Faithfulness: A Key to Living in God's Favor

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

There are two people in the Bible who possess good names for all of eternity, and lived in God’s favor while serving Him on earth. God did many signs, miracles and wonders through both of these men. Their names are Moses and Jesus, and faithfulness was a cornerstone of their character and ministry according to Hebrews 3:1-2. It says, “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. 2He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.”

Scripture is loaded with benefits promised to those who remain faithful to the Lord. The Lord preserves faithful people (Psalm 31:23). The Lord will not forsake His faithful ones (Psalm 37:28). The Lord guards the lives of his faithful ones, and delivers them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 97:10). Finally, those who faithfully abide in Jesus, live in His love and serve Him well, are brought into a greater intimate friendship with our Lord (John 15:14-15).

Can you identify a time when you were a recipient of God’s favor?

Faithfulness: A Requirement for Godly Service

Apostle Paul is a man who became a powerful disciple of Jesus Christ. As a disciple of Jesus, Apostle Paul was faithful. 1 Timothy 1:12 Apostle Paul writes, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”

Apostle Paul also understood the importance of obeying the Lord’s command to make disciples, and invested his life into his spiritual son Timothy. Why did he choose Timothy to carry on his mission of spreading the gospel of Christ after his death? We find the answer in Philippians 2:19-21. It says, “19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."

In the last letter of his life, facing certain death in prison, Apostle Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of making disciples. He instructed Timothy to find men who possessed a certain character trait. Can you guess which one Apostle Paul emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:2? It says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable (faithful) men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Faithfulness is a requirement for Godly service!

Would you consider yourself someone who has walked faithfully with the Lord as a Christ-follower?

Do The Right Thing!

My senior year in college, while playing basketball at Florida State University, I got into an interesting and insightful conversation with one of my teammates Byron Wells while sitting on the bench during our game against the North Carolina Tarheels. At the time of the conversation, we were winning by about twenty points over the Tarheels. I initiated the conversation by commenting on how we were going to blow out our opponent. Byron, quickly rebuked me, and then declared that the Tarheels would narrow the score.

Since we were dominating the game, I told him there was no way they would make a comeback. I then asked him what made him so confident about his prediction. He communicated to me that his certainty was based upon the Tarheels ability to consistently execute their offensive system no matter what the scoreboard indicated. Even though the Tarheels were not achieving their desired results on offense, they kept executing and doing the right things.

Byron Wells was a prophet that night. North Carolina did make a major comeback and almost ended up winning the game. Even when their shots were not going in the basket, the well-coached Tarheels continued to do the right things on the basketball court, ensuring that they would always be in the game.

Galatians 6:9-10 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Christ-followers should be the most consistent and stable people on the planet. We should always do the right things no matter what circumstances we face. A key to positioning yourself for victory is proper execution. In other words, we should do the right thing every time. As we continue to do what is right, we are guaranteed to gain the victory over our adversary. We will reap a harvest if we keep doing good deeds and don’t give up.

Are you doing the right thing?

Focus

During Pop Warner football practice, while talking to our players at our first water break, I noticed that very few of them were paying attention. Some were watching the cheerleaders practice. Some were looking at the birds in the trees. And, some were just staring off into outer space. Consequently, when it came time to perform their conditioning drills, most of the players did not execute them properly.

Frustrated by their effort, I made a commitment to rebuke them if they did not pay attention to the coaches during their second water break. Once again, as the coach began to speak to the team while they guzzled water, most of the players began to daze off. This time I quickly stepped in and reminded them of the importance of listening to and focusing on the coach while he speaks. Their next session of conditioning drills went much better because this time they focused on the coach while he was giving instructions.

During his presidential campaign, Governor Mike Huckabee told a story to illustrate a point on the importance of staying focused on the right responsibilities. The story was about his assistant who worked for him while he was governor of Arkansas. He described how people would frequently assume that his assistant had a difficult job working for a governor. She would quickly correct them by telling them her job was quite easy. Shocked by her response, most people would then ask, “How so?” Then, she would tell them her job was easy because all she had to do was please one person—the governor.

Hebrews 12:2-3 says, “2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

One of the keys to positioning yourself for victory is staying focused on the right things. An athlete must focus on the coach’s instruction, an assistant must focus on the agenda of her boss, and a Christ-follower must stay focused on Jesus.

Are you focused on the right things?

Are You Prepared?

Be prepared in season and out of season. 2 Timothy 4:2

Ever since I was a little boy, I had a dream of playing basketball for the Florida State Seminoles. I was fortunate to realize that dream when I signed a basketball scholarship with the Seminoles in 1989. In high school, I signed early with the Mercer Bears and transferred to FSU after my freshmen year. Since I transferred, I had to sit out for a year before playing as a sophomore.

My first opportunity to make a significant contribution came against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Leon County Civic Center. Jacksonville, featuring their star guard Dee Brown who would later sign with the Boston Celtics and win the NBA dunk contest, was beating us by eight points with two minutes left in the game. Coach Kennedy put me in the game hoping I would make some 3-point shots, and prevent us from experiencing what appeared to be a certain defeat.

Making the most of my opportunity, I scored the only points that would be registered in the last two minutes. It just happened to be eight points, and my offensive contribution put us into overtime. We ended up winning the game by one point in overtime.

After the game, my locker was crowded with reporters. One of them asked me if I was surprised by my performance. Emphasizing that I was not trying to be prideful or arrogant, I answered the reporter with an emphatic no. Then, I told them that I had been preparing for this moment since I was a little boy, and that I had shot those 3-pointers thousands of times before this game. I was prepared to make the most of my opportunity.

Have you ever felt unprepared for an event or opportunity?

What happens when you don’t prepare? Things you hoped won’t happen do happen—and they occur with greater frequency than the things you hoped would happen. The reason is simple: being unprepared sets you up for failure. Ask negotiators what happens at the bargaining table when they are not prepared. Ask athletes what happens on the field of competition when they are unprepared. Preparation is often the separation between winning and losing.

Remember, spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation.

Breasts and Protests

Near the end of The O’Reilly Factor, Bill O’Reilly has a portion of his show that he calls: “Pinheads and Patriots”. People who engage in unscrupulous behavior are labeled “pinheads”, while those who participate in conscientious principled activity earn the title “patriot” from the host. I usually agree with the decisions that are made on “The Factor” during this segment.

However, last week, Bill O’Reilly gave consideration to topless protestors for the “patriot” honor. Even though I value every American’s right to protest and speak their mind, I do believe people should conduct themselves with dignity when expressing their views. People do not always have to agree, but they should demonstrate respect for others while communicating their worldviews, thoughts and opinions.

Proverbs 5:1-2 says, “My son/daughter, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, (2) that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.”

A female who exposes her breasts while protesting is not practicing discretion.

I took the liberty to exercise my freedom of speech concerning this topic by sending The O’Reilly Factor Show a poem via email. Whether you agree or disagree with my sentiments, I hope you will enjoy and appreciate my rare moment of inspired creative poetic dictation. I tried to keep it pithy.

Hey Bill,

Since I love your show
I felt compelled to let you know

I respect a woman’s breast
And value our right to protest

But giving people a peek
While exercising your freedom to speak

Is not acting very discreet
During a rally on a public street

In the “no spin zone” it should be said
That such behavior will label you a “pinhead”

The Factor can find “Patriots” who are more true
In the land of the red, white and blue

Bill, I hope you understand my view
And know I’m just looking out for you

Are You a Builder?

Have you ever played legos with a young child? If so, I am confident you quickly observed that they are much better at tearing down the legos than building them into something constructive. While playing legos with my boys a few years back, I had a profound revelation.

As I would take the individual pieces and build them into a skyscraper, plane or car, they would grab my work of art and smash it into pieces. I received more joy out of building the legos into some type of object, while they found pleasure in destroying my creation. Sitting on the floor watching my boys reap havoc on the legos, I realized mature people build while immature people tear down.

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Apostle Paul addressed the saints as mere infants in Christ. Why did he call them infants? The saints at Corinth were allowing their issues, selfish agendas and jealousy to cause quarrels, division and strife. Apostle Paul knew they were immature because they were tearing down one another instead of building each other up.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 Apostle Paul writes, “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?”

Mature people build others up while immature people tear others down.

Apostle Paul knew this firsthand. Before his conversion, Apostle Paul was known as Saul who persecuted Christians and lived to destroy the church of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, Saul was an immature man who lived to tear others down. After he received Jesus as His Lord and Savior, Apostle Paul grew in the grace and knowledge of his Lord. The new Apostle Paul was now a mature builder of Christ’s church.

In 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 he writes, “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Mature people build while immature people tear down. Are you a builder?

God the Builder!

Do you know that anything in life that is great takes a long time to build?

Great marriages are not built overnight. If you want to raise Godly children, it takes at least eighteen years of parental investment to make this happen. Successful businesses, according to Jim Collins in the book “Good to Great”, are built after many years of hard work. A house well built takes longer to finish than one that is built poorly.

As you walk close with God, you discover that He is a builder. In fact, I am convinced that if God had another name it would be Bob. Why? I believe this because, like Bob, our God is a builder.

What is God ultimately building?

God is building His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven through the institution of the church. In the gospel of Matthew, he informs us that God’s plan to build His church was revealed to Peter in a conversation with Jesus.

Matthew 16:13-18 says, “13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ,[b] the Son of the living God." 17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,[c] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[d] will not overcome it.”

As a builder, it is God’s intention to conquer evil in the world through constructing a strong and vibrant church that delivers His message and fulfills His will on earth. This is the reason why it is so important for every Christ-follower to be a member of a local church. As each Christ-follower serves in their local church, a full representation of Jesus is manifested on earth. Every believer in Jesus has a role and responsibility to participate in the building plan of God.

Can God fix the evil in the world, yes He can!

Are you joining God in advancing His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven by serving faithfully in a local church?

Expect a Greater Reward

At the end of his life while facing certain death in prison, Apostle Paul had a confident expectation that he would receive a great reward for his apostolic work. Living life to please God, with an eternal perspective that there is a reward for faithfulness, is imperative for all who want to persevere well.

While working as a strength coach at Florida State University, the men's basketball coaching staff added mat drills to our pre-season training regimen. The main goal we wanted to accomplish during mat drills was to develop mental toughness in our players.

After a morning session of mat drills, I had an interesting conversation with one of our players in the weight room. The player, who absolutely loved the game of basketball, communicated to me that he would quit if we did mat drills every day. I encouraged him that his hard work would pay off at game time. Our dialogue that mat drills were better preparing him to play with excellence in his games was the only thought that gave him hope.

We will continue to endure hardship when we know there is a future reward for our labor. Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that the expectation of receiving an eternal reward made all the suffering in ministry well worth the hardships.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 says, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Are you expecting to receive a crown of righteousness in heaven?

Endure Hardship

Why would Apostle Paul have to encourage Timothy to endure hardship?

The reason is he knew firsthand people would oppose the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that Apostle Paul referred to the times when he was writing to Timothy as the last days. Unfortunately, godlessness would be prevalent in those days.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 says, "3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."

It seems not much has changed in over 2,000 years. Just tune in to the evening news and it is obvious that America is suffering from a lack of moral clarity. Relativism in our postmodern culture is the worldview of popular opinion. The only thing many people are convinced of is that there is no absolute truth.

If you want to participate in activity that is evil or immoral according to the Holy Scriptures, it is not hard to find somebody who will tell you such behavior is okay. Even professing believers in Jesus bounce from church to church in search of a situation that will make them the most comfortable. High moral standards, faithfulness and service are lost virtues in a society that lives for individual comfort and pleasure.

How do you respond to a culture that rejects truth, and people who live to please their own selfish desires?

You endure hardship and remain patient while speaking the truth in love. You continue to pour out your life while delivering the message of Jesus to people. Remaining faithful to the mission is not an easy task. It is so difficult that many co-laborers had deserted Apostle Paul over the years.

2 Timothy 4:9-10, 14-15 says, "9Do your best to come to me quickly, 10for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. 14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message."

Are you a patient and persevering person, or do you tend to give up quickly?

Possessing a Proper Perspective of Suffering

8So 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, 9who 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, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:8-12

It is easy to lose heart when we feel we are suffering unjustly. However, when we live with a sense of purpose we can persevere through any trial. In fact, when we possess a proper perspective of suffering, it helps us realize that our suffering is producing in us a character that reflects Christ.

The crown of glory is attained on the road of suffering. Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without a tremendous sacrifice. Apostle Paul embraced suffering as a badge of honor because spreading the gospel of Jesus is the most significant purpose on earth. His imprisonment produced an internal fortitude and validated the fact that he was called to be an apostle. What an honor it was for him to suffer in the same way as his Lord.

Can you think of a time in your life when suffering made you a stronger person?

The Fight for Freedom and Faith

What would you draft if you were writing a document founding a new nation?

In the Declaration of Independence we find answers to this question. I hope everyone had a great July 4th weekend with family and friends commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, officially asserting independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Our founders knew they were embarking on an unprecedented campaign as they drafted the Declaration of Independence. The lessons they learned from experience and history influenced their view on effective governing systems. They also understood that the framework of government they were instituting would impact future generations of Americans. I am thankful they were faithful to endure suffering and persecution to help found our great nation. They fought for freedom and we are recipients of their sacrifice.

What would you communicate if you were writing the last letter of your life?

In the letter of Second Timothy we find answers to this question. Second Timothy is a bold, clear call for perseverance in the gospel in spite of suffering. Paul calls on his young coworker to continue the fight of faith, even as Paul approaches the end of his own life. The letter pictures Paul in prison in Rome, awaiting death. Most likely, then, this letter was written during Paul’s second Roman imprisonment.

Second Timothy is very personal, as would be expected in a final letter to a close friend and coworker. Paul exhorts Timothy to continue in faithfulness and points to his own life as an example for Timothy to follow. What he calls on Timothy to do, he himself has already done.

Whether you are drafting a declaration of independence or writing the last letter of your life, it is important to recognize you are part of history and should live to leave a Godly legacy.

2 Timothy 1:3-4 says, “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”

Apostle Paul begins his letter by thanking God while recalling the faithful service of his forefathers, and reminding Timothy that he was constantly in his prayers. In the midst of persecution and prison, Apostle Paul found encouragement that led to endurance from two sources.

First, he reminded himself of the faith of his forefathers. Paul recognized that his ministry was part of a historic mission that others had served with great sacrifice and devotion. He knew it was an honor to be chosen by God to carry on this mission. As Paul ran his race, he found inner strength by remembering those who had already ran their lap well.

Second, he kept his spiritual son Timothy on the forefront of is mind. Paul knew it was important to leave a legacy worthy of emulation. While suffering, Paul never gave up because he had a hope that Timothy would serve God faithfully. The thought of Timothy standing strong for the Lord was a source of joy for Paul.

Our founders and Apostle Paul had two things in common. The recognized they were a part of history and they lived to leave a Godly legacy. I hope and pray we will continue to value the words they penned, and pass them on to future generations.

Do you recognize you are part of history and are you living to leave a Godly legacy?

We Are All Witnesses!

Since Nike is so assured about the dominance of Lebron James on the basketball court, they boldly declare that all spectators are witnesses.

God is greater than Lebron James! Elijah was a man who knew God is Almighty.

22 Then Elijah said to them, "I am the only one of the LORD's prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 23 Get two bulls for us. Let them choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God." 1 Kings 18:22-24

36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." 1 Kings 18:36-37

When we know God is God it keeps us from wavering between two opinions. As a result, our faith is strong because we are secure in our identity in Christ, and sure about our knowledge of God.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Elijah was convinced that the God he served was the LORD. His was so confident that he challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to see whose God was Lord. He had no doubt that his God was the Almighty One.

Our confidence in God should produce in us a bold witness.

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Jesus has saved his people, and sent them into the world to be light for those who live in darkness (Ephesians 5:8-11). Christians are never supposed to flee from problems, or shrink back from those who deny the truth of Christ. God commands us to stand strong and courageous as we go forth in all the earth making disciples of Jesus.

Are you a bold witness?

God is God!

The redemptive names of God revealed as Jehovah (or Yahweh) are God’s own personal and distinct names. The name Jehovah appears over 6,000 times in the Bible and is generally translated as LORD. The Hebrews referred to this name as the unpronounceable or incommunicable name of God.

Jehovah is the I AM THAT I AM. It signifies “to be”, or “I will be all that I will be”. It tells us that God is the Eternal, the Unchanged and Unchanging One, and He will be all that He is ever needed to be. This is more particularly seen in the compound redemptive names of the Lord. These compound names are always linked with some need of man, and it is here that Jehovah will be all that His people ever need Him to be. He says of Himself, “The LORD is My name…this is My memorial unto all generations.” (Exodus 3:14-15, 15:3; Isaiah 42:8; Jeremiah 16:21; 33:2; Amos 5:8; 9:6).

Elijah, whose personal name means, “my God is Yah”, was a prophet from the ninth century B.C. Elijah experienced the wonderful deeds of the Lord, and he confidently proclaimed that there is no god like the true God.

There are many intriguing stories in the Bible that remind us of the fact that God is God. The story of Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is a great example of what can happen when God’s people know for certain that their Lord is God. Over the next couple of weeks I want to focus on what is produced in us when we know God is God.

First, when we know God is God, it keeps us from wavering between two opinions.

1 Kings 18:20-21 says “20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."

Belief in God is the key to living a bold life of faith. In other words, certainty must precede action if we are going to do mighty exploits for God. We usually act upon that which we believe to be true. Unbelief is the key to living a life of doubt. Doubt produces passivity in people. Passivity leads to our destruction when we fail to act on God’s commands.

All throughout history God has always been faithful to reveal Himself to His people. God expects us to know His will and obey it wholeheartedly. He does not like when we waver in our faith. In fact, Scripture reveals to us that the double-minded person will not receive anything from the Lord (James 1:5-8).

Elijah was a powerful man for God because he did not waver between two opinions and obeyed when God gave him instructions.

Conscience over Creed

Many saw evil.
They dared to stop it.

Last week I finally had the opportunity to watch the movie Valkyrie. With three young boys, my wife Cindy and I do not get a chance to watch movies often. I highly recommend that you view this movie.

Valkyrie is a 2008 historical thriller film set in Nazi Germany during World War II. The film depicts the July 20, 1944 plot by German army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler and to use the Operation Valkyrie national emergency plan to take control of the country. These brave German soldiers could no longer violate their conscience while serving their country.

The film opens with an oath that the adherents to Nazism took while practicing their wicked behavior. In order to accomplish his agenda, Adolf Hitler denied God’s ways and set himself up as the new Lord of Germany. The oath contained the following words:

I swear by God this sacred oath:

That I shall render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler
Fuhrer of the German Reich and people,
Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces,

And that I shall at all times be ready, as a brave soldier,
to give my life for this oath…

God has given us a conscience as a guide to witness to what is right and what is wrong. In fact, God writes His laws on our hearts. We should never follow a creed that denies what God teaches in His Holy Scriptures as righteous and just conduct.

Psalm 14:1a says, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

The root of all deceptive, evil and immoral action is the belief that there is no God. This presupposition causes people to live life without the thought of suffering eternal consequences for bad behavior. There is no absolute standard for what is right or wrong if there is no God.

History has proven two things. First, people consistently deny the reality of God and don’t approach life with a reverence for His commands. Second, God will accomplish His purpose whether we obey Him or not.

The film ends with words on the screen from the German resistance memorial in Berlin. The words on the memorial say:

You did not bear the shame
You resisted
Sacrificing your life
For freedom, justice and honor

Valkyrie is a great reminder that, although people can rebel against the commands of God, there is nothing they can do to ultimately prevent His will from being done on earth. Today, Hitler’s name is remembered in shame and his soul rots in hell forever. Those who resisted this evil tyrant are remembered with honor and dignity for all of eternity.

God is God! Only the fool says differently.

Love * Sacrifice * Service

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the brave and noble men and women who have faithfully served the United States of America. I would also like to give my condolences to every family who has lost loved ones during their duty. I can’t even describe in words how much I admire every person who serves in our military.

I think every weekend should be a memorial weekend. It is so important that we remember the love, sacrifice and service of others who have selflessly given their lives to make ours better. Actually, Sunday morning Christian church services are a memorial time when we honor the greatest life-giving act of all time. This act was Jesus Christ sacrificing his life on a cross for our sins.

Those three words: love, sacrifice and service are very powerful. When a person possesses these qualities, they can do amazing deeds of courage. Whether it was Christ on a cross, or the multitude of men and women who have died for our country, you can be assured that they all imbibed these attributes.

Love: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:3

Sacrifice: “By one sacrifice he (Jesus) has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14

Service: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

All of these Scriptures refer to the sacrifice of Christ. He is the one we should follow because He is the one who shed His blood for us.

When we desire comfort, convenience and personal pleasure over love, sacrifice and service, we set ourselves up for destruction. If the citizens of America will once again make these qualities the ambition of their lives, our nation can regain its greatness. As we honor our veterans on this Memorial Day who sacrificed their lives for our country, I hope we remember and treasure the example they set for all of us to follow.

Please pray for our military personnel all this week, and ask God to help you live a life of love, sacrifice and service.

Born to be Born Again

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Can you imagine getting a chance to live your life over again? What would you do different? I am quite confident that every person on the planet would do things differently if they received a do-over in life.

Experience and maturation teaches all of us that we make many mistakes in life. In fact, every single person on the planet sins and falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Take a moment and think about the heartache and pain your sin has brought to your life. Do you wish you made different choices while growing up? I know I sure do.

When people do not want to admit they need to change, they justify their sinful behavior by proclaiming this is the way they were born. In their attempt to make an argument that would allow them to continue participating in immoral behavior without condemnation, they actually state very clearly what they Bible teaches in regards to human nature.

Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.”

It is true that we are born to sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden, sin entered the human race. The consequence for their disobedience is that every person born after them would now possess a sinful nature from birth. Galatians 5:19-21 says, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Our actions reveal our nature.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit (John 3:1-5).

Even though Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of this Jewish party that saw the way to God as being through obedience to the law, he knew he needed more than just “good deeds” to be in right standing with God. Nicodemus, like all of us, still had to deal with his sins. He needed to be born again.

The reason we need to be born again through God’s Spirit is because the wages of our sins is death (Romans 6:23). We have all sinned, and therefore, we are all dead in our trespasses.

So the next time someone tells you they were born that way when they try to justify their sinful behavior, don’t argue with them. Tell them they are absolutely 100% correct. Then, speak the truth in love by telling them their conduct is sin according to God’s Holy Scriptures. After that, tell them they need to repent of their sins, and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, so they can become born again with a new Christ-like nature.

Remember…our actions reveal our nature. Are you born again?

Possessing a Proper Perspective

Has anyone ever demanded your attention when it was inconvenient to respond to him or her? My three young boys seem to have a knack for possessing this attribute. The latest incident involved my six-year old son Ethan while I was shaving.

I have been shaving since the seventh grade, so it is safe to say that I have a few whiskers. For those of you who shave regularly, you know how important it is to shave when your skin is properly prepared for the razor. For me, shaving right after my shower while my facial hair is soft is the key to preventing my own version of the chainsaw massacre.

Last Thursday I was shaving and in a hurry to get to a Dave Ramsey event we were hosting at the church when suddenly the bathroom door almost came flying off its hinges. Ethan had stubbed his toe and it was bleeding. Since Ethan has an older brother, he has learned for the sake of his own personal survival how to be tough. However, mighty Ethan has never warmed up to the sight of blood, especially his own.

As he was screaming and in a panic like death was certain, I glanced down to see if his toe was still attached to his foot. When I looked at his toe, I observed that it was just a little scrape. It was the sight of blood that had him all freaked out.

I was relieved to know that his toe was fine and I would not have to interrupt my shaving routine. While I finished shaving, I kept reminding him that he was going to be just fine. Despite my most convincing plea, I could not get him to believe me.

After I finished shaving, I grabbed a cotton ball out of the cabinet, put some first-aid antiseptic on it and magically rubbed off the remaining blood. As soon as Ethan saw that the blood was gone, he was off to the races. One cotton ball soaked in antiseptic proved that it was not the end of the world, as we know it.

Years of experience in dealing with my own bumps and bruises, and three sons who daily acquire new scrapes and scratches, has produced in me a perspective that my son Ethan does not possess. One glance and I knew Ethan’s toe was going to be fine.

This incident reminded me of how important it is to have a wiser person help process the circumstances of life. In times of uncertainty like we are living in today we must gain a proper and eternal perspective. The best way we can do this is by looking to the omniscient God.

Jesus taught his followers to not worry. In Matthew 6:31-34 says, “31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In times of war, economic crisis and potential pandemic, we can have peace because we are focused on the one who possesses a greater perspective. We can trust in God’s goodness and His love for those who faithfully follow Him.

Do you possess a proper perspective by trusting in God?

Sometimes Losing is Better Than Winning

Really? As a very competitive former athlete and coach, I never imagined that I would allow the thought of losing being better than winning cross my mind.

Miss Massachusetts Alison Cronin told FOXNews.com she was "shocked" when Carrie Prejean, 21, told Miss USA judge and celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton that she believes marriage should be "between a man and a woman."

Hilton's question — “Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?” — was considered appropriate for the telecast. Prejean, a student at San Diego Christian College, replied that she personally opposes gay marriage — a response that some, including Hilton, said cost her the Miss USA title.

When is losing better than winning?

It is better when you do not compromise your convictions, suppress the truth or lose your integrity to gain the victory.

No matter how Prejean answered the question, she was going to experience disdain and persecution for her answer. What I admire most about her answer is the fact that she held to her beliefs based upon her Christian faith. Whether you agree or disagree with her answer, you have to admire the fact that she did not all of a sudden become “politically correct” to win a contest. Authenticity and sincerity is much more attractive than physical beauty. It seems that Miss California is fortunate to possess both.

2 Corinthians 6:9-10 is one of the many Scriptures in the Bible that defines homosexuality as wicked and immoral. It says, “9Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Perez Hilton called Carrie Prejean a b---- for answering the question based upon her faith convictions. If you are a Christian and believe homosexuality and lesbianism is immoral, and if you believe the institution of marriage should only be reserved for a man and woman in covenant, then that does not mean you are a bigot. It means you believe what the Holy Bible teaches about marriage and proper sexual conduct.

If you don’t like Miss California’s answer you should not get mad at her. Your beef is with God. Maybe you should ask the question, “Why would the Holy Bible define homosexuality as wicked and immoral?” I think an honest pursuit to answer that question would lead to truth and freedom. I would love to help you answer that question if you are struggling with homosexuality or lesbianism. My motive is to speak the truth in love and offer compassion and help.

Carrie Prejean may not have won the crown of Miss USA, but she did win a crown that will last for all of eternity. It is the crown of life given to those who pass the test of faith. James 1:12 says, “12Blessed is the man or woman who perseveres under trial, because when he or she has stood the test, he or she will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Well done Carrie!

Jesus: Agent of Change

The evidence for Jesus' resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: First, it is a very unusual event. And second, if you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live. —Wolfhart Pannenberg, German theologian (1928—)

Only an encounter with the living God, Jesus, can change your life.

“Everyone should be abstinent,” Bristol Palin said during a February 16th Fox news interview, just two months after the 18 year-old daughter of Alaska’s Republican governor gave birth to a 7-lb. 7 oz. baby boy. But abstinence is “not realistic at all,” she added.

Unfortunately, federal studies have shown that abstinence-only education has done little to curb teen-pregnancy rates, despite the nearly $1 billion in federal funding that such programs have received since 2000. More than a third of all births in the U.S. are to single women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is a sad reality that many Americans know that they should reserve sex for marriage, but do not have the self-control to make this a practice in their lives. Even an effort to provide more educational effort to the importance of abstinence has not helped much. Why? Because, information and knowledge do not transform the human heart. Only Jesus Christ can change a person to live like Him.

Would God give us holy standards for living, such as abstinence, with the expectation to obey them, and not provide a way to do it? That would be quite cruel. Instead, God did provide a way for us to change. We change by receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jesus transforms our hearts by filling us with His Holy Spirit and renewing our minds with the truth of His Holy Scriptures.

Jesus is the agent of change.