us, we could not figure out why people went back and forth so frequently. Until, one day it dawned on me. Babies go through stages of "chunky" and "thin". During her thin stages everyone insisted she looked just like mama and just like me in her chubby stage.

What does your image say about you?  When people look at you, what do they see? More importantly who do they see? We talk about and resemble the things we are most interested in. Do you know the people who love golf or are diehard supporters of a sport's team? How do you know them? They talk about it, they wear the clothes, and they participate in those activities. Who or what do your resemble?

As Christians, the bible tells us who we are supposed to resemble. We must look like christ. John says this in 1 John 2:6 "The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." When people see us they should see Christ. Jesus began his ministry encouraging people to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:16).

Does your life resemble Christ? When people see us, do they see Christ or something else? Is Christ resembled in our speech? How about in our actions? Most importantly, do our attitudes reflect the attitudes Christ displayed in his ministry? 

To be honest, I don't care who my children look like physically, as long as their spiritual lives resemble their savior.  We must take a deep look inward and ask, do I resemble Christ in my life? 

Blessings,
Jeremy 

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