What sin have I caused?

“Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall.”   1 Corinthians 8:13 NIV -- http://bible.com/111/1co.8.13.niv

Last week I had the privilege of traveling to an education conference in Orlando. In the evening we chose to go to one of these micro-breweries. I haven't had beer for a long time and didn't drink any this time either. I did have some of their own home made sodas. They were delicious. I had a red raspberry and a home made root beer. Wow did it have great flavor. Afterward, I really thought about why didn't I feel comfortable drinking a beer. It's not a sin. In my past I used to have quite a few beers. But at some point in my life, I decided not to drink alcohol any more. I did this because drunkenness is associated with drinking alcohol. I know many great people that drink and don't get drunk. They are fine Christian people. I just have chosen to try to make sure I don't endorse sin in any way. People know I am a Christian and I don't want to give even the appearance of being hypocritical.

But, do I pay attention to other sins as much as this one? Have any of my actions caused others to sin? Have my actions been hypocritical of the gospel of Jesus? I always need to remember that my actions speak louder than my words. I can spend a lot of time worshipping, praying, or studying God's word, That may make me appear like a wonderful Christian. My actions can destroy that witness in a brief moment.

Dear Lord, please help me be aware of my actions. Lord, forgive me for the times I have destroyed my witness by careless words or deeds. I don't want to become legalistic like the Pharasees. I don't want to judge others for their actions, but I do want to maintain a high standard for myself. I treasure the gospel and your wonderful, saving grace. I praise you Lord for your love! Amen!

Just thinking!

“There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.”

Job 1:1, 20-22 NLT (http://bible.com/116/job.1.1,20-22.nlt)

I've been thinking a lot lately. My thoughts always find there way into this blog. Forgive me for my ramblings. I'm hoping if we get enough of us thinking, the Lord will make clear the path chosen for his people. I don't think the actions we take in the name of the Lord are always pleasing to our savior. I think our poorly chosen message can do more harm than good. Yet, the world needs to hear the truth. 

How am I supposed to treat those that live contrary to God's law? Am I the one appointed to change the ways of the sinner? I have always felt a strong calling to follow this verse.

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Mark 16:15 KJV. http://bible.com/1/mrk.16.15.kjv

But, what are my "rules of engagement"? Am I the one to point out the condemnation when the sinner rejects the Lord? How can I love the sinner? Am I any different than the Pharisees that condemned those that did not follow the rules? When I am sharing, what do I do when the gospel is largely rejected. Is my path to be the same as Kim Davis? She went to jail for her beliefs. Am I to be militant like Westboro Baptist? Is holding public, defiant, protests the way Jesus would have me deal with the controversy such as those held at abortion clinics? Am I condemned by the father if I don't? 

I interact with teenagers every day that are asking questions about how to "do" life. I feel such an obligation to let them know the truth and to balance the lies of the world. I always make known that I am a Christian. They know where I stand. But, I am careful not to condemn or judge. Should I be more bold in sharing those beliefs?

Our witness, our daily walk, interactions with people, are so critical. I think many Christians take that witness too lightly. I need to spend more time praying about my story. I need to be courageous at the same time compassionate to others. I need to intensely study how Jesus dealt with sinners and pray for his direct guidance in everything I do. I am not perfect. Sometimes I am too bold and other times, I'm not bold enough. I can't do this life on my own.

Lord, please send the Holy Spirit to fill my life with words and actions from you. Amen!

Who am i?

One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” (Luke 9:18 NLT)

Who are you? Who do people say that you are? This question is no different today than it was for Jesus. It is important to know how people view you and your ministry. This "legacy" may greatly affect your witness. Everything you do should be calculated how it affects the kingdom of God. Are you viewed as a follower of Christ? Is it easy to see where your heart is? Are you really a closet Christian?

I'm not sure exactly why Jesus asked this question, but we can ask the question of ourselves. With deep introspect we can look at our lives and work at trying to make our lives a great witness for Jesus. We don't have to be perfect. We need to be open and honest about our weaknesses and the sins in our life. But, we have to show that the power of Jesus allows us to overcome those faults and love others. Through our service, our compassion, admitting our mistakes, and our genuine love others, what people think about us  will not be an issue.

Dea Lord, as I go through my daily routine, as I travel to motorcycle events, as I travel for vacation, as I deal with my family, help me to be a genuine christian. Help me Lord represent you to everyone I see. Help me to love others just like you have loved me. I need to sacrifice and serve others with your heart, soul, and spirit. Thank you Lord for helping me to grow in my witness for you. I love you and praise you for this wonderful life. Amen!

Representing Christ!

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20 NIV)

Stephanie and I will be leaving in just a few weeks on our annual cross country motorcycle trip. This year we are traveling uncharted territory. We are traveling Northeast into Canada, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland/Labrador. I know it's just Canada, but it really is a foreign country. Don't laugh! Many of the areas we are traveling will speak very little English. I can't wait. We have to travel by ship to Newfoundland and have to get a room on the ship to sleep over night. It's another of our many adventures! 

When we travel I act differently than I do when I'm home. This will be even more important when I travel this summer. Americans don't always have the greatest reputations. I want to make sure I am setting a good example. Everyone will be able to tell we're tourists from the USA. I will be more considerate, more friendly, and have a servant attitude everywhere I go. It's just like my Christianity. I am always on display as a Christian. This is definitely true when I travel by motorcycle. I love wearing my faith on the outside. My CMA patch, clothing, and labels put me in a spotlight as a Christian. I have to make sure my walk matches my declaration of faith.

Does my life match my faith walk when I'm not wearing an external label? Can people recognize my love of Christ? I am a Christian 24/7 and I need to make sure I present that faith in a way pleasing to God. I need to do that every day, not just during my vacations across this continent!

A weak story!

so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. (Psalm 145:12 NIV)

Here is a great story from my Billy Graham Daily Devotional:

"Some years ago I heard about a clergyman who had a friend who was an actor. The actor was drawing large crowds of people, and the clergyman was preaching to a few in the church. He said to his actor friend, “Why is it that you draw great crowds, and I have no audience at all? Your words are sheer fiction, and mine are unchangeable truth.” The actor’s reply was quite simple. “I present my fiction as though it were truth; you present your truth as though it were fiction.” I fear that so often we Christians give the idea that the truth is fiction by the way we live and by the lack of dedication to the teachings of our Lord."

(Just an FYI, you can find this series of devotions on the YouVersion Ap. They have a great selection of Bible Studies and devotionals)

Why are we not more effective in ministry for Christ? We have the greatest story ever told. Through the last 2000 years this truth has endured beyond all others. We have countless miracles, changed lives, and testimonies to back up this wonderful gospel. Why can't we make a more compelling case for Christ? This little story may hold part of the answer. May be our story is weak because we rely on our own telling. The story of God coming down to live with us is not just our story, it's Gods story. He orchestrated this amazing life lived through his son Jesus. From his miraculous birth through the shocking Ressurection, God spun this tale which pales the grandest novels of all time. His truth is truly more exciting than anything in real life or fantasy. We need to believe all of that and more about his message to us.

Maybe our story is weak because we don't acknowledge Gods place in our own lives. We look at ourselves for the source of our many blessings. We take for granted the life we have, the families, jobs, relationships, and things we've been given. If we truly gave the honor to Christ how could our story ever be less than spectacular. We need to look deeply into our lives, fall on our knees and praise God for his wonderful mercy, grace, and boundless blessings.

Dear Lord, forgive us for our weak witness, forgive us for being blind to your "mighty acts and glorious splendor". We lose focus on what you did for us on the cross and what you do for us every day. Help me Lord, to take all you amazing attributes and bring them to life for the lost. Make my story YOUR story! Amen!

 

Sharing comfort!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 NIV)

It's been 13 years since my fathers journey to Heaven. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was and still is such a great loss in our family. Since that day, I have had the opportunity to attend many funerals. Recently, I attended the viewing of a father of one of my students. It was a sudden loss and the devastation was intense for this family. I understood what they were going through. My Dad suffered a debilitating stroke. A month ago I made a hospital visit to a family that eventually lost their mother from a sudden stroke. I understood what they were going through. I have had plenty trouble in my life. I would not wish pain on anyone. God feels our pain. He knows what it's like to lose a son. He stands with us and comforts us when we go through troubles in life. We can use those experiences to comfort others including those that don't know Jesus. Those who do not call themselves Christians need special comfort. Sometimes our greatest witness to the lost comes from our ability to comfort them.

As troubles come in your life, you have two choices. You can either turn your hurt and loss inward or you can turn to Christ for comfort and compassion. If you can accept the comfort from the Son of God, you will have the opportunity to pass that support to someone else. It is a wonderful gift to pass on.

Displaying your muscle!

For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Romans 9:17 NIV)

We have our high school athletes lift weights at least twice a week during our season and three times a week during the off season. It makes a huge difference. As our athletes mature into seniors, they grow more confident as the get stronger. Strength is very practical as you play sports. It is also has a psychological impact on your opponents. When you display your power during a contest, your opponent is intimidated and weaker opponents back down. They lose hope. Just the introduction of a basketball player that is physically "ripped" is enough to intimidate your opponents even before the game begins.

God displays his power through us. As we become stronger in our faith, we become more confident. As we grow in confidence we become a real force in saving the lost. Just the presence of a mature, strong Christian influences a situation. I see this all the time with my Christian Motorcyclist family. As we attend biker events we greatly influence what happens at those events. As we study his word, pray, and worship we are better equipped with a powerful witness. Be ready to display your faith muscle at all times. Be strong enough to stand up to the weak and sinful world we live in. 

Praise God for the wonderful strength he gives us. Praise God he has confidence in us to display his strength. Lord, give us the strength to serve those that need us the most. Help us to stay focused on you in everything we do.Amen!