The Journey

Compassion

Since yesterday's message on compassion, I have been swamped with comments (all of them good so far).  People have a hunger to do the right thing, but the sin nature encourages us to focus on self.  Compassion places the focus on others--others that are in need--others that are hurting--others that are struggling in life.  I want to encourage you to make it a priority in your life to follow the footsteps of Jesus to love unconditionally--looking for ways to show the love of Christ in meaningful ways.  I want to hear what God is doing through you as you put the principles of God's Word in practice.

Crashed

My computer crashed and I lost a whole day's worth of work! I think I am being tested!

Fasting and Prayer

I am preparing for a fast--a time of prayer and humility, where I will abstain from food.  There are at least three reasons for this fast.  First, fasting, prayer, and Bible intake is important for my own personal spiritual development and health.  Second, fasting and prayer helps me hear from God concerning His church.  And third, fasting and prayer centers my heart on what matters to God--especially as it relates to those without the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Even though the Bible addresses fasting numerous times, I hear very little about fasting these days.  I wonder what your thoughts and experiences are concerning fasting?  Do you regularly fast, or do you see fasting as something not important for the Christian of today?

What do you think?

Where to Begin

Yesterday, I concluded a trip to Florida with the wife and kids.  Twenty-two hours of driving time plus food breaks and restroom stops made the journey back to Manhattan, well, let me say it tested my resolve.  During the long drive, I thought about my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  I feel that there is always room for improvement.  So I asked God to give me some direction on where to begin.  He pointed me to Psalms 139 where David prayed: "Search me Oh God..."

Often times when we are looking at improving ourselves, we focus on what we can do--what is in our power and control to accomplish.  This will always fall short of really experiencing the "purpose" driven life--a life lived in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit.  God has something much more amazing in mind for us to experience--for us to live.  So, it is not what I can change, it is what God can change as I live by faith in the one who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Granite City, Illinois

We just arrived in Granite CIty, Illinois.  It was an uneventful trip--everyone behaved!

Eve of the Journey

Well, I am about to crash.  The packing done, the kids are asleep (except for Matthew), and I think I got everything ready for the trip to Florida.  My goal is to have fun with the family and connect with old friends in the ministry.  I'm not sure how General Council will go.  There are some resolutions that I have concerns about, but nothing very serious.  Keep us in your prayers as we travel.  Our first stop is in Granite City, Illinois--and to be with friends from our last church.

Getting Ready

We're just three days away from our journey to Florida.  Angela has most of the packing finished and everyone has pitched in to get the house ready.  Today our focus is tying up all the loose ends, including finding my lost cell phone.  I was going to do the yard work tonight, but, "sadly" a storm is coming through.  Oh well. 

I am also working on my next sermon series that will begin on Sunday, August 16th.  Actually I am working two series, one for the morning and one for the evening services.  The morning series will center on the theme of "Doing Life Together."  We need one another--we need others to help us grow and become strong.  I want to show through Scripture God's plan for a community of believers, working together toward maturity and spiritual health.  In the evening, my thoughts center on how we can be an over-comer to the hang-ups in life--those big obstacles that invite defeat and frustration.  So, we will look at four big issues that overpower so many: anger, fear, doubt, and discouragement.

Busy Day

Today is going to be a busy day!  Over the last several weeks, the church as been collecting bottles of water and packages of travel-sized baby wipes to give out at the Riley County Fair.  The aim of this five-day outreach is to demonstrate the love of Christ in a very practical way.  Oftentimes, the church can be perceived as only interested in money or getting more people to come to church.  In this outreach, all we are focused on is being good neighbors.

In order for me to get everything done, a lot of prep work is in order: icing down the water, getting all our stuff moved to the fair, making sure everyone knows when to man the booth.  It's going to be a lot of work.  Beside this, there is a lot of church work that needs to be accomplished.  And all the while, the walker family is getting ready to go to General Council and vacation.

I just keep telling myself to keep calm!

The Power to Overcome

Sometimes I can be very philosophical--addressing terms or situations that go beyond my own self.  As I was working on my Sunday message (I am a pastor), I ran into one of those "terms" that caused me to think--and think--and think some more.  In fact, it was more than a term, or a doctrine, but a situation. 

The situation is sin--whether thought or deed.  The question is how do we overcome the power, the temptation, the draw of sin (anything that falls short of God's glory).  I know from personal experience that sin is difficult to master, to overcome.  My conversations with people also demonstrate the truth that sin is powerful.  It costs more than we ever intended to pay, and takes us farther than we ever intended to go.  It destroys everything in its wake. 

As I was studying for this weekends message, I centered my thoughts on 2 Peter 3:14-18, on reconnected to a powerful truth: that God has given the believer in Jesus Christ the way to overcome sin.  And that truth? Grace!  God's Grace!.  As we "grow in the Grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ" there is the power and authority we need to overcome.  That is how we can "make every effort" to reject sin and embrace a life of holiness. 

This Sunday, I am going to share this thought, and a little bit more about God's amazing, wonderful, mysterious, powerful, incredible, matchless Grace. 

A Good Church

Just like anyone else, I can have my good days and my bad days.  Sometimes ministry to people can get a bit complicated: marriage issues, personality conflicts, health problems, and sin.  Sometimes I am tempted to run for cover (INCOMING!!!).  However, thankfully, ministry is also about experiencing God's miracles.  Last night as I was walking through the church, observing the different ministries in operation, I could not help but rejoice in God's calling on my life.  The joy of being a part of a church that works hard to provide a loving environment to build one another up is worth it all.

Thanks church!  You are my daily encouragement.  I would not trade it for the world!