Many do not do New Year's resolutions, and I used to not participate either. However, I have decided that this year will be a year when I do; after all, we serve a God of new beginnings, fresh starts, new mercies...
So, I will ring in the New Year, 2010, a perfect "10", ("We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." - Colossians 1:28-29) with the following resolutions:
1. that I will not go one day without spending alone time with Him
2. that I will not go one day without spending time in His Word
3. that I will not go one day without praying for opportunities to witness
4. that I will not go one day without sharing the Good News with someone
5. that I will not go one day without telling my family I love them
6. that I will not go one day without confessing my sin before the Father
7. that I will not go one day without contacting someone else to thank them
8. that I will not go one day without paying someone a compliment
9. that I will not go one day without memorizing Scripture
10. that I will not go one day without living it to the fullest
This is my New Year's resolution, impossible for man, but not impossible with God!
Blessings to ALL of you this New Year!
Randy
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
"Return to Me..."
With all that is going on in America today...
- economic uncertainty
- the housing crisis
- the healthcare debacle
- celebrity and political scandals
- broken families
- continual depletion of moral influence on the internet, in the movies, on the television, in the music industry, etc.
- increasing hostility toward the Christian faith
- declining attendance in evangelical churches
It is no wonder that we are in a mess! So, do we throw up our hands and say, "It is what it is"? Or, do we try to find the answers in our government leaders, our school administration, our family? Or, do we drown our stress in the next drink, or smoke, or other object of habit?
OR...we could turn to God's Word. In Amos (which I just completed in my 'Read the Bible in a Year'), God said, "I gave you empty stomachs...yet you have not returned to me...I witheld rain from you...yet your have not returned to me...Locusts devoured your crops...yet you have not returned to me...You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me." (Amos 4:6-11)
God's admonition for his children 2700 years ago through that prophet is appropriate for us in America in 2009...we need to return to God. We need to do it individually, within the church, and within our communities.
How are you building community? How are you making yourself available to be used by God in His kingdom? Are you investing and inviting into the lives of others?
Make 2010 a year we all RETURN TO THE LORD!
Randy
- economic uncertainty
- the housing crisis
- the healthcare debacle
- celebrity and political scandals
- broken families
- continual depletion of moral influence on the internet, in the movies, on the television, in the music industry, etc.
- increasing hostility toward the Christian faith
- declining attendance in evangelical churches
It is no wonder that we are in a mess! So, do we throw up our hands and say, "It is what it is"? Or, do we try to find the answers in our government leaders, our school administration, our family? Or, do we drown our stress in the next drink, or smoke, or other object of habit?
OR...we could turn to God's Word. In Amos (which I just completed in my 'Read the Bible in a Year'), God said, "I gave you empty stomachs...yet you have not returned to me...I witheld rain from you...yet your have not returned to me...Locusts devoured your crops...yet you have not returned to me...You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to me." (Amos 4:6-11)
God's admonition for his children 2700 years ago through that prophet is appropriate for us in America in 2009...we need to return to God. We need to do it individually, within the church, and within our communities.
How are you building community? How are you making yourself available to be used by God in His kingdom? Are you investing and inviting into the lives of others?
Make 2010 a year we all RETURN TO THE LORD!
Randy
Friday, December 4, 2009
Global Warming?
The Christian should not shy away from the debate. In fact, God is the First Commander when it comes to taking care of our planet. The Bible says that "God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and care for it." The Hebrew words for "work" and "care" literally mean to dress, cultivate, tame and preserve all the plants, trees, water and air that God has apportioned for the perfect conditions He had established from the beginning. So, before I go to the next paragraph, I want to make sure you hear me when I say that God has commanded us to take care of our planet and so we must obey. It is the very core of the stewardship principle for every Christian.
As you know, the global warming debate has been "heated" for some time now. I remember a conversation I had with a friend a few years ago who made a very bold statement in response to the science community's cry for immediate action. He, himself a scientist and a Christian, said, "How arrogant of us [mankind] to think that anything we do will have such a changing effect on the universe!"
And then I read just this week an article in the USA Today newspaper (Tuesday, December 1, page 23A), entitled "Groupthink and the global warming industry." The author reports that computer hackers broke into the Climatic Research Unit in England. The CRU provides much of the data that has been used by global warming advocates to push their agendas.
Well, according to the article, a "long string of email exchanges" discuss "how to manipulate the data they want to show the world, and how to hide the often flawed data they don't. In one exchange, they discuss the "trick" of how to "hide the decline" in global temperatures since the 1960's." This is quite the opposite of what we have been hearing!
The article goes on to explain that this global warming scientific community pushes out those who have dissenting opinions, and even alleges that the Global Warming agenda is driven by the desire for billions and billions of dollars of funding! In fact, the U.S. is committing TRILLIONS to "fighting climate change."
Whatever your position on this topic, I conclude with this statement... Mankind's discoveries and opinions will never render the Word of God of no effect!
Randy
As you know, the global warming debate has been "heated" for some time now. I remember a conversation I had with a friend a few years ago who made a very bold statement in response to the science community's cry for immediate action. He, himself a scientist and a Christian, said, "How arrogant of us [mankind] to think that anything we do will have such a changing effect on the universe!"
And then I read just this week an article in the USA Today newspaper (Tuesday, December 1, page 23A), entitled "Groupthink and the global warming industry." The author reports that computer hackers broke into the Climatic Research Unit in England. The CRU provides much of the data that has been used by global warming advocates to push their agendas.
Well, according to the article, a "long string of email exchanges" discuss "how to manipulate the data they want to show the world, and how to hide the often flawed data they don't. In one exchange, they discuss the "trick" of how to "hide the decline" in global temperatures since the 1960's." This is quite the opposite of what we have been hearing!
The article goes on to explain that this global warming scientific community pushes out those who have dissenting opinions, and even alleges that the Global Warming agenda is driven by the desire for billions and billions of dollars of funding! In fact, the U.S. is committing TRILLIONS to "fighting climate change."
Whatever your position on this topic, I conclude with this statement... Mankind's discoveries and opinions will never render the Word of God of no effect!
Randy
Monday, November 9, 2009
Satan's Plan
In my business experience, we often do talk about the competition and their strategy. Understanding our competition will help us to be better prepared and to also be discerning in how to win.
Sadly, many Christians refuse to talk about the enemy. And many Christians unwittingly fall prey to his wicked schemes and designs. I came across this email recently and wanted to share it with you. It's title is "Satan's Plan."
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons..
In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church"
"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth......"
"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."
"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners,
BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ..."
"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered...
"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.."
"Keep them from spending time with their children."
"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."
"Entice them to play the radio or I-Pod whenever they drive." To
keep the TV, DVDs, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly."
"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."
"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."
"Invade their driving moments with billboards."
"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes."
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. "
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."
"Give them headaches too! "
"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere."
"That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas."
"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death..."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."
"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."
"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation.
Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."
"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"
"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus."
"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."
"It will work!"
"It will work!"
It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families.
Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge!!!!!
Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
Sadly, many Christians refuse to talk about the enemy. And many Christians unwittingly fall prey to his wicked schemes and designs. I came across this email recently and wanted to share it with you. It's title is "Satan's Plan."
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons..
In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church"
"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth......"
"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."
"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners,
BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ..."
"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered...
"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.."
"Keep them from spending time with their children."
"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."
"Entice them to play the radio or I-Pod whenever they drive." To
keep the TV, DVDs, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly."
"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."
"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."
"Invade their driving moments with billboards."
"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes."
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. "
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."
"Give them headaches too! "
"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere."
"That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas."
"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death..."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."
"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."
"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation.
Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."
"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"
"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus."
"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."
"It will work!"
"It will work!"
It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families.
Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge!!!!!
Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Meaning of Worship
This week at C3, we will be employing a very unorthodox venue for worship. If I were to say nothing else, that might pique your interest just enough to make you come.
So, when you come, please don't let your religious background get in the way of truth. Many in the church have misconceptions of what worship is. So what is it? The word "worship" is rooted by the word "worth." That is, ascribing worth to something -- that which is the object of our worship!
So, how do you define it? Worship can best be defined as the Christian community's awe-filled response to 1) who God is, 2) what He has done for man in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and 3) what He continues to do through the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit. When you step back, you see the Trinity in the definition.
What that definition does not do is specify location or method. This helps us to see that there are two kinds of worship: 1) personal and 2) corporate.
Personal worship should happen constantly throughout each day. As we see God's handiwork of creation, as we witness His divine protection, guidance, answered prayers, power, etc., the child of God pauses to take it all in - to marvel at his Heavenly Father.
Corporate worship is the assembling of the body of Christ to respond corporately as THE BODY to the glory of God and His power and majesty! Corporate worship is , by its very nature, corporate - as opposed to individual. An individual view of corporate worship breeds "consumerism," where individuals attend weekly worship service to see what they can get out of the songs or sermon. Corporate worship builds unity (as we sing, pray, study and fellowship), accountability, encouragement, strength, edification, equipping for service, and evangelistic zeal.
This week will be unique indeed. It will help us to experience what true spiritual community is all about. God's people are referred to in the Bible as a body, a building, an army, a bride and a family.
Let's do a family reunion this Sunday!! See you there, and pull up a chair to the Lord's Supper table!
Randy
So, when you come, please don't let your religious background get in the way of truth. Many in the church have misconceptions of what worship is. So what is it? The word "worship" is rooted by the word "worth." That is, ascribing worth to something -- that which is the object of our worship!
So, how do you define it? Worship can best be defined as the Christian community's awe-filled response to 1) who God is, 2) what He has done for man in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and 3) what He continues to do through the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit. When you step back, you see the Trinity in the definition.
What that definition does not do is specify location or method. This helps us to see that there are two kinds of worship: 1) personal and 2) corporate.
Personal worship should happen constantly throughout each day. As we see God's handiwork of creation, as we witness His divine protection, guidance, answered prayers, power, etc., the child of God pauses to take it all in - to marvel at his Heavenly Father.
Corporate worship is the assembling of the body of Christ to respond corporately as THE BODY to the glory of God and His power and majesty! Corporate worship is , by its very nature, corporate - as opposed to individual. An individual view of corporate worship breeds "consumerism," where individuals attend weekly worship service to see what they can get out of the songs or sermon. Corporate worship builds unity (as we sing, pray, study and fellowship), accountability, encouragement, strength, edification, equipping for service, and evangelistic zeal.
This week will be unique indeed. It will help us to experience what true spiritual community is all about. God's people are referred to in the Bible as a body, a building, an army, a bride and a family.
Let's do a family reunion this Sunday!! See you there, and pull up a chair to the Lord's Supper table!
Randy
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Who is my Neighbor?
As we continue our study in "Relationships" at C3, I am excited about this Sunday's message grounded in Romans 13:8-14 entitled, "My Relationship to my Neighbors."
I am then drawn to the question asked by an expert in the Law, who asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" The parable that Jesus gives in response to that question is perhaps one of the most popular even today...the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
To understand the impact of Jesus' answer, one needs to understand the racism of Jesus' day. There was such a disdain between Jews and Samaritans that they did not even associate with one another. The first "neighbor" that happened by was a priest. He passed by on the other side. The second "neighbor" that happened by was a Levite. He, too, passed by on the other side. Both of these men were "pillars" of their community. They were deeply religious. They were very respected. They were Jewish, as was the man in need. They certainly would be the first to help. Not so.
The third neighbor that happened by was, of all people, a Samaritan. Samaritans hated Jews. Surely he would not only pass by but might even have celebrated the dire condition of the Jewish man in the ditch. But instead, we see that this Samaritan not only approached the man, he bandaged his wounds, he carried him to the inn and he paid for his care. Oh, the love that can be shown regardless of the person.
God calls all of us to love our neighbor as ourself. He calls us to approach our neighbor, to offer them the eternal healing found only in Jesus Christ, to carry them to a local body called the church and to help strengthen them in the knowledge and service of the Lord.
Who is your neighbor? See you Sunday!
Randy
Friday, August 21, 2009
Relationships
"It's all about relationships!" That's what I have heard from the earliest days of my selling career. The other addage tossed around with a frequency like that of waves rolling ashore has a similar ring: "People buy from people." Or how about the other favorite, "It's not what you know; it's who you know"?
We can all relate (no pun intended, but indeed retained for purposes of staying on topic!) to relationships. In fact, all of us have a number of different types of relationships. For example, I am a son, a brother, a nephew, a grandson, a husband, a father, a son-in-law, an uncle, a friend, a neighbor, a pastor, a coworker, a boss, an employee, a coach, a church member, a teammate, etc. In every case, my life is connected to other people. And if you can fathom the mathematical model postulated by some very smart people, the entire human race is connected by "six degrees of separation." Yes, relationships matter. In seminary, these kind of relationships are called "Horizontal Relationships." These relationships are kept in tact by the last 6 commandments.
But then there is the "Vertical Relationship." This is the most important relationship...our relationship to God. This relationship is encompassed by the first 4 commandments. This Sunday begins our new sermon series entitled (fittingly, given this blog's content!), "RELATIONSHIPS."
Come join us Sunday as we look at Romans 12:1-2. We will learn what God's expecation is in our relationship with Him. You may just be surprised!
DISH OUT
We can all relate (no pun intended, but indeed retained for purposes of staying on topic!) to relationships. In fact, all of us have a number of different types of relationships. For example, I am a son, a brother, a nephew, a grandson, a husband, a father, a son-in-law, an uncle, a friend, a neighbor, a pastor, a coworker, a boss, an employee, a coach, a church member, a teammate, etc. In every case, my life is connected to other people. And if you can fathom the mathematical model postulated by some very smart people, the entire human race is connected by "six degrees of separation." Yes, relationships matter. In seminary, these kind of relationships are called "Horizontal Relationships." These relationships are kept in tact by the last 6 commandments.
But then there is the "Vertical Relationship." This is the most important relationship...our relationship to God. This relationship is encompassed by the first 4 commandments. This Sunday begins our new sermon series entitled (fittingly, given this blog's content!), "RELATIONSHIPS."
Come join us Sunday as we look at Romans 12:1-2. We will learn what God's expecation is in our relationship with Him. You may just be surprised!
DISH OUT
Friday, July 31, 2009
The End of the World
Such a fascinating topic is the end of the world. I remember the first time I read through the book of Revelation. I was confused beyond understanding.
I remember that song by REM..."It's the End of the World as We Know it." Are we in the end times? What does that even mean? Will the world ever end really? What are the signs of the end times?
But as with any topic, no matter how provacative, the Christian must first and foremost ask the question, "What does the Bible have to say about that?"
Well, if we collected all the books written about this one topic...the end of the world...one might imagine that not even the Superdome in New Orleans could contain them. Many have allowed their lives to be consumed with this topic. Many others have erroneously - and sinfully - predicted the date of the end of the world.
The movie 2012 is coming out this fall. Watch and you may just learn that...of course its the end of the Mayan calendar! Yeah, right. As a dear friend of mine often said, "That's cooky-talk!"
Come join us at C3 for the final two weeks of our "Taboo Topics" sermon series, where we look to God's Word for clues we can count on! See you there...and...bring your Bible!
Pastor Randy
I remember that song by REM..."It's the End of the World as We Know it." Are we in the end times? What does that even mean? Will the world ever end really? What are the signs of the end times?
But as with any topic, no matter how provacative, the Christian must first and foremost ask the question, "What does the Bible have to say about that?"
Well, if we collected all the books written about this one topic...the end of the world...one might imagine that not even the Superdome in New Orleans could contain them. Many have allowed their lives to be consumed with this topic. Many others have erroneously - and sinfully - predicted the date of the end of the world.
The movie 2012 is coming out this fall. Watch and you may just learn that...of course its the end of the Mayan calendar! Yeah, right. As a dear friend of mine often said, "That's cooky-talk!"
Come join us at C3 for the final two weeks of our "Taboo Topics" sermon series, where we look to God's Word for clues we can count on! See you there...and...bring your Bible!
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Taboo Topics
I was in Washington DC this past week and as I was sitting in line waiting for the ticket office to open for the Washington Monument, I was confronted with the temptation to talk politics with the men around me...
I refrained. Call me chicken or wise. In either case, such a thought has buttressed yet again God's calling for me to preach a series entitled "Taboo Topics."
If you missed the first two weeks of the series, Politics or Hell, you can check out our podcast at www.c3charleston.com. The next several weeks are sure to get your attention. Join us as we explore the topics of:
Money - July 19th
Sex - July 26th
Addictions - August 2nd
The End of the World (1) - August 9th
The End of the World (2) - August 16th
See you then...
Randy
I refrained. Call me chicken or wise. In either case, such a thought has buttressed yet again God's calling for me to preach a series entitled "Taboo Topics."
If you missed the first two weeks of the series, Politics or Hell, you can check out our podcast at www.c3charleston.com. The next several weeks are sure to get your attention. Join us as we explore the topics of:
Money - July 19th
Sex - July 26th
Addictions - August 2nd
The End of the World (1) - August 9th
The End of the World (2) - August 16th
See you then...
Randy
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Who are you discipling?
I am into a new book now, entitled "Church is a Team Sport" by Jim Putman. Here is an excerpt from his book, where he is talking about what happens when a person abandons the self-improvement method and trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He aptly points out that...
"...the devil now sees the one we just baptized as an enemy. This is not like a physical game we might play, where at worst we get hurt accidentally and need medical attention. Satan is not happy about losing that person to Jesus...he is out to disarm and destroy them to protect his own evil kingdom. We often don't understand that we just got this new believer into a war they are not equipped to fight. They don't know the rules, or the weapons available, or even how to use them." (pg. 96-97)
To be sure, new Christians need to be developed and nurtured. This is the role of the body of believers we call the church. We are to nurture our own along in the faith.
Maybe you are not ready to disciple. If so, then who is discipling you? Who around you challenges you to grow in Christ? To whom can you reach out and ask to meet with you to talk about what it means to follow Jesus, what it "costs" to be a disciple?
The church does not grow unless the church grows. Do you get that?
A few notes before signing off:
"...the devil now sees the one we just baptized as an enemy. This is not like a physical game we might play, where at worst we get hurt accidentally and need medical attention. Satan is not happy about losing that person to Jesus...he is out to disarm and destroy them to protect his own evil kingdom. We often don't understand that we just got this new believer into a war they are not equipped to fight. They don't know the rules, or the weapons available, or even how to use them." (pg. 96-97)
To be sure, new Christians need to be developed and nurtured. This is the role of the body of believers we call the church. We are to nurture our own along in the faith.
Maybe you are not ready to disciple. If so, then who is discipling you? Who around you challenges you to grow in Christ? To whom can you reach out and ask to meet with you to talk about what it means to follow Jesus, what it "costs" to be a disciple?
The church does not grow unless the church grows. Do you get that?
A few notes before signing off:
- pray for our Romanian Mission Team
- calendar our Covenant Partner Classes (all C3 Covenant Partners are required to attend one class). Dates are June 18, 21, 22, and 28.
- calendar June 19th at 6:30 PM for our Mission Trip Worship Service!
- welcome Cliff Daniels to our Summer Internship
- calendar July 18th and August 8th for our C3 Community Movie Nights!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ask for Wisdom
In my annual Bible reading plan, I have come to 2 Chronicles, where Solomon asks God for wisdom. What he did NOT ask for is instructive.
Job declared the same: "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom." (Job 28:28)
David also declared the same: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Psalm 111:10)
Charles Spurgeon, English preacher of the 1800's, defined wisdom this way:
"Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom."
St. Francis of Assisi said, "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
And the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to confess: "It is because of him [God] that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Our prayers to God should include a request for His wisdom!
I confess that I mostly ask God for what I want - it would have been very understandable if Solomon would have asked for victory over his enemies, wealth or honor, or a long life, but instead he asked God for wisdom. God added all the other things to him as well.
Randy
- He did not ask for wealth.
- He did not ask for riches.
- He did not ask for honor.
- He did not ask for the death of his enemies.
- And he did not ask for long life.
Job declared the same: "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom." (Job 28:28)
David also declared the same: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Psalm 111:10)
Charles Spurgeon, English preacher of the 1800's, defined wisdom this way:
"Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom."
St. Francis of Assisi said, "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
And the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to confess: "It is because of him [God] that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Our prayers to God should include a request for His wisdom!
I confess that I mostly ask God for what I want - it would have been very understandable if Solomon would have asked for victory over his enemies, wealth or honor, or a long life, but instead he asked God for wisdom. God added all the other things to him as well.
Randy
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Spiritual Practice
I remember when I was a kid, my Dad used to say, "Practice makes perfect." As I would move from one sports season to the next (I tried a stint at saxophone in the 3rd grade but it was a train wreck!), I would here that same mantra from every coach. Whether it's baseball, football or basketball...or saxophone or dancing or art or learning a new language - practice does count.
It is no different in Christianity! Paul encouraged Timothy:
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)
and...
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:25)
What does that practice look like? What is the strict training that Paul is referencing? The answer is training in righteousness:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Therefore, part of the DNA of C3 is that all covenant partners are expected to be students of the Bible. In the book "Essential Church," Thom Rainer and his son Sam interviewed a young man who was strongly connected to his church. He said, "...the church should only be a supplement to a personal time of prayer and Bible study."
And THEN this young man said, "The Word is so much a part of my life that studying it has become a life priority for me. And when I am dealing with tough decisions or life-changing situations, I can always remember something I have studied in Scripture to help me know how to deal with anything."
He added, "And none of my studies in the Bible have ever told me to take a break from church. To the contrary, I realize that I need the church more than ever."
WOW! Never could I have said it better. Spiritual practice begins with a daily time in God's Word, asking Him to fill you with wisdom, knowledge and truth!
Study hard, because practice makes perfect!
Randy
It is no different in Christianity! Paul encouraged Timothy:
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)
and...
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:25)
What does that practice look like? What is the strict training that Paul is referencing? The answer is training in righteousness:
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Therefore, part of the DNA of C3 is that all covenant partners are expected to be students of the Bible. In the book "Essential Church," Thom Rainer and his son Sam interviewed a young man who was strongly connected to his church. He said, "...the church should only be a supplement to a personal time of prayer and Bible study."
And THEN this young man said, "The Word is so much a part of my life that studying it has become a life priority for me. And when I am dealing with tough decisions or life-changing situations, I can always remember something I have studied in Scripture to help me know how to deal with anything."
He added, "And none of my studies in the Bible have ever told me to take a break from church. To the contrary, I realize that I need the church more than ever."
WOW! Never could I have said it better. Spiritual practice begins with a daily time in God's Word, asking Him to fill you with wisdom, knowledge and truth!
Study hard, because practice makes perfect!
Randy
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
If "The Church" Collaborated...
One of my mantras of late has been to look for others who desperately want to see something amazing happen in Charleston, SC. If we don't watch it, we will continue to pour all our resources and energy into doing church, leaving very little left in actually being the church.
Jesus said, "He who is not with me is against me." (Mt. 12:30) The context of that statement is Jesus, having just driven a demon out of a man, is accused of being on the side of Beelzebub (the prince of demons, an agent of Satan). We are in a war folks, and guess what God's church is doing in Charleston - and for that matter all over the United States? The church is hunkering down as individual entities - a church here and a church there - each existing in this world by itself.
Satan has effectively devised a plan to divide the Church of Jesus Christ - pride. There. I said it. Pride and the view that churches are in competition with one another is what keeps churches from working together, collaborating to storm the house of Satan - namely, this world. Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Mt. 12:25) Every city divided against itself...sobering, isn't it? Much less every church. Imagine if churches saw other churches as more soldiers, reinforcements, additional supplies - all for the goal of winning the war!
By His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus bound up the "strong man" (Satan), and now our job...our mission... is to rob his (Satan's) house and take what he possesses, namely people who don't know the truth. Remember what Jesus told Peter? "...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Mt. 16:18) The gates of hell (Satan's authority) will not hold up under the siege of Christ's army! The question is, are we storming the gates of hell or are we going to sit idly by in comfort? We've been called to go!
Every day, I have committed to entering into a bold conversation with someone about Jesus. I could care less what church they end up attending. That is immaterial until they find Jesus. The fact is, 79% of Charleston does not worship at a Christian church on any given weekend. So, we need to modify our emphasis from inviting people to church and continue (or start) inviting them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Will you commit with me? One meaningful conversation a day? This is the war plan:
1) Pray for opportunities
2) Look for the open doors
3) Step out courageously
4) Depend on the Holy Spirit
5) Praise Him for the outcome
In Christ Alone,
Randy
Jesus said, "He who is not with me is against me." (Mt. 12:30) The context of that statement is Jesus, having just driven a demon out of a man, is accused of being on the side of Beelzebub (the prince of demons, an agent of Satan). We are in a war folks, and guess what God's church is doing in Charleston - and for that matter all over the United States? The church is hunkering down as individual entities - a church here and a church there - each existing in this world by itself.
Satan has effectively devised a plan to divide the Church of Jesus Christ - pride. There. I said it. Pride and the view that churches are in competition with one another is what keeps churches from working together, collaborating to storm the house of Satan - namely, this world. Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Mt. 12:25) Every city divided against itself...sobering, isn't it? Much less every church. Imagine if churches saw other churches as more soldiers, reinforcements, additional supplies - all for the goal of winning the war!
By His death, burial and resurrection, Jesus bound up the "strong man" (Satan), and now our job...our mission... is to rob his (Satan's) house and take what he possesses, namely people who don't know the truth. Remember what Jesus told Peter? "...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Mt. 16:18) The gates of hell (Satan's authority) will not hold up under the siege of Christ's army! The question is, are we storming the gates of hell or are we going to sit idly by in comfort? We've been called to go!
Every day, I have committed to entering into a bold conversation with someone about Jesus. I could care less what church they end up attending. That is immaterial until they find Jesus. The fact is, 79% of Charleston does not worship at a Christian church on any given weekend. So, we need to modify our emphasis from inviting people to church and continue (or start) inviting them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Will you commit with me? One meaningful conversation a day? This is the war plan:
1) Pray for opportunities
2) Look for the open doors
3) Step out courageously
4) Depend on the Holy Spirit
5) Praise Him for the outcome
In Christ Alone,
Randy
Friday, May 8, 2009
Finally a Real Live Legitimate Blog!
Can I just say how I (the Dish) have launched into 2009 these past 2 weeks?
It started with finally creating a Facebook page. That was followed by Twitter. And now a real blog spot (this after an entire year of emails sent out to all our friends and family at C3 under the guise of a blog...)
What does all this say? First, it says that I need to repent for lying to our congregation at C3. I have been reminded by too many of you that I specifically stated (in public no less) that I will never have a Facebook page. I admit it. I lied! Ahhhh. Confession is really good for the soul.
Second, it says that being like Jesus is being out there where the people are. Whether or not you know much about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, all of you would certainly agree that His life is one that we should model. Jesus was always where the people were, and these new technologies like Facebook and Twitter are where the people are. We who claim to be followers of Christ need to follow Him to where the people are so that we can preach the Word of Truth.
Third, it says that I love to learn new things. I am convinced that those who stop learning stop growing. We should always encourage one another to move beyond where we are today. God has so much He wants to accomplish through us. Are you ready to be used by Him??
Dish Out
It started with finally creating a Facebook page. That was followed by Twitter. And now a real blog spot (this after an entire year of emails sent out to all our friends and family at C3 under the guise of a blog...)
What does all this say? First, it says that I need to repent for lying to our congregation at C3. I have been reminded by too many of you that I specifically stated (in public no less) that I will never have a Facebook page. I admit it. I lied! Ahhhh. Confession is really good for the soul.
Second, it says that being like Jesus is being out there where the people are. Whether or not you know much about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, all of you would certainly agree that His life is one that we should model. Jesus was always where the people were, and these new technologies like Facebook and Twitter are where the people are. We who claim to be followers of Christ need to follow Him to where the people are so that we can preach the Word of Truth.
Third, it says that I love to learn new things. I am convinced that those who stop learning stop growing. We should always encourage one another to move beyond where we are today. God has so much He wants to accomplish through us. Are you ready to be used by Him??
Dish Out
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