No Middle Ground

"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word."
(1Kings 18:21)

Do you ever find yourself faltering between two opinions? Have you ever felt torn between decisions and not sure of what to do? Maybe we get torn sometimes because we are focusing more on the what, than on the Who. Whether we want to admit it, everything comes down to a choice. We must choose between who, what and how most everyday of our lives. The Bible makes it clear that we are to choose whom we will follow. There really is no middle road. The problem lies in the fact that we do not like to think of ourselves as choosing to follow a false god, like Baal. But when we turn from following the Lord, we are turning to follow something else. We get caught up in life’s activities and look for God when we need Him. Did we just choose those activities over the Lord? Probably so. How do we make sure that we choose God first in everything? We must make the Lord our priority everyday. We must start our day with Him, praying about our schedules, asking for His guidance, reading His word for instruction, and worshiping Him with grateful hearts. We must learn to practice these things everyday. If we put these actions into practice, then we will find ourselves following God, no fences and no faltering. God knows our hearts and He wants us to want Him more than anything else. He wants us to stop choosing the what in our lives and start choosing the Who, Jesus Christ. Start your day with the Lord and ask Him to guide you. Beware of choosing to serve the false gods of the world. The Lord will help you if you just ask Him.

Snow Hits Central Indiana

Well in case you didn't hear, we had a winter storm pass through central Indiana and we received a lot of snow. My family and I are hunkered down here in our home, we have so much snow on the ground we can't get out of our driveway yet. I see lots of snow shoveling ahead as I try to get my driveway and sidewalk cleared out. The snowplows are out clearing the roads so hopefully we will be able to get out soon. I hope you are enjoying the day and if the snow has affected you, please be careful and have a blessed day.

Something Funny

This weekend my family and I are decorating our house for Christmas and when I saw this picture on the internet I think I've found someone who has the right idea. God bless.

Complaining

"Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. " (Numbers 11:1)

God knows our needs and hears our words. God opens His hand and satisfies the desires of every living thing (Psalm 145:16). He knows our wants before they are even formed on our tongue. He is faithful in all things and will not let the righteous beg for bread. So why are we so discontent? Why do we complain to each other? Why don’t we pray more and trust Him more?
There is a consistent theme in the lives of the Israelites that left Egypt. They complained. Over and over, they saw the miracles of the Lord to provide for them and protect them. They were witnesses of His ever constant presence and received daily manna from heaven. But it wasn’t enough. They wanted more and bigger and better and newer. They even complained that they wanted what they had when they were slaves in Egypt. I am truly amazed at how quickly we forget. It was because of their oppression in Egypt that God intervened to save them from slavery. God answered their prayer in unbelievable ways, but it wasn’t enough. And over and over, they were punished for this behavior but they didn’t change. How come? The answer is always the same…a lack of self control. Like the Israelites, we are can and do act the same way. We speak without thinking, complain to whom ever will listen, and become forgetful in the busyness of the day. The responsibility isn’t all on the Lord. We need to be active in our faith and fight for victory. Let’s stop being hearers and complainers and become doers of the Word. It will bring victory and blessing into our lives as we trust the Lord instead of complaining.

Monday Morning Cup of Joe

Today I am enjoying more cold weather and starting another week. I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed weekend. As you start this morning and begin a new week, always remember to seek God's will and direction for everything in your lives. Seek His will and not your own. Just as Jesus taught in the scriptures, ask your Heavenly father for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. God's will and God's plan are always best. Seek His will and trust His plan. God knows best what is best for us. Have a great week.

Scripture Verse For Today

When we put God first in every area of our lives, He will not only bless our lives but fulfill His plan and His perfect will for our lives.

What's In Your Heart?

"So Judah and his brothers came to Joseph's house, and he was still there; and they fell before him on the ground. And Joseph said to them, "What deed is this you have done? Did you not know that such a man as I can certainly practice divination?" Then Judah said, "What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord's slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found." But he said, "Far be it from me that I should do so; the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be my slave. And as for you, go up in peace to your father." Genesis 44:14-17

What kind of response do you think Joseph was looking for? He placed his cup into the pouch of his brother, Benjamin (the only brother that had the same mother). Did Joseph want to reveal his identity to Benjamin alone or was he testing the hearts of the brothers to see if they had changed after all of these years? Both Joseph and Benjamin were their father’s favorite children because they were born by the mother Jacob loved most. Favoritism does bring about jealousy, resentment and bitterness but the brothers were still responsible for their own behavior before God. After all these years, Joseph probably wondered what his other brothers thought of their actions in selling him. Did they regret it? Would they do it again? Were they treating Benjamin the same way? Now, that God had given Joseph the upper hand, Joseph patiently and wisely tested his brothers to discern what was in their hearts. Judah said, “God has found out the iniquity of your servants.” In other words, he was acknowledging that the brothers deserve to be treated as slaves for the sin they had been hiding all these years in selling Joseph as a slave.
Because God exists and He is just, what goes around, comes around. We truly do reap what we sow and these boys knew it firsthand. God is willing to forgive and we find Joseph acting like the God he trusts in.

I pray that we all may have the heart of both types of men:

Joseph – being willing to forgive
The brothers – being willing to openly and honestly confess and repent for wrongdoing against God and others.

God tests our hearts because He wants us to know what is in them. He already knows and He is so gracious to forgive as soon as we are willing to confess.

Signs of the Times

I can't believe what I am seeing here. What Pastor in their right mind would put this up on the church sign. Perhaps the Pastor of this church should try correcting this sign and re-wording this phrase. Let's hope so. God bless you today.

Obama Makes History As First Black President

Today we witnessed the peaceful transition of power here in the United States as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. President Obama made history by becoming the first African-Amercian, Multi-racial President in our nation. While I didn't vote for President Obama, I will pray for him and his family and I along with millions of Americans will do my best to support him when I think he is right and voice my disagreement and dissent when I feel he is wrong. Either way, Barack Obama is my president and I'll be praying for him as he assumes the office of President. God bless you today and God bless America.

New Era Begins With The Rams

Today the St. Louis Rams introduced their new head coach Steve Spagnoulo who was formerly the Defensive Coordinator of the New York Giants. Spagnoulo takes over the Rams after Scott Linehan was fired and intereim coach Jim Haslett wasn't retained. I am very excited about this hire and I am looking forward to a new era in Rams football. What is like about "Spags" as he is called, is that he is a Christian man who believes in God and he was quoted as saying these words, “As a head coach, I will be committed to doing everything possible to bring success to this franchise,” Spagnuolo said. “I’m not about predictions, I’m not about bold statements, but we hope that we’re going to be about faith, character, core values and team first those will be the four pillars that we will hang our hat on.” I like what I am hearing so far and I look forward to 2009 and the rebirth of the Rams. GO RAMS!

Kurt Warner Leads the Big Red To the Super Bowl

I can't believe I am saying this.....the Arizona Cardinals, long a joke in the NFL are going to the Super Bowl, and the man who led them to the NFC title over the Philadelphia Eagles is my favorite quarterback of all time: Kurt Warner. I was sad to see him leave St. Louis in 2003 because his life and testimony were a tribute to faith in Christ and hard work and just like with the Rams, he has led the Big Red to the Super Bowl. I have to admit that this is bittersweet for me. Like many people from St. Louis, I was devastated when Bill Bidwill decided to move the team and the Cardinals left town in 1988 and to this day, I still cannot bring myself to root for them. Especially when they are playing my beloved Rams. However, with Kurt Warner leading the way, I am so happy to see that they have finally made it to the Super Bowl and #13 has once again shown he is one of the great quarterbacks of all time and I congratulate him on this great achievment. I hope that Kurt Warner and the Cardinals win the Super Bowl in two weeks because it couldn't happen to a better person. GO BIG RED...

God's Blessings

If you are like me, sometimes you get so caught up on what is going on "now," on school assignments, work deadlines, past hurts, etc. that you lose focus of the fact that God blesses us SO much every day. I once read a quote by an unknown author who wrote, "What a wonderful world this would be if we could forget our problems and easily as we do our blessings." We should never forget or fail to remember all the blessings that God had given us in our lives. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (NIV) So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, That everything that He provides on top of salvation is a bonus, and even if God never did anything else for me," the gift of salvation is so incredible and undeserved! But indeed, not only has God provided a means to satisfy His necessary justness--by giving His Son in our place, but He also gives us blessings everyday. He gives us family and friends. He gives us roofs over our heads. He gives us abilities. He gives us food. He gives us in this country, freedom of worship. He gives us good local churches to provide the opportunties for worship, fellowship and service that we all need:

Ephesians 5:19 (NIV) Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

I hope that you will join with me today, in a concerted effort to be more thankful to God. No matter what our situation, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. There are things we take for granted every day, like a roof over our heads, food on our tables, employment and a source of income, our health and yes, even a government that is not a dictatorship....Things that people in some countries do not have....And we can be thankful that even in difficult situations, God can work for His glory and our good, and can bless others and teach us in those difficulties. Let's render to God more of the praise He deserves:

Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.

It's COLD Again!

It's freezing here in Indiana today. The temperature right now is a -4 degrees below zero and it's only getting colder. Hopefully this arctic weather will move out by this weekend. I wonder where all those "Global Warming" people are right about now. This is the coldest winter on record in decades. I hope you are staying warm and have a blessed day and God bless.

End of An Era In Indianapolis

Yesterday was the day that many Colts fans hated to see happen. After seven successful years and a Super Bowl Championship, Head Coach Tony Dungy officially retired as Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy as a head coach with 149 career wins in 13 seasons and six seasons of 12 wins or more along with a Super Bowl Championship. Yet, what's even more impressive than Tony Dungy the coach, is Tony Dungy the man. He is a wonderful head coach and a tremendous man of faith and character, who demonstrates, by his life, what a real man of God should be. When I think of Coach Dungy, I always think of one word: INTEGRITY, and he possesses that in abundance. The scripture says in Psalm 25:21-"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee." And I think that is the heart of Coach Dungy. He is now going to pursue a future life in ministry, and somehow I have the feeling his successes are just beginning. God bless you and thanks coach for the wonderful memories, we'll miss you.

No Day Off for the Pastor

I hope you had an enjoyable weekend and the new year of 2009 is going well so far. It has been very cold and snowy here in central Indiana and this weekend was a busy one for me and my family although we still found time to enjoy a Saturday shopping trip. Yesterday was a wondeful time of worship and praise and I ministered upon the thought of "Don't Go To Church....Be the Church" and continued my Sunday evening sermon series "I AM" with a message titled, "I am the Door." Now another week is starting and there won't be a day off for me this week. I will be making several hospital calls and taking care of other church related business so maybe I can make some time later this week. I pray that you have a great day and wonderful start to your week. God bless.

Encouragement for the Discouraged

It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23 AMP

Life is filled with many kinds of losses. All losses hurt, whether they are big ones or little ones. We recover quickly from some losses; others take months or years to absorb. Some losses are temporary while others are permanent. I am currently praying for several friends and family as well as church members who in today's environment of business closings and downsizing, are facing the loss of their job. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, especially the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival.

Consider this…
Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now?

These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult—but imperative—that we focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that he, not our job, is our source.

We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we can find hope. Our job may be gone. The economy may be falling apart. But God has not changed. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed. "His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." Jesus will make a way.

An Interesting Giving Report

Something to think about as we receive our annual church giving reports and begin to prepare to file our taxes. Remember that God loves a cheerful giver.

God bless.

Hope of Heaven

Revelation 13: 8 ...whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.
Nothing is more common today than assured hopes of attaining heaven. Everyone has their reasons for having this hope. Most people, it seems, would say that they are basically a good person and that they have not killed anyone. Assuredly, some of those who hope of heaven will find themselves disappointed. Maybe to distinguish ourselves from the world Christians should respond, when asked why they hope of heaven, that their "names are written in the Lamb's book of life" as the reason for their hope. A response like that might really puzzle some folks. Today I would like to briefly think of the purifying influence of Christian hope. A Christian hope rejoices in the glory of God. There is a desire to be in God's presence and feel His mercy, grace, love and peace. I think this was the struggle of Paul in Philippians 1: 21-25. He was hard-pressed both to stay and continue to enjoy fruitful labor, but, desired more to depart and be with Christ. He seems to have had a taste of the presence and power of God. Christian hope leads to a desire to be delivered from the bondage of sin. The more a Christian loves God the more sin will be hated. David says in Psalm 51- "I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me...Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean, wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, let the bones which you have broken rejoice." Do Christians sin? Yes! It is the desire to be cleansed that is in mind here. A Christian is one who is willing to confess before God and the world that, yes, they do sin, even as their hearts long for deliverance from sins bondage. A Christian's hope will make him prayerful. The more we learn of, and from God, the more we see our need of help from God. A prayerless Christian is an absurdity. As Christians grow in grace, the also grow in prayerfulness. Prayer is a living testament to the purifying influence of their hope in Christ.

Signs of the Times

This sign says a lot to us today. In this wireless age we live in it's important to remember that we still need to pray. God bless and have a great weekend.

Welcome 2009

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I pray that 2009 is a wonderful and blessed year for you. May God bless you as you start the new year.