Where do you find your identity? Where do you find your worth? Read this week’s motivation to find out.

 

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. (NIV)

 

• When the time had fully come – in God’s sovereign timing
• God sent His Son to us
• Born of a woman – virgin birth (Prophesy in Isaiah 7:14)
• Jesus was born under the Mosaic Covenant
• He came to redeem us (purchase) us from the Law
• That we might receive the full rights of sonship
• We are full heirs
• We are under His loving care
• We are adopted!

APPLICATION:

• We have been redeemed!
• We have the full rights as the children of God
• He cares for us and blesses us
• He disciplines His children

The beautiful, green hills of New Zealand, a country known for its sheep industry, are dotted everywhere with white sheep. During the yearly lambing season thousands of baby lambs are born. Unfortunately some lambs die at birth. Many mother sheep are also lost during lambing season-they die giving birth. In an attempt to save the orphaned lambs, the shepherds match baby lambs that have lost their mothers with mother sheep who have lost their lambs. It’s not as easy as it sounds, though—a mother sheep won’t accept a lamb and nurse it unless it is her own. How, then, do shepherds get a mother sheep to accept an orphaned lamb as her own? The process is as old as shepherding itself. The mother’s own lamb, which has died, is skinned, and the skin of the dead lamb is draped over the living lamb as it is placed by the adoptive mother’s side. The mother sheep then smells the skin and accepts the orphaned lamb as her own. (Taken from Youth Specialties Hot Illustrations)

 

Lambing season in New Zealand is a great picture of what Christ has done for us. Because of Christ’s blood, God accepts us as His own. Once we were orphans, but now we are God’s adopted children.

 

One of the greatest blessings for the believer is our adoption. “The New Testament word for adoption means ‘to place as an adult son.’ It has to do with our standing in the family of God; we are not little children but adult sons with all of the privileges of sonship.” (Warren Wiersbe: The Bible Exposition Commentary) We were once outsiders without any eternal hope, and now we are true sons and daughters in the Father’s household.

 

Warren Wiersbe goes on to say: “The expression the fullness of the time (Gal. 4:4) refers to that time when the world was providentially ready for the birth of the Saviour. Historians tell us that the Roman world was in great expectation, waiting for a Deliverer, at the time when Jesus was born. The old religions were dying; the old philosophies were empty and powerless to change men’s lives. Strange new mystery religions were invading the empire. Religious bankruptcy and spiritual hunger were everywhere. God was preparing the world for the arrival of His Son.” In God’s perfect planning He picked just the right time and place for the Savior to come to our rescue.

 

Ironically the Roman Empire itself helped prepare the world for the birth of the Savior. Roads connected city with city, and thanks to both the Greek and Roman conquests, the Latin and Greek languages were known across the empire. Christ’s birth in Bethlehem was not an accident-it was an appointment! The stage was perfectly set for the gospel to spread all throughout the known world. God had a plan from eternity past and He set the pieces in motion at just the right time.

 

All of this was done so that you and I could know our Abba Father in a new and rich way. All of this was so that we would no longer be slaves, but be sons and daughters. Not just friends of the King, or even distant cousins, but His treasured children.

 

In a powerful praise and worship song called, No Longer Slaves, the song says, “I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God!” There is amazing truth found in the chorus of this song. We are His children. We no longer have to fear death. We no longer have to fear failure or the approval of others. We are His child. What more could there ever be!

 

Pray that you would find your true identity in Christ. Our worth does not come from having a “good self-esteem”, but finding our esteem in Him. Pray that He will show you how much He truly values you as His son or daughter in Christ.

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us. (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

What is robbing you of really knowing and experiencing God’s love and blessing?

 

Psalm 36:7

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (NIV)

 

• His love is priceless
• His love is unfailing – never lets you down
• All people find refuge in Him
• We can take safe refuge under His protective wings

 

APPLICATION:

• His love is worth more than anything I could desire
• Don’t put anything above Him
• His love will never let us down
• His love never ceases
• Our refuge and strength is found in Him

 

The cheerful girl with bouncy curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. “Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?” Her mother checked the back of the little foil box and said, “Jenny, these pearls cost $1.95. If you really want them, I’ll think of some extra chores for you to do and raise your allowance. It won’t take long for you to save enough money to buy them yourself.” Her mother was right. After only two weeks, Jenny had enough money saved for the pearls. Her mother took her back to the store, where Jenny proudly counted out her money to the cashier. Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel pretty and grown up. She wore them everywhere—Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or took a bubble bath. Her mother said that if they got wet, they might turn her neck green. Jenny also had a very loving daddy. Every night when she was ready for bed, her daddy would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he said to Jenny, “I love you, sweetheart. Do you love me?” “Oh yes, Daddy,” Jenny replied. “You know that I love you.” “Then give me your pearls,” her father said. Jenny was confused. “Oh, Daddy, not my pearls,” she said. “But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me last year? She’s my favorite.” “That’s okay, Honey,” Jenny’s father said. “Daddy loves you. Good night.” And he brushed her cheek with a kiss. About a week later, after story time, Jenny’s daddy said once again, “I sure do love you, sweetheart. Do you love me?” “Daddy, you know I love you.” “Then give me your pearls.” Jenny was confused again. “Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful. You can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper, too.” “That’s okay,” Jenny’s father said. “Daddy loves you. Good night.” And as always, he gave her a gentle kiss. A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. “What is it, Jenny? What’s the matter?” Jenny didn’t say anything, but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, “Here, Daddy, it’s for you.” With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny’s daddy reached out with one hand to take the necklace. With the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case and gave it to Jenny. When she opened it, she found a beautiful strand of real pearls. (Story from Youth Specialties Hot Illustrations)

 

This story is a great illustration of how we tend to hold on to things or even relationships that rob us of God’s blessing. His love for us is so immense that we can not even begin to understand or imagine it. As the psalmist writes, “How priceless is Your unfailing love!”, but how often do we trade it for “fake pearls”?

 

In Matthew 6:33 Jesus tells us, “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” We need to be Kingdom Seekers! If we put Him first in our lives, then the other things will fall into place.

 

So, what cheap, dime-store jewelry are you hanging onto? What is getting in the way of you truly knowing and experiencing His love in your life? In Him we will find true wonder, adventure, and purpose. Much of what this world has to offer is cheap in comparison. So, why not let it go and experience all that He has to offer you?

 

Pray that you will desire His love more than anything, and ask Him to show you what is getting in the way. Then let it go!

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us. (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

This week we will take a look at faith, and how, even with just a little, we can see amazing things happen!

 

Mark 9:24

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (NIV)

 

• The father had originally said “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” (v. 22)
• Jesus replied “If you can?” – questioning the man’s faith
• Immediately the father recanted his statement – “I do believe.”
• Then he said, “help me overcome my unbelief.”

APPLICATION:

• We need to believe that God can do all things
• We can cry out to God to take pity on us – and He listens
• We can ask God to help us in our unbelief!

I just recently read a book by Mark Sullivan called, Beneath a Scarlet Sky. He tells the story of a young 17 year old Italian boy, named Pino, who helps Jews to escape Italy during World War II. He is recruited by a warm and caring Catholic priest at a retreat that is at the foot of the Alps. This true story is a story of courage and faith, as we read of this young boy as he becomes a man in the dangerous passes of the towering Alps. During one of his adventures he is escorting a young Jewish family and a woman through a freezing storm to safety at the border of Switzerland. The storm becomes so bad that they seek refuge in a small hut. While waiting out the storm there is an avalanche that buries them deep within the snow and ice. There is no way out and panic begins to ensue. Pino begins to lose all hope of ever surviving, when the words of Father Re of Casa Alpina return to his mind, “have faith”! Pino realizes that they need air, and he has an inspiration. With the help of his younger brother he removes the chimney pipe from the ceiling of the cabin and begins to poke a hole through the snow and ice to get to the air above. They succeed, and then begins the long arduous job of tunneling through the avalanche to safety through the front door of the hut. Later, as he safely delivers the group to their escort at the border with Switzerland, he is elated and amazed at the faithfulness of God. Everything seems so much more beautiful, brighter, and wondrous!

 

When we cry out to God, He listens. When we step out in faith, He responds. When we ask Him to take pity on us He does!

 

In Mark we find a father who lacks faith. He has just witnessed Jesus’ disciples fail repeatedly to help his son, and now he questions whether the Teacher can be of any help. So he says, “If you can?” Imagine what it would be like for that father to witness his son suffer for weeks or months at the hands of an unforeseen enemy, a demon! Jesus had given His disciples the authority to cast out demons, and this father had heard of their work from others. But now, even they can’t help his little boy. What hope was left? What could Jesus do?

 

One commentary says, “Jesus took up the father’s words of doubt, If You can, to show that the point was not His ability to heal the boy but the father’s ability to trust in God who can do what is humanly impossible (cf. 10:27). Jesus then challenged the father not to doubt: Everything is possible for him who believes (cf. 9:29). Faith sets no limits on God’s power and submits itself to His will.” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary, by Walvoord & Zuck)

 

The father’s response was immediate. “I do believe”, but then he also pleaded, “help me overcome my unbelief!” Usually our faith is weak, and lacks the power that we so desperately need, but as the author stated above, “Faith sets no limits on God’s power.” God is powerful and able to do all things whether I believe it or not.

 

The question is will we chose to believe? Will we step out in faith, that He has us, every shaky step of the way?

 

Another author put it this way, “The main lesson of this miracle is the power of faith to overcome the enemy (Mark 9:19, 23–24; and see Matt. 17:20). Why had the nine disciples failed? Because they had been careless in their personal spiritual walk and had neglected prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). The authority that Jesus had given them was effective only if exercised by faith, but faith must be cultivated through spiritual discipline and devotion.” (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary)

 

Our faith must be cultivated. It must be stretched and pulled. It takes exercise. It takes discipline and devotion. But meanwhile, God is faithful. He is there to take up the slack, to get us over the crags, the peaks, and the valleys of life. Our God is able. Do you trust Him?

 

Pray that God will help you to overcome your unbelief. Ask Him to show you where you are lacking so that your faith may grow.

 

 

If you would like help in growing in your faith, or if you would like to know how to have faith in Him, then please contact us. (928)636-2949 or email me at pastorguy@cvgrace.com

 

 

This week we will take a look at four amazing friends who risked it all to get their friend the help he truly needed.

 

Mark 2:3-4

Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. (NIV)

 

• Four men carried a paralytic to Jesus
• They cared for him deeply
• They could not get to Jesus
• The crowd was enormous
• They dug a hole in the roof to get their friend to Jesus

 

APPLICATION:

• We should care enough for others that we are willing to carry them
• We should do everything we can to get them to Jesus
• No obstacle should stop us

 

Can you imagine? These five friends, one of them is paralyzed and can’t get himself around. They hear that Jesus is coming to their town in Capernaum. They take him on a stretcher, carrying him all over town, searching for the one called Jesus. They finally locate the house that He is meeting in and the crowd is too large. There are people everywhere, and they can’t get anywhere near Jesus, let alone into the house. One of them has a crazy idea, and so they climb up the outside stairs onto the roof. They begin to pick through the roof with knives into the dried mud and straw. Stuff begins falling down on to the people inside the home, and there is dirt and dust falling everywhere. A large opening begins to appear in the ceiling, and then four faces appear in the gaping hole. They tie their sashes to the stretcher and begin to lower the young man to the floor below.

 

Mark 2:5 says “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’”. The man was healed completely. He took up his mat and he walked through the crowd and met his friends outside. They were joyous, slapping one another on the back, celebrating the miracle that they had just witnessed.

 

Michael Slater in his book, Becoming a Stretcher Bearer says, “One of the biggest obstacles in developing a strong community with in a church is a false Christian Philosophy. This philosophy says we don’t need one another that everything is going great and that it’s the ‘other person’, never ourselves, who has needs.” It is for this very reason that we as believers need to become Stretcher Bearers.

 

This story in Mark chapter two is our first glimpse at stretcher bearers in scripture. The basis of this story is that this young man truly needed his friends to carry him and his problem to the feet of Jesus. And because of their faith, he was healed!

 

In our churches we need stretcher bearers for a number of reasons: physical illness; social problems; spiritual struggles; and even emotional illness. We need to be prepared to lift someone else’s stretcher. It is never convenient, but the need is still very real.

 

Michael Slater later goes on to explain what destroys individuals. “What can destroy people, and often with suicidal results, is when people find themselves on stretchers and they feel no one cares.” One actual suicide note from a Christian man read: “Life isn’t worth living. No one cares for me. No one will care if I live or die. Because of this I choose to die.” The author goes on to say, “What destroyed him was not just being on the stretcher, but feeling that no one would carry his stretcher and help him through this very troubled time.”

 

Several years ago there was story in a newspaper of a young boy who drowned in a lake while bystanders looked on. The article goes on to explain that no one volunteered to help. When questioned, several of them replied that they “thought that someone else would jump in to save him”. No one even tried to help him, and when they did, it was too late. How can people see someone in need and not respond?

 

The question for us is “Who’s going to get wet?” Much of humanity seems to be drowning in whole lakes of misery and distress, and they need someone to grab their stretcher and to take them to the feet of Jesus! Who will be the one to come alongside and lift? It takes a team of individuals. Pastors can’t do all the lifting on their own. It takes a community of caring followers of Christ to bear the load.

 

Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

 

If we are going to be the kind of churches that God has called us to be, then we need to learn to be Stretcher Bearers.

 

Pray that God will give you a heart of compassion. Pray that He will help you to see people and needs in your community and church with His eyes.

 

If you would like more information on how to be a stretcher bearer in your church or community contact your church or us at (928)636-2949

 

If the Christian life is like running a race, where is the track?

 

Acts 20:24

(NIV)

 

• Paul considered his own life worth nothing
• He was headed for Jerusalem – to certain prison or death
• His only desire was to finish the race well
• He wanted to complete the task of sharing the gospel

APPLICATION:

• We should consider our lives worth nothing
• This life is nothing compared to our next life
• Our desire should be to finish the race that has been laid out for us (Heb. 12:1-2)
• It should be our desire to share the gospel
  • There is not a higher calling!

 

Six Special Olympic athletes lined up in a stadium filled with 50,000 people. These kids had prepared all year for this event. They wanted to win. Although they could not run well, they would give it their very best effort. The gun went off and all six began to run. At about the 50-meter mark, one of the six runners fell down, face first on the track. The other five runners took a couple more steps and then stopped. They looked back and saw the fallen runner. Then, to the surprise of the crowd, they all went back, helped the fallen runner to his feet, joined hands, and continued the race – all of them crossing the finish line at the same moment. Each one received a gold medal!

(Taken from Youth Specialties’ Hot Illustrations)

 

It’s not really important how we start the race, but how we finish the race that counts. Each of us came to the cross of Christ with nothing to offer. Most of us started out of the blocks stumbling and tripping over our own feet. We find ourselves going around the track of life, easily distracted by the other runners or the people in the stands. Many times we even step off of the track and stray off course, sometimes wandering for months or even years before we find our way back.

 

When it came to Paul, He ran his race hard from the very beginning, and he finished his race well. Warren Wiersbe in his commentary says this, “He also saw himself as a runner who wanted to finish his course in joyful victory (Phil. 3:12–14; 2 Tim. 4:8). The three phrases “my life, my course, the ministry” are the key. Paul realized that his life was God’s gift to him, and that God had a special plan for his life that would be fulfilled in his ministry. Paul was devoted to a great Person (“serving the Lord”) and motivated by a great purpose, the building of the church.”

 

Paul knew his purpose in life and he was driven by it. Each of us has a purpose as well. We can find this purpose in Hebrews 12:1 where it says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (NIV). Each of us have a unique race that has been chalked out for us. My race is different from yours, and yours is not the same as mine. But know this – you do have a race to run!

 

How do we run this race? By fixing our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2). When a runner is running she doesn’t look all around to see who is watching, but she keeps her eyes on the finish line. At our finish line is Jesus, and He is standing there cheering us on every step of the way!

 

So how will you run the race that has been laid out before you? Remember that it is a marathon and not a 100 yard dash! Pace yourself, keep your eyes constantly on Him, and finish strong!

 

Ask Him to help you to finish the race well, and to give you a passion for reaching the lost. This is what Paul desired, and we should want nothing less.

 

 

If you would like help with how to run your race or you would like to get started, please contact us at (928)636-2949 or email me at pastordeckard@cvgrace.com.

 

 

Acts chapter 15 is the first time we see factions in the young church. This week we will take a look at church unity, and how to make it happen!

 

Acts 15:39-40

They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. (NIV)

 

• Paul and Barnabas disagreed over bringing John Mark with them
  • They split ways over it
  • Paul was later proven wrong (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11)
• Barnabas took John Mark (his cousin) and went to Cyprus (West)
• Paul took Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia (North)
• We don’t hear much about Barnabas after this
• Paul later spoke of Barnabas in positive terms (1 Cor. 9:6; Col. 4:10)

APPLICATION:

• Don’t allow Satan to divide and conquer
• We need to guard against division and strife
• We need to keep pride at bay

MOTIVATION:

While preparing for this week’s blog I came across this story:

There were two churches with the same name about one mile from one another. They split back about 40 years ago over Fried Chicken! They were having a picnic at the church and two ladies who didn’t care for each other both brought fried chicken. The preacher, not knowing about this, stopped at one end of the table, grabbed a piece of chicken and commented “it was the best he’d ever eaten”. Well, group number two packed up their things and within a few weeks, the church split!

Church splits are a common thing here in America, and we have all heard the stories. One of the common threads in all of them is the breakdown of church unity. In an article written by Thom Rainer he suggests fourteen key reasons for this phenomenon:

1. Gossip – Church members talk about one another instead of talking to one another.
2. Actions cloaked in darkness – Secret committees meeting at restaurants having “roast pastor”.
3. Failure to confront church bullies – Some church members seek power in a church they can’t get elsewhere.
4. Self-serving church members – Some insist on getting their way for everything from worship style to the order of the worship service.
5. Lack of prayer – A church that does not pray together is likely to fragment into special interest groups.
6. Fear of confrontation – Too many would rather sweep the problems under the rug than deal with them.
7. Adopting the hypercritical spirit of culture – This reality is especially true in blogs and social media.
8. Low expectations – There are no clear guidelines on what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. Some use their idle time to gossip, criticize and tear down.
9. No church discipline – Because of the fear of lawsuits or things getting ugly, church leaders avoid church discipline.
10. Churches known more for what they are against rather than what they are for – This negativity becomes pervasive in the congregation and destroys church unity.
11. Fear of losing members – Many times the most out spoken are your biggest givers, and leadership is afraid to lose them.
12. Failure to be evangelistic – When people are reaching their neighbors for Christ they are less concerned about the color of the carpet.
13. Power groups – Sometimes the bullies coerce others to form power groups.
14. The silent and fearful majority – Many just want to go to church in peace. They enjoy what the church has to offer, but are afraid to speak out against the bullies.

 

Unfortunately, I have witnessed all of these, and chances are so have you. One of the biggest culprits to the destruction of church unity is found in number 11: The “failure to be evangelistic.” When a church turns its eyes away from the community and begins to only look to their own needs or wants it starts to die. And when that happens, people start the blame game. In one of Thom Rainer’s books called I Will he shares a story about a church business meeting. “A pastor walked into the room where he knew a tense business meeting was waiting. He spoke right before the meeting was called to order. It is my understanding that he said something like this: ‘Welcome to our business meeting, folks! Before we get started, let’s have a time of sharing. Someone share with the group how you have shared the gospel of Christ this past month’. Silence. Not a person responded. The pastor did not have to say another word.” Maybe more churches should start their business meetings this way!

 

When it comes to who was right, Paul or Barnabas, it really doesn’t make much difference. Warren Wiersbe goes on to say, “Perhaps both men were right on some things and wrong on other things. We know that John Mark ultimately did succeed in the ministry and that Paul came to love and appreciate him (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Phil. 23-24).” Good and godly people disagree; this is one of the painful facts of life.

 

Protecting church unity takes work and effort. It does not happen on its own. It takes people like you who care enough to stop the gossip; to put aside your own selfishness; and to start praying. Because in order to have a healthy church it takes more than just the pastor to make it happen. It takes all of us working together arm in arm, standing against the enemy, and refusing to let him get a foothold in our churches. So will you stand with me? Will you be a game changer? Together we can make our churches healthier and together we can build His kingdom!

 

Look back over the least of reasons there is not unity in a church. Are there any there that you need to confess? Spend some time reflecting and ask yourself where you can be a part of the solution and not the problem in your church.

 

 

What would it be like to have to stand boldly for our faith – even if it meant our very life? Let’s take a walk with Stephen and others this morning and imagine.

 

Acts 7:56

“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (NIV)

 

• God separated the veil so that Stephen could see into the throne room of heaven
• Stephen was one of the Seven chosen to serve the widows
  • The Apostles had laid hands on him (Acts 6:2)
• Here we find him quoting scripture, speaking eloquently, and boldly in front of the Sanhedrin
• He was filled with the Holy Spirit (Vs. 55)
• Jesus is standing!
  • He normally is seated at the Father’s right hand
  • He is standing to show His support
  • He is standing to welcome the first Christian martyr into glory!

APPLICATION:

• God will give us the words to speak when it becomes necessary – to speak boldly
• No matter your position God can use you
  • Stephen was a waiter (Acts. 6:1-6)
• Jesus is on our side and stands from His throne when we are in need of Him
  • He doesn’t just sit there!
• We shouldn’t just sit there either.
  • We should stand for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted

 

She was 17 years old. He stood glaring at her, his weapon before her face. “Do you believe in God?” She paused. It was a life-or-death question. “Yes I believe in God.” “Why?” asked her executioner. But he never gave her the chance to respond. The teenage girl lay dead at his feet!

(Excerpt from the book: Jesus Freak)

 

This isn’t a story that happened in a Muslim country or even in China. This particular story did not happen in ancient times, but it happened at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999. Do you believe in Jesus?

Whenever I read stories like this one, and the biblical account of Stephen I am amazed at the courage and the fortitude that believers have when faced with certain martyrdom. God always gives His full attention when one of His own is being persecuted or about to be killed for their faith.

 

In the case of Stephen in Acts chapter seven, we see Jesus standing next to the Father. Stephen has His full attention. Jesus is standing with His arms open wide and with a look of confidence. Much like a father watching his child performing on stage – the child is looking nervously at her dad – and dad gives her a nod and a smile – telling her “you’ve got this!”

 

When we look at Stephen we don’t see anyone special. He is not an Apostle, and wasn’t a part of Jesus inner circle. He was selected by the Apostles to be a “waiter” to take care of the needs of the widows so that they could handle more important issues. He was ordinary. But here in Acts we see God using him – speaking through him. Stephen, filled with the Spirit of God, preaches to the Sanhedrin with supernatural boldness.

 

Warren Wiersbe in his commentary says this, “You wonder what kind of a world we live in when good and godly men like Stephen can be murdered by religious bigots! But we have similar problems in our “enlightened” age today: taking hostages, bombings that kill or maim innocent people, assassinations, and all in the name of politics or religion. The heart of man has not changed, nor can it be changed apart from the grace of God.” We live in a sin sick world!

 

The statistics are staggering. Over 100,000 Christians are persecuted every day across the globe today. There are approximately 30,000 believers imprisoned for their faith in North Korea alone. In countries like Pakistan, India, Iraq and Iran it is not safe to claim the name of Christ. And as we see in Exodus at the time of Israel’s enslavement, God hears the cries of His people. He knows each of them by name!

 

Much like Stephen we are no one special. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty ordinary. But, when we are put in situations where we must stand for our faith, God will give us the words to speak and the courage to stand. God used Stephen’s death to launch His believers from Jerusalem into Samaria and all of Judea. He can use you as well, in ways that you can not imagine.

 

We are instructed to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within us at all times (1 Peter 3:15). If we are going to Transform Chino, then we need to be prepared. Do you believe? If so, then be prepared. You might just be called on to take a stand!

 

Pray that you would be prepared to speak with courage and boldness should the opportunity come.

 

If you would like more information on how you can be an advocate for the persecuted Christians around the world visit Christian Freedom International at www.christianfreedom.org

 

 

 

This morning I want to take a look at the kind of leaders that God calls us to be. What should we strive for in God’s Kingdom?

 

Luke 22:26

But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. (NIV)

 

• The disciples were arguing amongst themselves as to who would be considered the greatest.
• They were jostling for position (Vs. 24)
• But we are not to be like the leaders of this world (Vs. 25-26)
• The greatest should be like the youngest
  • The blessing and most of the inheritance went to the oldest (Jacob & Esau)
• The one who rules should be more like a servant

APPLICATION:

• Do not strive to be greater than others
• Don’t be prideful
• We are not to be like non-Christian leaders
  • We should strive for a higher standard
• God many times selected the youngest or the weakest to accomplish great things
• We don’t have to make ourselves out to be better than others to get the Father’s blessing
• We should strive to be servant leader – Christ Like leaders!

 

One of the greatest struggles in the Christian life is to be the kind of leader that God has called us to be. Whether it is in our homes, our place of work, or even in our churches, it is hard to know how to behave like a leader.

 

In this passage and in Mark 9 we find the disciples arguing among themselves “which of them was considered the greatest”. It reminds me of a group of teenage boys trying to decide who is the toughest or who should get the cutest girl in the class. Interestingly Luke shares that they started this little tiff just after Jesus had explained to them that one of them “is going to betray me”. This strikes me as comical, yet we see this kind of behavior even in grown men and women today, and yes, even in the church.

One author in the Bible Knowledge Commentary explains it best: “The disciples’ arguing about which of them was considered to be greatest is surprising in view of what Jesus had just said about one of them betraying Him. Jesus then told them that such thinking is like that of pagans. The followers of the Messiah should not think about such things. Rather than wanting to be the greatest, His followers should each desire to be the one who serves.” This kind of thinking was revolutionary to Jesus’ followers, and it is still revolutionary today.

 

Oswald Sanders had this to say about this passage in Luke in his book called Spiritual Leadership: “Jesus knew the idea of leader as ‘loving servant of all’ would not appeal to most people. Securing our own creature comforts is a much more common mission. But ‘servant’ is His requirement for those who want to lead in His kingdom.” If you want to be a leader, and you are a Christian, then the road to leadership involves first being a servant.

 

I remember my first job as a Youth Pastor. We were in a fairly new church that met at a school. We didn’t have our own building and we didn’t have a place large enough for the youth group to meet in so we rented the Community Center. One night while setting up for youth group I began to grumble, “Why isn’t someone else setting this up? Why do I have to be the one to set up these tables and chairs every week?” I was feeling pretty frustrated, and even justified in my grumbling. But then, this small still voice corrected me. God reminded me of all the times that I had begged for my own youth ministry, and of all the times that I had prayed for a “servant’s heart.” I never complained again, and thirty years later I still find myself setting up tables and chairs regularly. But now, I do it with a smile as I remember all of the lessons that the Father has patiently taught me about being a “Servant Leader”.

 

In one of my favorite books, They Smell Like Sheep, the author says, “When Jesus contrasted godly leadership, ‘one who serves,’ with the authoritarian style of worldly leaders who ‘exercise lordship and authority,’ he stated flatly, ‘I don’t want you leading like the pagans!’” Whether you are a leader at work, in your family or in your church the message here is don’t strive to be like other leaders. Christ has called us to a much higher standard. If you want to advance in your place of influence, then become more like Him. And to become more like Him you will need to learn to be more like a servant.

 

If we want to seek the top (in God’s eyes), then we need to be the best servant (diakonos: waiter) that we can be! Can you imagine a church where everyone sought how they could serve others! What a church that would be! And imagine with me the effect that would have on the community! If we truly want to “Transform Chino”, then it is going to have to start with my heart – a Servant’s Heart!

 

If you haven’t already started, begin praying today that God would supernaturally give you a Servant’s Heart!

 

 

If we can pray for you or help you to grow in Christ, then please give us a call at (928)636-2949.

 

 

This week we are going to take a look at one of Jesus’ instructions on how to pray. Let’s explore how to take on our giants!

 

 

• We should always pray and never give up!
• We don’t know the injustice the widow suffered in the story (V.3)
• She sought justice from the worldly king (V.4)
• She kept going to the king – she was persistent
• The king finally did something just to get rid of her (V.5)
• Jesus says that the Father will give justice to those “who cry out to Him day and night”. (V.7)

APPLICATION:

• We are to come to the Father with our requests
• Don’t give up!
• He is far more just than any earthly king
• Cry out to the Lord for justice – not vengeance!
• We have not because we ask not (James 4:2-3)

 

As I am writing this I am reminded of the scene from the movie Facing the Giants. There is this great scene where Grant Taylor, a Christian high-school football coach, is trying to motivate his team. In this particular scene Coach Taylor has one of his players, Brock, perform the “death crawl” in front of the other players. (The “death crawl” is where a bigger player carries another smaller player on his back while crawling on his hands and feet without touching his knees to the ground). Coach Taylor encourages him past the 20, the 30, and the 50 yard line blind folded. He is already farther than any other player has ever gone during the “death crawl”, but Coach Taylor keeps driving him further. He keeps yelling at him fervently, “Don’t quit!”, “Keep drivin’!”, “Keep goin’!”, “Don’t quit until you got nothin’ left!” And to the other player’s amazement Brock makes it all the way to the other end zone!

 

It is an incredible scene of fortitude and perseverance. I believe that this is what Jesus is talking about in this parable. “Don’t quit! I know it’s hard. I know it hurts. But don’t quit until you got nothin’ left!” You have pain in life, and there is injustice – don’t quit! You are worried about your adult children that have strayed – Keep praying! Keep bringing your requests to the King. Don’t give up!

 

At the end of the parable in Matthew 18 Jesus ends with this, “And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off?” It’s a rhetorical question. Of course the answer is no, He will not keep putting them off! It is against His very nature. He is a faithful and loving God, and He cares for His children deeply.

 

In Jim Cymbala’s book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire he shares about his own personal struggles. He is the pastor of a very large church called The Brooklyn Tabernacle. Perhaps you have heard of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. This church is well known, not only for its world renowned choir, but for its prayer ministry. Pastors from all over, come to witness these prayer meetings, and to learn how they can start one of their own in their churches. Pastor Cymbala shares in this book the personal grief and anguish of a run-away daughter. She has run away from their home and is somewhere on the streets of New York. She has left them frightened and worried. The whole church surrounds them with support and prayer. Months later, during one of their famous prayer meetings, to everyone’s astonishment, his daughter comes walking in the front door of their church! She cries out to her daddy and to the church – she is sorry! She wants to come home. Will he forgive her? And the church rejoices!

 

It is a story of perseverance, and of the power of prayer. I have witnessed this same power in my own prayer life, and in the lives of many others. Our God is a faithful God.

 

Warren Wiersbe in his book, The Bible Exposition Commentary says this, “If we don’t pray, we will faint; it’s as simple as that! The word faint describes a believer who loses heart and gets so discouraged that he or she wants to quit.” When we faint we lose all control. We go into a free fall and hit the nearest object on our way down. “If we don’t pray, we will faint.” If we don’t pray we lose all control. We begin to worry and the anxiety takes control. Our emotions go into a tail spin and we are down for the count.

 

Jesus has lovingly instructed us “Don’t quit. Don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep seeking the King’s face. Keep pursuing Him!” And when we do, He is able to do amazing things. Will you trust Him? Will you keep knocking until He answers?

 

Ask God to show you that He does truly care. Also, ask God to show you the injustice in other people’s lives. There are widows and orphans in our very own community who need mercy. How can you be an answer to prayer for them?

 

 

If we can pray for you or help you to grow in Christ, then please give us a call at (928)636-2949.

 

 

The story of Martha running around busily preparing for guests while Mary lazily sits at Jesus’ feet is a familiar one. I hope that this week’s motivation encourages you in you to take some time out!

 

Luke 10:40 (NIV)

 

OBSERVATIONS:

• The Lord was sitting with Mary and taking time with her
• Martha was “distracted” by her to-do list
• Martha complained to Jesus – “Don’t you care?”

APPLICATION:

• It is always better to sit at Jesus feet
• Don’t be distracted by things that need to be done
• God will honor the time set aside to spend with Him
• The Lord wants to sit with us!
• “Mary chose what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

 

About twenty years ago we took a trip to Yosemite. It was the most beautiful place that I had ever seen. But on our way there we first stopped at the Sequoia National Park and saw the biggest trees on earth! Looking back at the pictures of us standing next to these behemoths it amazes me how big they truly were. They are so enormous that one was carved out so that you could even drive a standard sized car through the middle of it. You have probably seen pictures of them.

 

A few years ago I stopped by there on my way to a Christian camp. I was surprised to find fences surrounding each of the trees. I discovered later the reason why. Wayne Cordeiro shares in his book, The Divine Mentor, a story about one of those trees that was over 300 years old, and over 240 feet tall. This majestic creation was beautiful to behold and marveled many visitors during their visits to Yosemite. And then one day it mysteriously fell to the earth in a thunderous crash. Cordeiro shares, “As park rangers and forestry experts examined the downed behemoth, they came to a startling conclusion. Foot traffic!” Over the years park guests had walked on the root system of these ancient trees and unbeknownst them were killing them. If you visit there today you will discover fences surrounding these trees in order to protect their sensitive roots.

 

Wayne goes on to say, “What’s true of the Sequoias is also true of you and me. We have delicate root systems—more fragile than we would ever imagine—unless we find a way to protect and nourish those roots, we too will fall.”

 

What kind of foot traffic do you deal with every day? Foot traffic wears on us. We can’t escape it. It is a normal part of life. People demand our attention. Deadlines have to be met. There are doctor appointments, and prescriptions to be filled. The kids have recital, soccer practice, and homework that needs to be done. Life is full of foot traffic. But the author goes on to say, “What we need to do is protect the most important part of us…that deep down, soulish part of life that links with our Creator.”

 

In Luke 10 where we see the story of Martha and Mary, Jesus tells us the story of protecting life’s root systems. Luke describes Martha as being distracted. She is darting everywhere attempting to be a good host. But after hearing Martha’s complaints Jesus declares “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” There are good things in life that need to be done. There is the demand of the urgent. But as Jesus points out there is also the “better” things.

 

According to Lance Witt in his book, Replenish, “in our culture we have swallowed hook, line, and sinker the lie that busyness equals importance.” I have not been exempt. One of the things that we truly need more than ever before is a time of solitude – a time spent alone with God! He goes on to say, “Too much noise and too much activity can be toxic to our soul.”

 

Psalm 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God.” One commentary says it this way, “Before we can represent Christ as we should, or imitate Him in our caring ministry, we must spend time with Him and learn from Him. We must ‘take time to be holy’”. All through the gospels we can see Christ desperately trying to get away either with His disciples or to be alone with His Father. Jesus recognized the need for time alone in solitude with His Father. Lance sums it up best by stating, “Through solitude there will be room in your soul for you to meet God and for Him to do the work in you that He longs to do.”

 

Who is going to protect your roots? Who is responsible for feeding your soul and making sure that your heart is filled and ready to face the day? The first answer is you! So, how are you going to protect your roots this year, and ensure that you are daily spending time at His feet?

 

Take a moment and ask God to give you the desire and the discipline to spend time at His feet each day – regularly.

 

 

 

If you would like a copy of the Life Journal to help you in your efforts to draw nearer to Him, then please let us know. (928)636-2949