My Jenniverse
Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. -1Peter3:1-6
I am married to the most patient, kind, caring women I have ever known. 1 Peter 3:1-6 is what I call my Jenniverse. My wife, Jenni, often times unknowingly followed Gods command here in dealing with me, long before I became a believer. The first time I read these words I saw her reflection in the page.
I know a number of women struggle with the fact that their husbands don’t go to church with them or don’t follow or believe in Jesus. My wife was one of them for the first 17 1/2 years of our marriage. But through her obedience in 1 Peter3:1-6 I saw Jesus reflected in her actions and lifestyle. Not through her arguing, nagging, begging and pleading for me to “try out church” (although she did her fair share of that too).
Ladies I know it’s tough sometimes. At times I look back on what I put her through and get sick about it. But just keep this scripture handy and truly live it out and watch what happens.
Answered Prayer?
Does God only answer the prayers of the believer?
Some would say scripture supports that only the prayers of the believer can and will be heard by God, other than the prayer of salvation of the non-believer.
Psalm 66:18 says, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened”. Isaiah 1:15 says, “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen.” And Proverbs 28:9 has, “If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.”
These scriptures might support that but can’t a believer also fit here? Can a believer “…cherish sin in his heart”? or “…turn a deaf ear to the law”? I have, and I don’t question my salvation, I know in my heart that Jesus Christ died for my sins as well as the sins of all man, even the ones that choose never to believe in Him. The difference is where that salvation will take me and where that missing salvation will take them. But, that’s another discussion. Let’s get back to prayer?
Now, I’m not talking about prosperity prayers or prayers that are self centered in nature. I don’t believe those are answered for anyone if it is outside God’s plan. I’m talking about righteous prayer that is in line with God’s will.
Long, before I was a believer I prayed for the safety of my wife and unborn daughter through a difficult child-birth. My daughter is now 18 years old, healthy and a faithful servant of Christ. Wait a minute, I’ve only been saved 4 1/2 years?!? But, isn’t that an answered prayer? I also added in “I’ll straighten up and change my ways…” Some would say I’ve done that and some would say that is an answered prayer for them too but that event occurred 14 years later. All in God’s timing not man’s, maybe? If, God had not answered that prayer, if Jenni or Marissa or both had not made it through would that have driven me further from God? Was this a coincidence or was this the starting point of a belief that would eventually emerge in my life. There were other times I prayed. I prayed for a safe return from The Gulf War. I made it home, some didn’t. That was even two years before that prayer for Jenni and Marissa. If I hadn’t prayed for that safe return or if God had ignored that prayer because I didn’t believe, where would I be? Where would Jenni be? Would Marissa be?Again, as far as we can tell, these prayers appear to line up with God’s will. You could say the prayer for a safe return was a selfish one but I had a wife, who would become an amazing sister in Christ, to return to. And a, yet to be conceived, daughter that is now turning into that same kind of woman. That is now an answered prayer of mine, albeit after the fact of my salvation.
Muscles don’t just appear one day. We have to build them. How can we build our faith muscles if we don’t excercise them? And how can we reach the strength to take that first huge step and ask for God’s forgiveness if we don’t exercise a little first? I’m not saying that’s all it takes but it’s a flex in the right direction.
God saved me from what I had turned my life into. I know that is an answered prayer of my wife’s. But, God gave me the life I was ruining. Maybe that initial life was an answer to someone else’s prayer. Where they a believer? Will they be someday because of that first step 40 some years ago?
What say you? Is prayer a private club only for the members that “said the oath” or is more than that? I would love to hear your thoughts.
What’s Next…
Last week my daughter, Marissa, graduated from high school. Being a member of the school board, I actually got to hand her the diploma. She was also in the top 10 of her class, received numerous honors, some great scholarships and gave the benediction. What a proud moment it was for me and Jenni. But, I think I tend to be more of a realist when it comes to these types of things. Our kids grow up. It’s an inevitability, we can’t stop it, so why not embrace it for the momentous occasion it is.
While I remember and cherish the memories of her first steps, I celebrate her accomplishments that have now led her to her next steps. She will be going off to Anderson University in August, just days after she turns 18. I am confident that she is ready for it. Through her choices in life, so far, and her faith and beliefs, she has instilled in me a sense of comfort that makes it easier to let her go.
I do hope that I have been able to help her learn and grow over the years. I pray that she has been able to learn from the stupid things she has seen me do, in my life. I have given her the opportunity to learn from my mistakes more often than not. Even though I am the parent, I feel as if I have learned more from her than she has from me, over the years. I think I have a better understanding of unconditional love. I have grown closer to God by better understanding the sacrifice He made for us in His own Son. Not necessarily the why, but a better understanding of the love He has for man to have given His Son’s life for our own. While I would lay down my life for her, I cannot fathom seeing her hurt for others.
While I want Marissa to experience only good things in life I know that is not realistic so I pray for strength and courage
for her. I pray that she will learn and grow from the right and wrong, the good and bad. But, more importantly I pray for a continued, strong support system of friends and family and the wisdom for her to rely on them.
I anxiously await whatever comes next in her life. I joke with her a lot about boyfriends and such but I have been praying for a special man for her for some time now. I pray that he will be a Godly man, a good husband and father. That he will not only provide for her physical and financial needs but for her spiritual needs as well.
I will always have fond memories of her childhood but I am so excited to see how God will work in her life next. I love you Boo.
Call To Duty
As I’m sure it is with many others, Memorial Day brings out a spirit of thanks in me. I thank all of those that have given their time, effort and lives in the service of our country. I too am a veteran. I served in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Operation Provide Comfort in 1990-1991.
I’m not sure how other veterans feel about it while they are serving but at the time I did not fully realize what I was a part of. It wasn’t for recognition or fanfare. It wasn’t even for some over-spilling sense of honor and pride. While I had sworn to make it my duty to protect my country, to me I was simply doing my job.
Now don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to down play the honor it is to serve our country. There are few things that rival the feeling one gets from having served this great nation we live in. I have discovered one though. It is serving God.
As I look back at the similarities, I can see a path that has been formed in my life. Whether we accept it or not we were all created to serve. To serve God and to serve others. I see the characteristics of servanthood in so many people, most don’t even realize it in themselves. All jobs no matter what the skill level or education involved ultimately serve someone else. When we work the product created or service provided benefits another. After 35 years of life I came to this realization and the pieces of the puzzle finally came together for me. In June of 2006 I gave my life to Christ. I understand now that much of what I had been looking for and longing for could only be fulfilled with the in service to Him.
To that point I had done many things to serve others. I spent six years serving the people of our country in the U.S. Army. I spent six years as a carpenter building and repairing homes for others. From 1998 to the present I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist, caring for the needs of others. My life was filled with the call to serve others but until 2006 I did not understand the reason behind that call. Until that point I had not realized the biggest part missing from my call to duty was serving God.
I truly believe we all feel this call to some extent. A desire to help others, a yearning to be a part of something that is making a difference in others lives. That, my dear friends, is what a life dedicated to Jesus Christ is really all about. It’s not about rules and regulations, the accumulation of knowledge, the judgment or condemnation of others. It is about serving God and others.
I urge you today to look at the example of others before us. Then, look deep inside yourselves. It’s there, trust me. We are all creations of God and 1 Peter 4:10 says it best “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.” Through that service you too can better understand God. So, go… find your call to duty.
Plan B by Pete Wilson
Plan B: What do you do when God doesn’t show up the way you thought he would? Did you ever think you had it all worked out? Even for a small time. For just a short portion of your life did you think “this is where I’m supposed to be” or “this is the path to _______”. Did it seem so, totally, clear that the end result was within sight or even within your grasp? Have you had it all come to a screeching halt? Sudden, news of a death in the family, serious health issue, dire financial concerns, devastating relationship problems, all can send the best laid plans careening into the ditch. Have you experienced a Plan B in your life? I have. Ironically enough I experienced a few while reading this book. In his book Plan B, author and pastor, Pete Wilson gives us a look into the lives of others that have experienced Plan B’s. I saw myself reflected in a few of these stories and I saw people I know in the others. If you have experienced what might be considered a Plan B, this book is a great light in the darkness, please read it. If you have not experienced one, get ready because yours is coming and this book may be a great way to prepare for it, read it.
I must warn you though this book may not exactly answer some of your questions. It may not explain why your Plan B happened. However, you may begin to understand that Plan B’s are all part of the “big picture”. It will show you how God can use our Plan B’s to stretch us beyond our current selves. Also, how He can use our Plan B’s to show others what faith in Him can bring. Sometimes we can learn from the Plan B’s of others too. I truly enjoyed Pete’s no-nonsense, almost conversational way of writing. Thank you Pete and God bless. Learn more or purchase the book at http://www.planbbook.com/ Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary advanced copy of this book to review.
Primal
What would your Christianity look like if it was stripped down to the simplest, rawest, purest faith possible? You would have more, not less. You would have the beginning of a new reformation—in your generation, your church, your own soul. You would have primal Christianity.
This book is an invitation to become part of a reformation movement. It is an invitation to rediscover the compassion, wonder, curiosity, and energy that turned the world upside down two thousand years ago. It is an invitation to be astonished again.
I just finished Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity by Mark Batterson. I was thrilled and challenged by Marks previous books In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day and Wild Goose Chase But I believe he has outdone himself this time or more appropriately God has used Mark in bigger and broader ways through this book.
Primal begins with a descent into some of the history of Christianity where we find the “prime directive” from God through Jesus. The Great Commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” That alone is the most primal piece of knowledge one can obtain from God’s word. With that one commandment in place in your life everything else is, to some degree, inconsequential. Now don’t get me wrong here I’m not saying, nor is Mark saying, the rest is unimportant but this is the prime piece of scripture, without loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength the rest won’t get you to far.
So many of us, as believers, today are so caught up in a quest for knowledge and answers that we forget to live out our lives with and for God. We forget that our actions and acts toward others are to be the actions and acts of Jesus Himself. We need to be totally sold out for Him. It is so easy to get caught up in the trappings and busyness of “life” and forget that without Christ we cannot truly have life. We are only waiting around to die.
It is my hope and prayer that you would open your heart and mind to Primal and allow God to speak to you through this book as He has to me.
This book is available from Random House Publishers here.
Author
The author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the D.C. area. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. www.markbatterson.com
Praise God…
Today I had the honor to witness the most amazing Baptism I have ever seen. I saw and heard from a man that spent most of his 40+ years attending church but never really understanding who Jesus was and what He really was to us all. Well, recent events in this mans life brought him to his knees and to the foot of the cross. Today, we spent some time in worship to God and then listened to his story. Then we saw this man baptized. It was such an awesome thing to experience. He describes his experience as having being given a new pair of glasses. He says he sees things so much more clearly now and is begining to understand the love of Christ, and it’s obvious. It’s so beautiful to see Christ working in this mans life and to already see God’s plans for him start to unfold.
Thank you my brother for allowing me to be a part of this special occasion. Hang in there, God bless and don’t forget your glasses.
Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs By Emerson Eggerichs.
This book is based upon the message God has given us through Paul in Ephesians 5:33. Through this and extensive biblical and psychological research, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs reveals the power of unconditional love and unconditional respect and how husbands and wives can reap the benefits of marriage that God intended.
I must say I was unsure of what to epect when this book first arrived. Before long I was deeply engrossed and totally enthralled by this often over-looked and misunderstood area of relationships. This book can and has saved marriages. It also has the potential to make good marriages great. More imortantly though is the spiritual growth you can experience in your obedience to God in the practices set forth in Ephesians 5:33. This book stretched me beyond a capacity I was aware I had and has convicted me to work harder at being a better husband to my wife and a better example of a husband for my daughter. I have already passed this book onto my wife in the hope of growing closer not only to her but to God along side her. I have had the opportunity to used much of the material in counseling others. I also lead a small group and can’t wait to introduce this material in an upcoming study. I would highly recommend this book to any and all.
You tell ‘em Pete!!
The following is a post from Pete Wilson. I’ve been reading his blog for a while now and I tend to agree with his point of view. This time is certianly no exception. Thank you Pete for your honesty and attitude concerning a very difficult but real problem in this world today.
Porn Is To Him What A Pedicure Is To Her?
I’ve read a lot of stupid things in my life but this has to be one of the stupidest, most ignorant, completely unfounded statements I’ve ever read (just ask me and I’ll tell you what I really think). While Ian Kerner, Ph.D. is probably a great guy (and I mean no personal offense towards him) I’ve got to TOTALLY disagree with him on the following statement he made during an interview for an article on the Today Show blog. He said…
For many guys porn is basically a 30-second spa day, complete with happy ending: It feels good, relieves stress and functions as a quick little treat — kind of like scarfing down a bag of Gummi Bears in the middle of the day. It doesn’t mean we’re not interested in having “a real meal” with the woman we love, but sometimes we’re in the mood for a snack.
He went on to describe pornography as a harmless distraction that really doesn’t impact an individual or their relationships with others.
Are you freaking kidding me?
When I read this I knew I had to speak to this because nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve met with countless individuals and couples over the years whose lives and relationships have been severely impacted by pornography.
- 42 percent of surveyed adults indicated that their partner’s use of pornography made them feel insecure. Marriage Related Research, Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D. Christian Counseling Today, 2004 Vol. 12 No. 1.
- 41 percent of surveyed adults admitted they felt less attractive due to their partner’s pornography use. Marriage Related Research, Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D. Christian Counseling Today, 2004 Vol. 12 No. 1.
- 47% percent of families said pornography is a problem in their home. Focus on the Family Poll, October 1, 2003.
I’m not here to try to pile on the guilt. Lord knows if you’re addicted to pornography you don’t need anymore guilt.
I just want to remind you of the truth which is porn is not a “30 second spa day” but a powerful cycle of addiction that can and will destroy your ability to enjoy intimacy with your partner in the way God intended.
I want to remind you that you don’t have to continue to allow your mind and soul to be poisoned by this stuff. You can find freedom from the cycle of guilt and shame you’re caught in!
One of the wisest things I’ve ever done is installed Covenant Eyes on my computer and established a system for accountability in this area of my life and I want to encourage you to do the same. If you have computers in your home and or work which don’t have some kind of filter on them I think you’re just asking for trouble.
Okay (deep breath), I’m stepping down off my soapbox. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic and while I don’t usually condone anonymous comments feel free to leave them on this particular topic.
Because I Said So…
So, the other day we’re getting ready for church and my daughter yells down from upstairs “can I wear sweatpants to church?” to which my wife immediately responds “NO!” Now, we do attend one of those come-as-you-are jeans and t-shirt kind of churches but apparently my wife draws the line at sweatpants. My 16 year old daughter did not rebel or scoff in the least but responded with a simple ok. “Because I said so” was a perfectly acceptable answer to her.
Now, wearing sweatpants to church may not seem like a big deal to some and it may seem sacreligious to others. That’s not the point here. This whole exchange got me thinking about Gods Word and His commands for us. I’ve heard a lot of people question Gods motives or answers. Why can’t I have sex outside of marriage? Why can’t I take things that aren’t mine? Why can’t I kill that guy that cut me off in traffic this morning?
While the answers to these questions may vary some, ultimately the only answer we really need to know is “because I (God) said so!” God loves us and had our best interest and safety in mind when He gave out the commandments and other life instructions as told by Jesus. But for some reason we feel that we need to question His answers. What kind of world would it be if we could still be like children and accept the old “because I said so” answer? I think this may be what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 18:3 when He said “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” We must leave behind our defiant, diobedient behaivour and become like trusting, obedient, innocent little children, because our Father knows and wants what’s best for us. If we don’t, do we truly have that so important relationship with Jesus???
(for those who may have read a different version of this yes, I did a rewrite. It’s not about the sweatpants. I’ll write on that one later.)
Even the Little Things Matter to God…
Last month Jenni and I took a vacation to Tampa, FL. We stayed in a great condo on Treasure Island. We did a lot of nothing and just had a wonderful time doing it. We rested and reconnected with each other and with the Lord.
We walked the beaches a lot while we were there. We saw lots of small shells. I did some snorkeling and found a lot of larger shells and sand dollars. There was one thing I looked for though and never found. I’m not sure why but I just thought it would be neat to find a sharks tooth. I looked and looked and looked but never did find one. I even saw a guy catch a small shark along the shore but no sharks tooth for me. I wasn’t overly upset by this and pretty much forgot about as we packed up to return home.
We got home on a Tuesday evening and I went back to work on Wednesday. I was attempting to get the sand out of my brain since my mind was still on the beach. I was preparing for my day and walking around my office. As some of you may know I tend to dress rather casual at work. I had on a pair of slip-ons that I had worn while in Florida though not that much. I was still thanking God for the blessing of such a wonderful time. Suddenly I felt a stab in the bottom of my foot. I removed my shoe and there stuck in the bottom of my foot was a sharks tooth! It was no bigger
than a rose thorn. I would have never been able to find something that size on the vast beaches we walked. But there it was.
It was such a little thing but it meant so much to me. It was a small gift from God but a huge reminder of this vacation and to remember that I need to occasionally slow down and take time for myself, my wife and my God (not necessarily in that order). Thank You Father.
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.
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.
