Show Me the Money…
“All the church ever wants is my money”. How many times have you heard that? I’ve never heard anyone say “all SuperMart wants is my money” or “all the IRS wants is my money”. But that is all they want. All the church wants, hopefully, is for us to be be obedient in our worship to God.
I think since there is generally an immediate exchange of goods or services we don’t think about giving up our money at a store. But this exchange of money from us to the church doesn’t provide an instant or visible return. But there is a huge profit for the store and the church is just trying to keep in operation. The church needs to be able to reach out and provide for those in need. To do this they need money. Pastors and staff are expected to perform certain duties. They need to be compensated for this. We wouldn’t show up to our jobs and perform very well or at all if we weren’t getting paid for it. Why should we expect that from them? They have families and needs to provide for too.
God doesn’t need or even want our money. What He does want is for His people to be obedient, worship Him and care for His house. Do I think some churches are a little too extravagant? Sure. Do they not always spend their money wisely? Sure. But on the other hand we don’t bat an eye at putting too much money into our cars or homes or at the marble columns or ornate glass and steel that decorate our malls. Why shouldn’t we honor our God with a nice place to worship Him?
All we have is given to us by God. The earth, the air, water, food and even our jobs. He has blessed us with everything we have. In thanks for that we are asked to give back. A tithe (10%) is mentioned in the Old Testament numerous times. I think this is a good starting point if you’re comfortable with it. It should probably be your minimum goal as you mature spiritually.
As commissions go 90% is pretty good. Remember it was all His in the first place. He just let us have it. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says: “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” That’s right, a cheerful giver. That means we should happy and thankful in giving back a portion to God what He gave us. This is simply an act of worship and obedience.
This is actually something I struggled with for a long time and still do occasionally. I didn’t start out giving 10 % but as I experimented with giving more and more God blessed me for my obedience and I learned to trust in Him. Even though I shouldn’t be I’m still amazed when I place Him first in my finances and He always provides more so I can get by.
I Love My Crown
I know we’re supposed to be humble and all but I am so proud to wear my crown. Proverbs 12:4 tells us “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband.” I’ve heard guys say they have the best wife ever but I would have to say they are either mistaken or lying because I have that honor. Jenni and I have been married for just over 20 years now and if you ever needed proof that there is a God and he watches over us and gives us strength she is a testimony to that because I’ve been no picnic.
When Jenni and I first decided to get married she asked me if I believed in God. I grew up not really thinking or talking about God or religion much. The only family member that I knew that had anything to do with that “God stuff” didn’t exactly set a shining example. So, I just kind of didn’t think about it much. Well, when she asked me that question I sorta lied and told her yes. She had been recently saved and it seemed to mean a lot to her and I was in love with her and not losing her meant a lot to me. (hey don’t judge me, she was and is awesome and I knew it)
I think she soon found out that I either lied or had no clue what believing in God meant. But she hung in there. Sometimes by the skin of her teeth and sometimes only by Jesus and her friends holding her up.
I don’t want to paint myself up to be this horrible person or anything but I was not the husband I should have been. Sure, I loved her but my own selfish agenda always seemed to rule out. My life was all about me and she more often than not conceded at least enough to appease me. (And believe me when I say I did some stupid stuff)
But, no matter how bad I sabotaged our marriage or my own life she was there and so was Christ. He showed her how to love me in spite of the pain I caused. He showed her how to shine His light even when I was in the darkest of places. Through the grace that He showed her when she never deserved it she was able to show me that same grace when I certainly didn’t deserve it.
Finally, after over 16 years of prayer and petition and undying love and grace, I opened my thick skull, removed the scales from my eyes and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior.
I still so don’t deserve the blessing that God has given me in my wife but I will proudly wear that crown. Thank You Lord and thank you Jenni. I love you.
Wasabi Gospel
I’d like to tell you about an awesome book I just read by Shawn Wood called Wasabi Gospel. This book will be available for retail sales on July 8th in a “book bomb” at Amazon.com Check it out!
I’m not a big fan of hot or spicy foods like hot wings, Mexican food, Indian food those sorts of things. For one reason they don’t seem to like my body and I can’t get to far from the house after eating them. But another reason is I don’t understand the point of having your lips, mouth, throat, stomach and eventually other body parts burning or even to the point where you can’t even feel them anymore. I just don’t get the appeal. But for some reason the first time I tried Wasabi I loved it. Sure it was a bit scary at first and I only tried a small teeny tiny bit but I soon found that not only did I like the taste, it also agreed with my body.
Jesus saved me a little more than three years ago and over this span of time I have experience many gut punch moments with scripture. I had never made the comparison of wasabi and scriture but being familiar with both I love the idea. To compare the effects of wasabi to the effects of scripture is brilliant in my opinion. I love how wasabi and The Word stimulate your senses, awaken you and gives you the punch that Shawn Wood discribes so well in his new book Wasabi Gospel. For those of you that are unfamiliar with this little unassuming glob of green paste it is typically served with sushi. It seems very innocent and harmless but as Shawn found out it packs quite a punch. Gods word can do the same thing. Shawn does a wonderful job in this book explaining how certain scriptures can seem so innocent and harmless until you get a little taste of them at just the right moment under just the right circumstances and <POW!> right in the gut.
This book may look small but don’t let that fool you. It too packs quite a punch. I highly recommand it one and all. If you believe it delivers affirmation on what you may already have experienced and it convicts you to be bolder in spreading the Gods word. If you’re not a believer or you are confused and have questions this book may help explain what God means in the way He describes and commands certain things in scripture. Again, you can find it HERE at Amazon on July 8th.
You can learn more about the book or Shawn at www.wasabigospel.com or his blog at www.shawnwoodwrites.com or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/shawnwood or friend him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shawnwood
Highway to Hell
For Easter this year New Spring Church in Anderson, SC open their service with AC/DC’s Highway to Hell. It was a great rendition of an all to familiar (for me) rock song. I watched the service and Pastor Perry Noble brought it!!
Now, don’t get me wrong here. I’m not bashing AC/DC or rock music. I’m a fan of both. Music and rock bands are not evil (except maybe country music). Neither are people or things (except maybe cats). Evil can and will take up residence in people and things but it can be overcome and run off.
Anyway, I love it when anything can invoke a spiritual questioning or yearning or exploration in someone. I think God can speak to us through any means He sees fit even a rock song about going to hell. I have heard this song a million times but this time God really got me thinking about the lyrics and what they were really saying. A few weeks ago my wife, Jenni, and I were in Florida and saw the sign to the left. I told her “hey, look we’re on the highway to hell” and I was taken back to that message Perry gave and the song so I felt lead to share how God spoke to me through the lyrics:
Living easy, living free – It’s so easy to be deceived into believing this lie. We can choose to live this way here on this earth but what about afterwards? Where will you spend eternity?
Season ticket on a one-way ride – It is a one-way ride. Once we’re dead and we’ve chosen the wrong path there’s no second chance.
Asking nothing, leave me be – Ignorance is bliss? Just because one chooses not to believe in Jesus Christ or explore the possibilities doesn’t give us an excuse when we stand before Him and face judgment.
Taking everything in my stride
Don’t need reason, don’t need rhyme
Ain’t nothing I would rather do – How can we just waltz through life without answers? When it’s all said and done we will answer to God for our lives. Wouldn’t you rather be educated and prepared to speak to Him?
Going down, party time
My friends are gonna be there too – Eventually, the party is over and our friends may be there too but they will suffer the same fate and will be of no help or consequence.
I’m on the highway to hell – We are all there at some point whether we’re 5 or 95. There are so many off ramps being offered all around us though. Step out and explore one.
No stop signs, speed limit
Nobody’s gonna slow me down – No person can or will. He may use others to facilitate it but only God can do this and already has if we just accept it through Jesus Christ.
Like a wheel, gonna spin it – Are you willing to gamble with your eternal soul? I’m not.
Nobody’s gonna mess me round – another lie. People will get in your way on both paths. You have to own your choices.
Hey satan, payed my dues – You will, one way or another.
Playing in a rocking band– We can choose our job, our voice, our method but to whose glory? Who are you doing “your thing” for.
Hey momma, look at me
I’m on my way to the promised land – We are! Actually, there are two lands that are promised. Heaven and Hell. The choice is ours.
I’m on the highway to hell – I’m not anymore, are you?
Own It!
I once heard that every one owns their spiritual journey. It doesn’t matter what hand you were dealt, ultimately, you are responsible for how you choose to live your life. I know others can affect our lives and the things that go on around us positively and negatively. But, when you stand before God you will be held accountable for your actions. He will not accept “but so-and-so caused me to…” or “I was never given a choice…” We will all be judged for the decisions we made and for the way we reacted to the decisions made by others that affected our lives.
Can you own your journey? Or are you allowing your relationship with Christ to be hindered or damaged because you have chosen to blame your circumstances or someone else? That is unacceptable to God.
I know people can do bad things and cause great pain in our lives (been there, done that, on both sides of the fence) but if you allow their actions to affect your relationship with Christ you are making the wrong decision too and just as guilty as they are.
Are you attending church and worshipping God? Are you in prayer often? Do you study your Bible? Are you in fellowship with other believers? Are you growing in Christ? If you cannot answer yes to all of these questions, then who is to blame? If you believe the answer is not staring back at you in the mirror every morning then you are flat out wrong! That’s right Y-O-U!
You may be saying right now, “But you don’t know what’s been done to me…” It doesn’t matter. What matters is what you did. Is your church not reaching you? Go somewhere else. Do you feel someone has done you wrong? Confront them or forgive them and move on. Do you have trouble understanding the Bible? Get one you can understand or seek out someone to help you learn what is being said. Do you not like the “Christians” you have met? Go meet others until you find a group you can interact with.
Bottom line… Do something! Something other than sitting around whining and crying about this thing or that thing, this person or that person. God loves you but He doesn’t want to hear your excuses. He will judge each of us for our actions and our re-actions.
So, can you own it? Can you say you did whatever you needed to in order to maintain and grow your relationship with Jesus? If not you better rethink your current course ad find a way to own it because you will own it come judgment day whether you want to or not.
Over Yonder…
A lot of my family is from Kentucky and I grew up hearing the word “yonder”. I’m not totally sure what that word means. I’ve heard “up yonder, over yonder (left or right) and down yonder.” I’ve heard “get in yonder” and even “Yonder Ho!” Anyway, if you have any insight into this word and it’s origin I would be curious to hear it but for now just know that I am writing over yonder this week.
The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
When reading The Principle of the Path you must keep in mind “simplicity”. Please don’t take that as a deterrent in any way. As has been stated in other reviews on this book and is even implied by the author himself it is pretty simple. “Direction – not intention – determines our destination.” I read that and I thought “well, huh? that’s it?!? It’s only been 14 pages!” But trust me it is worth the read. You can’t begin this book expecting some great exploration of theology but very often we don’t need that to open our eyes.
While this book is written by a pastor and that could be a turn-off for some do not let that stop you. Also, as Andy himself states this is not a self-help book. That may be correct in the true sense of the meaning. But, the contents can help you not only discover direction but help you identify misdirection already taken and avoid it in the future.
I love to take away things from every book I read and Principle did not disappoint. While I took away a few things I feel the most important, for me, is a new look at Proverbs 3:6 “in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” But through a more precise definition of “acknowledge” Andy shows us that we should not take this to mean that God will straighten out whatever path we choose choose but rather, He will make the best path obvious.
I can’t say this book was what I had expected after reading previous Andy Stanley books. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this eye opening, inspiring easy read. I would recommend it to any and all especially those early on in their journey.
LifE: better choices for a better life
What an awesome message series we finished up Sunday. “LifE”. It was about making better choices for a better life and how right in the middle of life is “if”. In the videos for this series you got to see Brian Wright and myself play the good versus evil roles for our people wondering what “if” they should choose.
I have participated in alot of the videos over the last few years at the Ridge and I fear I have been typecast. I’ve been an over-protective dad, a bad husband, a gladiator nanny, a terrorist, a mean drill sergeant and now Satan.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love to be used by God. It truly fills me up when He can take me and use me as a tool for reaching others and planting seeds. However, children are starting to fear me. While this does have it’s advantages it does start to get a little bothersome when children run screaming at the site of you. Well, not really I kind of get a kick out of it (is that wrong?). A few weeks ago my wife, Jenni, was standing in the lobby at church talking to a new guest. I walked up and said hi and he said “aren’t you the Devil?” Now, that’s probably not the first time that phrase has been uttered about me, but it was really cool because he had learned about the Ridge through the website and the videos we had posted there.
An interesting part about this series of videos is that Brian had to go back and re-shoot most of his lines. We did all of mine at one time (mainly because I didn’t want to dye my beard too many times). As you know, Brian is great in front of and behind the camera and the main reason he had to re-shoot was because we found it hard to come up with his characters responses. It was way too easy to come up with my responses. This got me really thinking… Do you see the analogy here? It’s very easy to respond or react in the “wrong way”. The wrong way often seems more appealing, at first. It feels like the more natural choice sometimes. It is certainly the easier choice most of the time, until the consequences start. But we have to think about the right choice. We have to ponder the outcome if we make the wrong choice.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could reach a point where the right choices came natural and the wrong choices never even got considered. I believe we can reach that point but not on our own. We can do it through Christ and His strength. Then He can use us to show others the right way. Remember the deoderant commercial “never let ‘em see you sweat” well through Jesus we can do that. If we can keep Him in the beginning of our “if” then only the right choice remains. Remember the next time an “if” pops up let Christ show you the right choice and in turn show others and maybe they will see His light in that choice.
… and if you make the wrong choice don’t say “the Rick made me do it!”
Less Clutter Less Noise
I just finished Less Clutter Less Noise by Kem Meyer and I must say thank you. Thank you Jesus for the passion You have given Kem for church communications. Thank you to all who have driven, inspired, challenged and otherwise shaped and molded Kem into the person she is. Thank you to Granger Community Church for fostering an attitude of sharing and love among your leaders. And last but certainly not least thank you Kem for your hard work, dedication, inspiration, motivation and any other -tion I may have forgotten.
I first met Kem a few years ago at a workshop she was conducting at GCC. I had a fire burning for our newly formed communications position I was helping to start at our growing church, The Ridge, and Kem effectively threw gasoline on that fire. Over the years I have valued her insight and commentary as well as her wit, reality and humbleness. I am also the owner of a small business and I have found that this information is applicable not only in the church but business as well.
The willingness to share from Kem and the entire staff at GCC is amazing and unfortunately not often found in business or church. At times I’m not sure how appreciative our patoral staff has been for what I have learned from Kem but ultimately it has all worked out for the best (just kidding). Less Clutter Less Noise is a great source to aleviate or outright avoid some of the trials and tribulations one can and will encounter in the arena of communications. Whether you are a seasoned vetereran or a newbie there is plenty of “take-away” available. Buy it now, I dare you…
Thanks again Kem, you ROCK!!!
Why the Easter Bunny?
The post below came from Mark Driscoll and the people at The Resurgence You should also check out the “Satan Debate” that Mark participated in. Thank you brother for your insight and your obedience to what God has called you for.
How in the world did the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, the most sacred and central event in Christianity, come to be represented by a fluffy bunny who lays colored eggs and gives out cheap candy to kids? The Easter Bunny is a commercialized cultural commonplace around the world (though it may be losing ground to the Easter Bilby in Australia), yet for all its familiarity, the Easter Bunny’s true origins are a mystery.
Eggs and Bunnies
Eggs and rabbits have been used as traditional symbols of springtime fertility and rebirth by various cultures throughout history. Eggs symbolize new life about to emerge, while hares and rabbits are conspicuous in the spring because they breed—like rabbits. The hare’s association with Easter may be a holdover from the ancient pagan spring festivals of Europe. According to Bede, an 8th-century Anglo-Saxon church historian, the British pagans used to celebrate a spring feast in honor of the goddess Eostre, who was represented by the hare.
Eostre and the Hare
When Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) sent missionaries to the British Isles, he instructed them to adapt the existing religious places and festivals for Christian use. He wrote, “Since the people are accustomed, when they assemble for sacrifice, to kill many oxen in sacrifice to the devils, it seems reasonable to appoint a festival for the people by way of exchange. The people must learn to slay their cattle not in honor of the devil, but in honor of God and for their own food…” Because the celebration of the Resurrection replaced the old spring feast of Eostre, the Christian holiday came to be called Easter, and Eostre’s pet animal the hare apparently came along for the ride.
Osterhase
The first known mention of the actual Easter Bunny comes from Germany in the 1600s, where the cute little guy was known as the Osterhase, or “Oschter Haws.” German immigrants came to America with a tradition in which the kids would build nests around the house out of hats and bonnets, and if they had been good children, Osterhase would leave brightly-colored eggs in the nests. The tradition grew and spread over time, and eventually Osterhase turned into the Easter Bunny and began giving out chocolate and candy as well as eggs.
The Resurrection
Easter is still celebrated as a major holiday all around the globe, but the truth of Jesus’ gory crucifixion and glorious resurrection is often obscured by the garish cartoon bunny in the stores and the gaudy displays of springtime fashion among the religious. Traditions of cute bunnies, colored eggs, and little girls in pink dresses are harmless enough, but at the same time we must not let anything obstruct our view of the earth-shattering reality represented by Easter. There’s nothing cute or cuddly about the fact that we killed God. When we were his enemies, he came to us, suffered in our place through the horror that was Good Friday, and rose from his grave on Easter Sunday so that we will one day rise from ours. The curse is broken, and we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus because we know we will one day experience it (1 Cor. 15:20-23). Let’s be joyful, let’s never shrink from speaking about Jesus’ death and resurrection, and let’s never trivialize it.
Double Book Recommendation
Experiencing the Spirit: Serve God as never before
The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The result:
People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10).What can give Christians today the same impact?
God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit. You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments. You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin.
Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit’s work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life.
For me “Experiencing the Spirit” could not have come at a better time, right on the heals of finishing a small group study of “Experiencing God”. Once again Henry Blackaby challenges you to open your eyes, heart and mind to God and the Holy Spirit. More than that though he and his son Mel help you to better understand the importance of God’s gift to us in the Holy Spirit if you allow Him to take up residence in you.
Dr. Henry Blackaby has devoted his life to the ministry. A multi-faceted talent, he has served as a music director, senior pastor, college president, missionary, and later as an executive in Southern Baptist Convention. Blackaby is the author of more than a dozen books with more than one million copies sold, including the best-selling Experiencing God. As the President of Blackaby Ministries, he is a vibrant speaker and the father of Dr. Melvin Blackaby. Melvin serves as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro in Georgia, where he lives with his wife, Gina, and their three children.
The Treasure Principle – Flip-Flop Your Concept of Giving!
Bestselling author Randy Alcorn introduced readers to a revolution in material freedom and radical generosity with the release of the original The Treasure Principle in 2001. Now the revision to the compact, perennial bestseller includes a provocative new concluding chapter depicting God asking a believer questions about his stewardship over material resources. Readers are moved from the realms of thoughtful Bible exposition into the highly personal arena of everyday life. Because when Jesus told His followers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. Discover a joy more precious than gold!
Story Behind the Book: After years of writing and teaching on the theme “God owns everything,” in 1990 Randy Alcorn was sued by an abortion clinic (for peaceful, nonviolent intervention for the unborn). Suddenly he had to resign as a pastor and was restricted to making minimum wage. Legally unable to own anything, Randy gave all his book royalties to missions work and need-meeting ministries. He and his family have experienced the reality of The Treasure Principle-that God really does own everything, takes care of us, and graciously puts assets into our hands that we might have the joy and privilege of investing in what will last for eternity.
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn is a quick read…but don’t let that fool you. It is jam packed with seven biblically based tips of wisdom. They are each expanded in a chapter and then also shown through practical real life experiences the author has had. He also is good to weave them periodically throughout the book to show how each of these steps works together. At the end of the book he also provides questions for you to ask yourself and then gives you scripture verses to refer to as to why this is biblically sound. His best piece of advice…when you realize you are God’s “money manager” and truly grasp that “you can’t take it with you, but instead can send it ahead” it frees you to truly do what God wants you to do rather than be confined to our world’s materialistic ways. I highly recommend this book if you are feeling the stress of this slumping economy to find ways to truly put it in perspective to truly achieve the “wealth” that God has in store for you. -Jenni Phillips
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM). Prior to 1990, when he started EPM, he served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has spoken around the world and has taught on the adjunct faculties of Multnomah Bible College and Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Randy is the best-selling author of twenty-seven books (over three million in print), including the novels Deadline, Dominion, and Deception as well as Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home, and Wait Until Then.
Clutter-FREE Christianity
When did the Christian life become so complicated?
Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, voter, employee, and more, you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.
It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. In this liberating look at the core principles of faith, Dr. Robert Jeffress reveals the truth about what God really wants from you-and what He wants to do for you.
Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points you toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude, and affection. You’ll learn how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation as you choose to follow Christ in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service, and prayer.
Through a renewed focus on experiencing the kingdom of God right now, you’ll find your to-do list shrinking and your spiritual life deepening. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.
I found the authors approach to some of the issues that have “cluttered up” Christianity thought provoking, amusing and sad all at the same time. Dr. Jeffress really sums it all up in his chapter titles. It is a matter of the heart. We need to remember that when we let Jesus into our hearts we can’t keep Him locked in there for our own selfish devices. We need to let Him use us as a conduit for spreading that love to others.
This book is a refreshing look at what we as Christains should have already been aware of but tend to ignore or sweep under the rug.
Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, one of the most historic churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. The author of sixteen books, he is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition, live broadcasts of Dr. Jeffress’ weekly messages reach millions of listeners and viewers each week, while his daily sermon series airs on 1,100 television stations and cable systems nationwide. Dr. Jeffress and his wife, Amy, are the parents of two adult daughters.
USED
We kicked off a new campaign at the Ridge this week called USED. The motivation and inspiration behind come from 1 Peter 4:10 cev “Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.” Which was also the inspiration behind the name change of this blog.
When I open myself up and allow God to use me where He is working it fullfills me. We were created to serve, Him and others. For a long time I had a void in my life. I lacked purpose, direction and drive. I tried to fill it with many things such as a successful business, caring for others, community service etc.
Now, don’t get me wrong, all of those things are a good thing but reason for doing them must be correct. Often we do these things out of guilt or for recognition or for personal gratification.
The reason we feel this drive to do these things for others is because God created us that way and in the absence of Christ in our hearts and lives we still have that desire or urge to serve. James 2:17 tells us “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” You can turn that around also because deeds without faith=death. We’re all going to die. That is an unavoidable end to this pysical life. But, if you don’t believe I’m sorry but you will die completely. John 20:31 says “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
That life is eternal life. Now we don’t know for sure what eternal life will mean exactly but it sounds a darn sight better than eternal death, or eternal seperation from God, or eternal damnation. Doesn’t it?? It does to me.
Anyway back to being used. God is an all powerful God. He can do anything He chooses to do. The cool thing is He chooses to use us to do it as His tool (if we are obedient to Him). Does that mean we can control and manipulate the outcome. No. Gods plan will happen regardless of whether we choose to obey His calling or not. But the blessings we can receive from our obedience are amazing. I don’t mean that to sound like we should do it to receive blessings that’s the wrong motivation too. But, by submiting to the rule of Christ over our hearts and lives we can experience the benefits of living in the kingdom of God now, not just in eternity.
So, are you used? Post a comment or email me direct at rphillips@ridge.tv
Vote for Pedro
This past Sunday I had the opportunity to hear an amazing testimony of the spiritual birth of Pedro Rivera. I don’t really know Pedro that well. I’d met him in passing at the church before. But, his story has touched my life. One thing to note typically we edit testimony videos down to about 3-5 minutes. When this was done filming it was decided that it could not be edited and we ran it in it’s entirety. We had to cut a song and Pastor Darrel had to trim his message a little but Pedros story fit and we felt God was telling us “this needs to be seen”. I see God doing big things in this mans life. The video is about 18 minutes long but please check it out.
pray for them…
Last Sunday I went to Arbys with my wife and a friend. I’m not particular fond of Arbys, as a matter of fact I think I said “let’s go somewhere else”. As often happens I was outvoted and we went.
While standing in line to place our orders my attention was drawn to a young couple with two children sitting at a table together. There was an obvious tension among them and a silence that was deafening. Occasionally I would see her fight back some tears. I’m not sure what was going on in their lives at that moment but my heart was broken for them. I began to pray for them at that moment and they haven’t left my thoughts or prayers much since then. I offered her a smile when I caught her eye as they left, which she painfully returned. At first I was kicking myself for not offering more, a kind word, an open comment to spark a conversation… but then I realized why I had been placed there at that time (I don’t even like Arbys, remember). I was there to pray for them… I got caught up in “what can I offer them” and almost forgot “what He can offer them”.
Interestingly enough, the week before, as part of the study “Experiencing God” that Jen and I have been taking for the last 10 weeks I recently prayed for God to break my heart for the things that break His. I’m not not sure what I’ve gotten myself into with that but wow, it didn’t take long for Him to start.
I’m not sure what has come of them or what will come of them but I will continue to pray for them as long as can and I ask that anyone reading this please take a moment and do the same… Thank you and God bless.
Pray…
Preaching at his 8 a.m. service today, Pastor Fred Winters was shot dead in the pulpit of First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois. According to reports, he was shot three times and other shots may have been fired had the gun not apparently jammed. The assailant then pulled a knife and injured himself and other congregants until he was forcibly subdued. No motive has yet been determined. A statement released by the church said, “Please pray for Dr. Winter’s family, our two brave members who were injured when they stopped the assailant, for the assailant himself and his family, and for our church members as they deal with this tragic loss. . . . To those who believe in the power of prayer, we covet your prayers right now.”
In the midst of all this chaos and turmoil this church has remembered and called for prayer for the assailant and his family. We need to remember this kind of action in our lives. We are not called to judge but to love others. Not just the people we like or the people that are like us or share our values and beliefs. More often the people who are the opposite of this need as much or more prayer.
This was obviously a person with problems or issues. We may never know what led him to this action and we truly don’t need to know. We simply need to lift him and his family up in prayer. Pray that he can receive the help he needs. Pray that he can open his heart and mind and find Christ through this and seek His forgiveness. Pray that his family can remain strong and supportive. That if they don’t know Christ that this event can bring them to Him. Pray for protection for them against those that may wrongly seeking revenge or redemption. Pray…
And of course pray for those present and those injured and Pastor Winters, his wife and children.
Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and Day with a Perfect Stranger
I recently had the opportunity to check out two new books by David Gregory. Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and Day with a Perfect Stranger. Both books explore the possibilities of modern day encounters with Jesus. I absolutely love the authors depictions of the conversations. They are exactly as I would picture them if Jesus made individual, personal appointments with each of us to discuss our faith or lack of faith. I truly believe He does do this through circumstance and others but these books illustrate it so clear, concise and entertaining. This is exactly what could happen if one could take an evening or a day and suspend their beliefs or mis-beliefs and just talk with Him, something I highly encourage, and these two books could begin your journey. For those who do believe these books are a great chance to reach your friends and family and spark those sometimes difficult conversations.
Dinner with a Perfect Stranger: You are Invited to a Dinner with Jesus of Nazareth The mysterious envelope arrives on Nick Cominsky’s desk amid a stack of credit card applications and business-related junk mail. Although his seventy-hour workweek has already eaten into his limited family time, Nick can’t pass up the opportunity to see what kind of plot his colleagues have hatched. The normally confident, cynical Nick soon finds himself thrown off-balance, drawn into an intriguing conversation with a baffling man who appears to be more than comfortable discussing everything from world religions to the existence of heaven and hell. And this man who calls himself Jesus also seems to know a disturbing amount about Nick’s personal life. ………….. “You’re bored, Nick. You were made for more than this. You’re worried about God stealing your fun, but you’ve got it backwards.… There’s no adventure like being joined to the Creator of the universe.” He leaned back off the table. “And your first mission would be to let him guide you out of the mess you’re in at work.” …………. As the evening progresses, their conversation touches on life, God, meaning, pain, faith, and doubt–and it seems that having Dinner with a Perfect Stranger may change Nick’s life forever. This book may be purchased here.
Day with a Perfect Stranger: What if a fascinating stranger knew you better than you know yourself? When her husband comes home with a farfetched story about eating dinner with someone he believes to be Jesus, Mattie Cominsky thinks this may signal the end of her shaky marriage. Convinced that Nick is, at best, turning into a religious nut, the self-described agnostic hopes that a quick business trip will give her time to think things through. On board the plane, Mattie strikes up a conversation with a fellow passenger. When she discovers their shared scorn for religion, she confides her frustration over her husband’s recent conversion. The stranger suggests that perhaps her husband isn’t seeking religion but true spiritual connection, an idea that prompts her to reflect on her own search for fulfillment. As their conversation turns to issues of spiritual longing and deeper questions about the nature of God, Mattie finds herself increasingly drawn to this insightful stranger. But when the discussion unexpectedly turns personal, touching on things she’s never told anyone, Mattie is startled and disturbed. Who is this man who seems to peer straight into her soul? This book may be purchased here.
David Gregory is the author of the best-selling books Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and A Day with a Perfect Stranger, and coauthor of two nonfiction books. After a ten-year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communications, earning graduate degrees from The University of North Texas and Dallas Theological Seminary. A native Texan, David now devotes himself to writing full time.
Where did it all go so wrong???
Hi I’m Rick and I’m an addict… I started out with pagers when I was younger. I thought I could handle it and all. Then I got my first cell phone… I just used it a little back then to keep the wife informed and stuff like that. But it was never enough… I kept it at phone calls for a long time but then I started texting just last year and man was it sweet! I really thought I had it all under control. It was just a simple little Razor phone and again I was just trying to keep my wife updated and occasionally talk with my teenage daughter .. Sure I’d get on the web every once in a while but only for movie listings and the occasional peak at Twitter. “I could handle it!!” Then I tried my first Blackberry! I fought it for years. I’d see my friends with them and think “I’m ok with my phone I don’t need all those apps and other stuff like a full qwerty keypad and unlimited texting and maps and mobile email ooohhhh… Then one day in a moment of weakness I did it… I got one… I had it all under control for about half a day or so then, the Facebook app and the Twitter app they called me and ooohhh they were. Who would have thought how it could be… And then I discovered the WordPress mobile page and here I am laying in bed typing this blog… And to think it all started so innocently (but doesn’t it always) Curse you Verizon and Blackberry!!! Curse you!!! I want my life back!!!
Name Change…
As you may have noticed (if anyone is even reading this) I have changed the name of my blog.
There are a few reasons one being that www.affectivecommunication.net was getting ready to expire and was alot to type and a mouth full to say.
So, why “I’m Used”? first of all it’s shorter to say and type and easier to remember. But mainly because it’s something I love to be. I absolutely love to be used by God. I try to always allow myself to be used when, where and however He may choose to. I wish I could say I am obedient enough that it happens every day but I mess it all up a lot of the time. But when it all works out it can be an amazing thing. I hope you have or do experience what it’s like to be used.
New Favorite Band
I just heard “Death of Me” from Red. What an amazing sound and the video for the song is a punch in the chest!!! Thanks Pete for posting about them. Check it out here:
The message in the video is such an amazing representation of how we really are. The chorus says:
You tear me down and then you pick me up,
You take it all and still it’s not enough,
You try to tell me you can heal me,
But I’m still bleeding and you’ll be
The death of me!
This is exactly what we do to ourselves left to our own devices. With out the guidance and instruction through Christ we will be the death of ourselves.
Experiencing God week 1
My wife, Jenni, and I started a class this week called Experiencing God. It is a 12-13 week lesson in a small group setting. I had heard a little bit about the course from friends that said it can change your life. Two of my dear friends actually quit their full time jobs to become pastors after taking this course. Knowing this Jenni was very leery of allowing me to take it as was I. It’s not that we’re not open to God’s calling but we have grown comfortable in our current positions and settings. This can be a very dangerous thing. I have already felt a calling to the church/ministry for some time now and wrestled with it a bit. I don’t think the time has come yet but it is coming. Well some circumstances occurred (divine intervention?) that gave us the opportunity to sign up for the group.
The first class was last Wednesday and was very interesting. So far the homework has been very eye opening and thought provoking. It is my hope and prayer that Jenni and I can take our next steps together, grow spiritually and learn what God wants us to do. I will keep you posted as the course progresses and we learn to better obey and experience God.
A Sight To See…
I got to witness an awesome thing this past weekend. I got to see this guy get baptized. His name is Eddie. We’ve known each other for a long time. We went to school together but weren’t really what you would call friends. Eddie and I have led similar lives though. We both are former military and proud to have served our country. We also did a lot of things we are not proud of in our lives. We both came to know the Lord later in life. I remember seeing Eddie when he first started coming to the Ridge. I sympathized with him and his uncertainty, the same way I felt when I first started attending. I remember the day he made the decision and pray to accept Christ. I had prayed for him to reach that point and was very overcome with emotion when I found out about his decision. Now we are not only friends but we are brothers. Brothers in Christ. I have had the priveledge of working with Eddie over the past month or so and have seen him grow leaps and bounds in his trust and faith in Jesus Christ. He’s on fire and it’s awesome. Please join me in prayer for him to keep that fire ignited.
What a bunch of crap!!
Here’s a post I just had to share from Perry Noble I love it!!! You Rock, Perry!
Before reading this post and getting angry with me that I used an illustration with “crap” in it…take a look at Deuteronomy 23:12-14 where God tells the Israelites to get the crap out of the camp…MIGHT be a message out of this text in the future!)
Saturday morning is date morning…and when Charisse and I first began…we had an “interesting” ritual EVERY Saturday morning.
I would go upstairs to wake her up, change her diaper and then bring her downstairs to feed her (either Cheerios or a cereal bar and some fruit.)
After she ate (which took a while) we would then go upstairs, get her dressed and go outside or on a “car ride.”
BUT…not before she pooped.
Seriously, she always used to have an after breakfast poop…and if she wasn’t done pooping after she ate then we would just sit around and wait…
WHICH sometimes bothered me because I wanted to take her somewhere. I wanted her to experience new things. I wanted to see her go to places she had never gone before…
BUT…we could not moved until she got the crap out of her!!! Sometimes it took awhile…sometimes it happened immediately…but we didn’t move until she did her deal!
The same could be said with us and our walk with God…He is amazing, He is the perfect Father and wants to take us places in life that will absolutely blow our minds. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us His plans are awesome.
I say this often and people ask, “Then why do I feel stuck where I am?”
Could it be that He is waiting on you to get the crap out of your life?
Seriously, is there something in your life that you might call a bad habit or an “issue” that He would flat out call “crap” and tell you that you are staying where you are until you get it out of your life?
What is crap anyway? It is the stuff that our body has deemed wasteful and does not need. If God is asking you to get rid of something/quit something…then He knows that what He’s calling you to get rid of is wasteful…and you do not need it!
AND…if crap somehow gets into your bloodsteam…it can be toxic. The reason God wants the crap out of our lives isn’t because He doesn’t love it…but rather BECAUSE He loves us. He knows the damage it will do long term.
Sin, from God’s point of view…is CRAP! It is what caused Jesus to have to give His life on the cross. It’s the grossest thing in His sight…and instead of us forming groups in the church to talk about the crap in our lives and affirm our crappiness…He would rather us confess it and repent of it!!!
So…question…is there anything in your life that God would say is “crappy” and needs to go?
Just a thought!
Thanks Perry that is some awesome crap!
What I want for my daughter…
This is my daughter, Marissa. I know things can’t be perfect for her all her life. But if I can do anything to protect or prepare her for troubled times I desperately want to do that. She recently started driving which I am excited about for her but at the same time it scares the crap out of me. She has begun to look at colleges and is exploring her options of career choices. Again, a very exciting time to share with her but it means time is short. Have I given her my all? Is she ready for what lies ahead? Although I’m sure I wasn’t the father she deserved at times. I hope and pray I have been the best father I could be and that she can forgive me for the rest. I want her to always know, as long as I hold breath in my body, I am here for her, no matter what. There is nothing she can’t bring to me or ask me.
There are certain things I want for her in her life.
- I want her to pursue Christ… I want her to live a Godly life and never stop following Christ and reaching others for Him.
- I want her to know she is beautiful… We are all created in God’s image and that makes us all beautiful, so many women never hear enough, how beautiful they really are.
- I want her to make the most of her life… That may sound corny but I want her to have as few regrets as possible in her life and I want her to hear those words “well done My good and faithful servant”.
- I want her to never know a stranger… She can be the sweetest person I know, when she wants to be, I want her to use that to touch as many lives as she can.
- I want her to never settle… To always do her very best and never settle for good enough in school, work, love or life.
- I want her to fall in love (in the far future) with a certain kind of man…
- He needs to love God… I want him to be the spiritual leader she needs to guide her, lead her and protect her.
- He needs to love her… I want him to love her with all the passion and attention she wants, needs and deserves.
- He needs to make her happy… Not with material things but with what her heart truly desires.
- He needs to make her laugh… Marissa has an infectious laugh that needs to be heard as often as possible.
- (guys if you’re not up to these tasks don’t even bother)
Finally, I want her to know how important she is to me… I have not done well providing, supporting or emphasizing the things listed above for Marissa. I am praying that God will help me to see and sieze each and every moment that I can use to prepare her for what ever He has for her. Please keep me in prayer that I will do better in the future. Marissa, please forgive me my shortcomings, I love you Boo.
