The Door

Here's the bad news.  I've broken the very law of God.  I've rebelled against my creator.  Spat in the face of love and rejected the very hope He offers.  Since the moment of my birth, I've desired to live for myself.  My wants, My needs and My way have always been at the forefront.  I've proclaimed the love of God with my words and have denied Him with my actions.  I've trampled the very blood of the one who died for me. 

This is my testimony.

Brian K. Smith = ungodly.

un·god·ly
1. not accepting God
2. sinful, wicked, impious

/ʌnˈg

 

This wouldn't be so bad if there were no consequences.  But the Bible assures me that "the wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23a   Sin is a battle against godliness.  Sin is a slave-driving task master that demands total commitment and ultimate death.  The recompense or payment for sin is death, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

 

Here's the good news!  "the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23b

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. (That's me!)  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we (You and I) were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:6-8 NIV

Amazing!  God demonstrated; made evident, illustrated, manifest and displayed openly His love for us by sending His son to the cross.  I have been justified before a holy God through Christ's blood.  That means that what I couldn't earn Christ obtained through the shedding of His blood.  And..."Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 
Romans 5:9-10 NIV

Even more amazing are these three words, "having been reconciled".  I can't even comprehend it.  My creator, the one I turned my back on, loves me so much that He sent His one and only son to take my sin upon His shoulders.  From His shoulders to the cruel bloody cross to be nailed there once and for all.  Because of this great sacrifice, when God looks at me...He sees His son.  I have been reconciled, accepted, brought into harmony with God.  "To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."  Ephesians 6:1

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."  Romans 5:1-2

Imagine standing in front of a great iron door. It weighs thousands of pounds and would take an army to penetrate.  On the other side, God's favor, grace and gift of eternal life.  You look and see a key hole.  Well, isn't that just great, I don't have the key.  Guess what...there's only one who holds that key.  His name is Jesus and He is the "whom" we have gained access into this grace in which we now stand!

I'd venture to say that you might share a similar testimony, afterall, "all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.  Romans 3:23  However, if you've never recieved the gift of God's grace, today could be that day.  And I say gift because that's exactly what it is.  There is no way to earn it.  No way to buy it.  No way to take it.  You must recieve it.  

Jesus tells us that He is, "the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  John 14:6  Turn to Him and He will open the door to God's grace. 




  

 

 

Our perceptions can no longer be our realities

In case you're wondering why I haven't written anything in a while it's because I was out of town at a summer camp called YAC.  YAC stands for Youth Adventure Camp and takes place every year here in PA.  I had the privaledge of attending this years camp and would like to take a few moments here to share from some of my experiences.  Firstly, the campground is located in beautiful Ulysses, PA.  Which for us, was a good five hours away.  Being my first time at YAC, I really didn't know what to expect.  Although I had been to similar camps before, I can honestly say that nothing prepares you for a week of low ropes courses, high ropes courses, rock climbing, repelling, ziplining, cave exploring, team challenges, running, playing, jumping, sweating, eating, worshiping, loving, laughing, singing, praying and no sleeping!

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun continually.  There were around 100 or so students who attended this year and they were awesome!  In the midst of all the games and fun was a constant theme of you are valued, loved and cherished by God.  Although that might seem like a very tyipcal theme one might find at a Christian camp...something struck me about how these particular students recieved this message.  It was almost as if they had never heard that before or if they had, they didn't really believe it.  A lot of these students attend church regularly, go to youth group and love God.  But on the inside, they're broken, lost and hurting.

I would venture to say that almost 75% of all the students there were from broken homes.  It was heart breaking to say the least to see and hear the pain that these students carry with them every day.  Many are growing up without fathers who love them and it's taking a toll.  I had seven boys in my cabin, and only one still had a dad at home.  It's getting worse folks...not better.  Our perceptions can no longer be our realities.  Much of us in the church have stuck our heads in the sand of religion and tradition all the while this generation is growing up with no clear picture of what it means to be a family or how to love.

I have one question for the body of Christ today...where are the spiritual fathers and mothers?  Is there anyone who will make a difference in the lives of these who are fatherless and motherless?  We can no longer sit idly by Church!  If there is hope, if there is an answer, if there is one God and one Lord, we should accept the great challenge before us!  My encouragement to us all is that we make time every day to love and encourage those who need a father or mother in their lives.  Let's be a people who reach out, who love, who bless and who mend the broken.  Amen?

Someone's Watching

God is watching our lives...and He's taking notes.  Have you ever heard that?   It's a funny thought really.  To think that the creator of the heavens and the earth, the all powerful, all knowing, most holy God would pay attention to us.  Go ahead, try to wrap your head around that.  All of your days are being observed by the All-Mighty.  There isn't a moment that passes that He does not see.  That thought you just had, he heard it.  Amazing isn't?  We are so loved that even the hairs on our heads are numbered.  I can't even remember birthdays, but God knows every detail about my life and yours.

Why am I writing this?  What's the point?  The point is this, are you ready?  Take a deep breath.  Here goes, your life is worth watching.  I know what you're thinking, no, it's really not.  If you only knew Brian.  Well, I do know.  I know the most important truth in all of human history.  You were worth a Son to God.  But I'm unworthy.  Yes.  I'm a sinner.  Ok.  I've failed so many times.  We all have.  Focusing on our unworthiness or failures is probably one of the biggest mistakes we make. 

The question is not, why did God send His son to die for someone like me? 

The question is, what will we do with the amazing gift that He has given to us? 

This just in...it's not about us!  It's about Him and how great He is!  Ok, I know it may seem as though I'm contradicting myself, but hear me out.  Yes, your life is worth watching...but, it's only because He has redeemed it.  Follow?  The price was paid by Jesus Christ," Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!"  Philippians 2:6-8

Do you understand that we get what Jesus deserves and He got what we deserved?  That "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2

He took our punishment..."Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  Phil. 2:9-11

Paul poses this question to us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, " Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"  Good question Paul, do we know?  He goes on to say, "You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

So if we are the actual houses of God's Holy Spirit and were bought with a price, but not just any price, the greatest price ever paid.  Then, we should live in such a way as to honor God with our bodies and our entire lives.  Why?  Because of what He has done!  My encouragement for you today is that you begin to see your life as more than just mere days, months and years.  More than just a compilation of good and bad choices, successes and failures.  But rather, a beautiful story written with the precious blood of Jesus.  A story of true love, passion and redemption.  After all, the greatest message the world will ever hear is the message our lives speak every day.  

Grace Awakening

I was born on Tuesday September 23rd, 1980.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  Ok...not really.  As a matter of fact, I don't have the greatest memory.  Sticky notes have become one of my best friends.  If I don't write it down, I'll more than likely forget.  That was off topic but I felt you needed to know.  Anyway, before I was conceived, my parents thought they were through having kids.  Little did they know right.  My mom was in her late 30's and my dad was in his early 40's.  I can't even imagine what that must have been like for them.  Afterall, they already had three teenagers in the house and now a baby.

From what I can remember though, life was good.  My mom and dad loved me, clothed me and most importantly...fed me. :)  Because my dad was gone a lot, he was a truck driver, my mom and I did just about everything together.  I can remember going shopping, fishing, yardselling, to church, for drives and spending lots of time outside together.  I had what you might call a normal childhood.  We lived in the country so there was lots of room to run and play.  You know, I miss those days.  They seem further and further away anymore.

From the time I was old enough to pick up sticks, my dad taught me how to work.  I can remember long days working outside in the hot sun.  My mom would come to the front porch and call us in for lunch.  Which was usually sandwiches, chips and momma's sweet tea.  The older I got the harder we worked.  I've shared before that those lessons learned working with my dad have shaped who I am today.  I'm thankful for what he taught me.  There is one thing that I wish I would have learned a little earlier in life though. 

What is that you ask?  God's grace.  You see, even though I grew up within the church, I had my fair share of struggles.  I grew up with the mindset that I had to earn God's favor...well, like I earned my dad's.  If I worked hard and did what I was told, everything was good between my dad and I.  So, as long as I did what God wanted me to do and went to church, read my Bible and prayed...everything would be good.  But, if I didn't...if I sinned...if I blew it...then God would reject me.  Because of that wrong thinking, I would often find myself constantly rededicating my life to God, only to fall short.  The cycle would then repeat.

It wasn't until I hit the lowest point in my life that God began to teach me about His amazing grace.  To say I wanted to end it all would be an understatement.  I've never felt so low.  So far from everything and everyone.  Up until that point in my life, I was a bit of a perfectionist.  Holding myself to unrealistic standards of holiness.  Again, earning my way in God's economy.  Galatians 5:4 pretty much sums up my existence, "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace."

I remember a pastor friend of mine sent me the testimony of a guy who, like me, learned some things the hard way.  There was one paticular part of this guys testimony that changed my life forever.  He said he was driving in his car and just talking with the Lord one day.  "God", he said, "I know you've forgiven me...but I just can't forgive myself".  Ever been there?  I know I have.  He went on to say he heard the Lord respond with this, "then your standard of holiness is higher than mine". 

That hit me like a ton of bricks.  That was the beginning of my grace awakening.  I realized at that moment that God already knew every sin, every bad attitude, every moment I would fall...and yet, He chose me.  This is where I get totally lost is the love of God and why I can say that nobody, and I mean nobody...loves me like He does.

 Romans 5:1-2 tells us that,
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God."

There are two words that are of high importance here, the word "justified" and the word "grace". 

What is grace?  The best definition I have is, undeserved favor or getting what we do not deserve.

What does justified mean?  It is simply God's act of declaring or making a sinner righteous before Himself through Christ. 

Are you getting this?  Listen carefully and repeat after me.  It doesn't matter what I do.  It doesn't matter what I say.  It doesn't matter what I think.  God has already forgiven me.  He already paid the price.  It's done.  I can't earn it.  I can't buy it.  I'm forgiven (Past, Present and Future)!  Amen!!!

That's the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  And it's because of this great love that we can say,  "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. ¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Why wouldn't I give my every breath to Him?  His grace truly is amazing!!!  My prayer for you today is that you grab hold of this truth and let it grab hold of you that you may "boast in the hope of the glory of God." 

By the way, that is me with my mom and dad in the photo. :)

    

Above All Else...

It has been one crazy week, to say the least.  I'm pretty sure I was gone every night.  But, things may begin to settle down now....I hope.  We (our youth ministry) hosted a free concert on Friday night.  Overall, I think it went well.  Our musical guest was Jay Michael and I must say, he did a great job!  The highlight for me was when he shared a little bit of his testimony, which involved the choices he made as a young man.  To paraphrase, he said he made a lot of wrong choices in high school regarding relationships and sex.  However, he and his lovely wife (Alisha) have been married for two years and recently started a new ministry called "Guard Your Heart".

I took this next part from his website, it states:
"Like most guys in High School, Jay Michael Brownlee, got his dating advice from his friends and movies. Its no wonder that trying to land a girlfriend was like trying to catch a touchdown pass in a playoff game!When it came to girls, Jay had no dating standards which resulted in giving himself away emotionally, intimately, and sexually. As Jay grew up and refocused his life on Christ he realized all the mistakes he had made and deeply regretted them. It was then that he struck up a friendship with Alisha which eventually led to their marriage. Jay has seen how the consequences of his former dating life have affected his and Alisha's life together. As much as this couple has seen the positive impact of Alisha's decisions on their relationship, they have also experienced the negative impact from Jay's decisions. Jay has now felt God calling him to share with others the significance of saving yourself for your future spouse. He knows, first-hand, the importance of the decisions that you make right here and now and how they will affect you and eventually your spouse and your marriage."

I would like to preface by saying, I have made very similar mistakes in my life as Jay, so, I speak  from experience. In this blog I'm going to focus on two points, point number one: what does it mean to guard your heart?, and point number two: is dating a positive or negative experience for teenagers?.  

What does it mean to guard your heart?  Before we answer that question, let's take a look at where this idea of "guarding our hearts" comes from.  What do you know, it's actually scripture.  Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

One writer said that, "Solomon is giving us one of the most important practical duties of the Christian life. All other duties pale in comparison to guarding our hearts, for our heart affects everything we are, everything we say and everything we do."  Another wrote that, "The heart is the “master-control” of the life...".  So we can see that the heart is crucial to our whole life and being, and as such, should be watched over as one would watch something precious, or as the literal translation says..."continually observing attentively." 

I believe what we can gather from this passage of scripture and brief commentary is that the heart is something very precious (more precious than gold) and should be guarded in a type of Fort Knox if you will.  No one just walks into Fort Knox and plays with the gold.  It's not open to the public for picnics and potlucks.  It is the epitome of secured locations.  That is the imagery we should apply to our hearts.  To play this from the opposite angle, our hearts should not be given away so friviously like some piece of notebook paper or plastic cup we find on the side of the road.  The three words in the beginning of the passage should drive this all home, "Above ALL else". 

I don't know about you, but when I read that, it almost sounds like something an military officer might say.  I can almost hear it like this, "above all else OR else!"  In other words, if we are not careful to guard our hearts we may infact lose our hearts.  Sadly, I find this is the case in lives of many teenagers, myself included.  We are often so careless with our hearts, we give them away to people who are neither mature enough or Christlike enough to handle them with the proper care.  I mean think about it, as teenagers, our brains aren't even fully developed.  Our bodies are going crazy, we can't even keep our rooms clean let alone take care of someone's heart.

Am I making sense here?  I hope so.  On to our next point, is dating a positive or negative experience for teens?  I recently had a conversation with a parent who is, like most parents, allowing her daughter to date.  I asked several questions concerning why a teenage girl should be involved with a teenage boy.  After a lot of back and forth, there really was no clear benefit for her daughter to be "dating".  I then asked, do you think they will enventually break up and her heart will be broken?  The answerr, of course, yes.  So, let me get this straight, we will knowingly allow our teens to give their hearts away only to be broken.  Sound good to me. 

Honestly, I can't find anything positive about young people dating.  I know there are a lot of different view points on the subject.  But hey, this is my blog. :)  In short, when teens date these things are sure to happen.  They will experience what they think is love.  Then that's all they ever say.  I luv u baby. Smilely face heart heart.  Then the wonderful feelings they get when they're around that other person.  After that, one of the two will become very attached. Before long, let's take it to the next level.  They're not just making out all the time, now they're having sex.  Soon they are so attached that one begins to smother the other.  Then, it's just a matter of time.  The feelings leave, it becomes a chore and hey, Sarah looks pretty hot today.  Break up time.  Nobody wins. 

And yes, to any teens who may be reading this, I do know what it's like.  I foolishly gave my heart to a young lady who broke it into a million peices.  We could have been great friends, but that relationship never healed.  Not only that, I did my fare share of heart breaking.  Which brings me to another negative.  That awesome friendship they once shared, will be shattered once they break up.  Why again is it so important for teens to date.  Oh, I remember, so they'll know what it's like to feel pain and rejection only to start the process all over again.  Are you picking up on the sarcasm?  It's a vicious cycle.

Let's just take a look at the divorce rate among Christians in America shall we.  "A vast demographic study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, found that Christians, like adherents of other religions, have a divorce rate of about 42%. The rate among religiously unaffiliated Americans is 50%." - USA TODAY

Wow...really?  Almost half. The same as those who are not religiously affiliated.  I might be going out on a limb here, but, maybe if we weren't teaching our kids how to break up they wouldn't be doing so much of it.  Bottom line and I'm done here, dating doesn't work.  Frienships work.  Accountability works.  Raising up Godly young men and women...that works.  But seriously, we should be teaching our teens how to mature in Christ and that's almost an impossible task when all they can think about is you know who.  I would love to hear any thoughts you might have on this.  Just keep respectful.   

Give Him Praise

Hello everyone!  I just wanted to write and say thank you for reading my blog.  I don't claim to be a writer or a great communicator, but I'm trying to follow the Lord on this one.  I am finding it a little more difficult to keep up with my blog than originally planned, however, I do intend to continue to share my life and lessons with you all.  God has been so good to me and my family.  Words can hardly express the gratitude I have in my heart for what He has done.  I'm sure most of you can relate and would say exactly the same thing.  God is so good to us...Amen! 

I think it's safe to say that you can expect at least two blogs a week from me during the summer months.  I hope it's ok that I just let you all know via facebook.  I don't want to seem pushy about what I write but I would like everyone to know that I'm here.  I do want to share one quick thing concerning our "Night of Worship" that we had the other night.

Firstly, our youth praise and worship team led the service.  I couldn't be more proud of the students that I have with me on the team.  They are young leaders in the making and it's such an honor to see them maturing in the Lord.  So, we planned this night and were expecting God to show up...and He did!  If you were there you know exactly what I'm talking about.  The presence of God was thick and He poured His love out on us.  It was nothing short of amazing! 

You know, after all these years of serving God, I'm still blown away by the love He has for us.  I can honestly say, probably like you, that I have wronged Him in almost every way.  But, inspite of my sin and rebellion, He still loves me.  God's love knows no end!  That's why, I never get tired of giving Him praise, because He's just so worthy.  No one loves me like He loves me, and no one loves you like He does.

If you ever find yourself in a place where you think you have nothing to be thankful for, you can always be thankful for God's love!  Needless to say, we were all touched by the presence of God and that is my prayer for you today.  That you be touched, changed and transformed by the awesome presence of God.  Many blessings friends!!!   

My Little Girl

They don't come much sweeter or more pretty than my little girl, Jael.  Needless to say, she is the apple of my eye.  And, as her mother always says, she has me wrapped around her little finger.  Well, it's true.  I will not deny it.  As a matter of fact, we just celebrated her sixth birthday.  I can't believe it's been that long since we brought her home from the hospital, but it has.  You know, I am constantly reminded by my kids of the great responsibility we all share as parents.

When you really stop and think about it, it's just plain scary.  Fortunately for us, we already had Hayden and a little experience under our belts by the time Jael came along.  I'm not going to lie, it was tough.  A new child always is in their own way.  But you know what, every time I look at my kids, it's like I'm reminded of how truly awesome God is.  For those of you who don't have kids yet, you'll more fully understand what I'm talking about later on in your life's journey.  Children just have a way of putting things into perspective.  Ok, I get it, it's not all about me.

I believe, that if we really allow God to move and work in our lives, He will find very creative ways of teaching us the lessons we need to learn.  Like, patience.  That can be a hard pill to swallow.   However, when you have kids, it's like either you get it or don't...and eventually you have to.  Kids require a lot of patience.  I'd like to pause for a moment and give a huge shout out to my mother who had to put up with me for 18 years.  Love you mom!  Anyway, back to patience, all of us need more.  With our kids, our spouses, our coworkers, neighbors, extended family, etc, etc. 

One of the funniest things to me about patience is...most of the time it takes way too long to acquire them. I need patience NOW!!!  Sorry, my attempt at humor.  For some of us though, they seem to be in short supply.  Funny thought, have you ever had those moments when  your kids are driving you crazy and you try to talk but the words you speak make no sense?  Evie and I usually get a good laugh out of each other when that happens.  It's like you're trying not to snap so you clinch your teeth together and move only your lips, but somehow the brain is confused by this and you end up saying things like, "I told you...what...I....stop...each other...hitting."  It happens to me at least twice a week.

In all seriousness though, patience or long suffering, which by definition is "patient endurance" is a part of our character that God wants to develop.  The hard part is, well, the developing process.  Most of us don't like it because it takes too long.  The good news is, we all must face it.  Learning how to be patient and/or patiently endure is a part of maturing in Christ.  Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:2 to " Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

I think the key to having patience for me, is just remembering how patient my Heavenly Father is.  How long has he patiently endured my childlike, rebellious ways.  There may be someone in your life right now that perhaps rubbs you the wrong way.  Or you may find that due to increased stress, you are less and less patient with your family.  Just remember, in order to develop patience, you have to face the process...which is nothing more than opportunity after opportunity to practice patience.  That is my encouragement for you today, to practice patience.  Many blessings!

             

When Lightning Strikes

It was one of the most terrifying moments in my life.  I've never felt that kind of power before.  It was almost as if time stood still.  Even now, my mind can play back every second as though I were wat

ching it in real time.  I must have been around 12 years old.  A storm had just rolled through and the sky was starting to clear.  Growing up in Arkansas, I was no stranger to thunder storms.  I loved how clean the air would smell after the rain.  Sometimes the air was thick and heavy like a wet winter coat, but not this day.

Now I have to tell you about the tree.  There stood in our front yard a huge oak tree, the trunk alone was the size of two men.  On one of the limbs hung a rather large chain that my dad would use to hoist up the lawn mower when it was time to sharpen the blades.  It was a beautiful tree and had provided shade on many hot days.  It was about 50 feet from our front porch. 

So the rain had stopped, I opened the front door to step onto the porch.  I had taken about 5 steps when out of no where there was a bright flash of light and the sound of a military canon.  I will attempt now to express through words what happened next.  You know that scene in Home Alone when Kevin is running through the house with his hands in the air screaming like a banshee.  Well, that's pretty much what I looked like.  My mom was witness to my entrance back into the house.  Now, I want you to imagine being in my shoes.  You casually walk out onto your front porch, then, BANG! lightning strikes!

It was a sad day for our tree.  Apparently the rather large chain was to much for the lightning to resist.  I can say with all honesty though, it blew the bark right off that tree, we have pictures to prove it.  Isn't it funny how sometimes in life, things just happen.  Life throws us a curve and we're left wondering what to do.  A dear pastor friend of mine would always say, "Life is what happens when you're making plans".  It's true isn't it.

Sometimes lightning just strikes, and it can be scary.  Another friend of mine just wrote me and said, "My husband has decided to leave my daughter and I, please pray for us".  Wow, talk about unexpected.  As Christians, what should our response be to the unforseen events that take place in our lives?  Is there a rhyme or reason to what happens to us?  I'm sure that like me, you've asked these questions yourself.  When lightning strikes, our first response is usually to run.  Scared and perplexed, we run and hide.  Some of us run back to our old habits.  Others fiind themselves questioning their faith. 

But God gives us a promise in Deuteronomy 31:6, " Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."  I've learned over the years that no matter what comes my way, whether it be death, destruction, failure, or (fill in the blank), God will never leave me.  He will never forsake me.  As a believer, I am His.  He holds my life in His hands, and like the wonderful father He is, He will never let go.

My encouargement for you today is this, be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid...God will never leave you nor forsake you.  That is the confidence we have because of him.  And when lightning strikes, as it is sure to do, run to God not away from Him.  "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."  Hebrews 4:16 NLT

 

Firm Foundation

Like most teenagers, I grew up with a small amount of rebelliousness.  Psychologist would agree that it's perfectly normal.  Given the many changes teenagers endure during adolescence.  There is a desire to become independant from parents and to discover who we are as adults in the making.  So there were many times growing up that I would challenge my mother, especially when it came to going to church.  It just didn't seem fair that I had to go to church when my dad and older brother were at home.

Today, however, I thank God that my mother would stand her ground and on some instances, drag my butt to church.  Looking back I can see that being committed to attending church regularly with my mom has deeply effected who I am today.  I must add that, for my mom, it wasn't just church on Sunday mornings.  We were there for Sunday school, Sunday morning service, Sunday evening service, Wednesday night service and the occasional revival meetings.

I can see now the great responsibility we have as parents to, as Proverbs 22:6 tells us, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."  That is a promise that the Bible gives us as parents.  Sadly, what we are seeing in our culture today is a laxidasical approach to "Starting our children off right".  Parents seem to be more concerned with entertainment rather than preperation.  Children and teens are shuffled from one activity to another, staying busy seems to be what we're teaching our kids not faithfulness to the body of Christ.

Now, before you raise your pitchfork, let me just say, There are a lot of parents doing the best they can.  My point is this, if we're not careful, we may be inadvertently teaching our kids the wrong priorities.  Of course we know that just "going to church" is not all there is to Christianity.  But research shows that "When it comes to church engagement, those who attended Sunday school or other religious programs as children or as teens were much more likely than those without such experiences to attend church and to have an active faith as adults." -The Barna Group

As a youth pastor, my heart breaks when week after week I see parents and students missing from our weekly services.  Our teens today face an enormis amount of pressure.  Josh McDowell says that, "They are exposed to sexual temptation, school violence, alcohol, illegal drugs, and a variety of influences that threaten to undo all that we teach them."  Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably already know this. 

I often find that the amount of scripture and teaching I recieved as a child and teenager is what bubbles up in my times of need.  The foundation that my mother helped lay in my life is what I stand on as an adult.  Dr. Glen Schultz says, "At the foundation of a person's life, we find his beliefs.  These beliefs shape his values, and his values drive his actions."  Ever wonder why your teen acts the way they act, or says the things they say.  You must look at their foundation.  I always tell my kids that, what you put in you will get out.

Many studies reveal that young people who lack a basic biblical belief system are:
- 225 percent more likely to be angry with life
- 216 percent more likely to be resentful
- 210 percent more likely to lack purpose in life
- 200 percent more likely to be disappointed in life

From the same research they have concluded that these same students are also:
- 36 percent more likely to lie to a friend
- 48 percent more likely to cheat on an exam
- 200 percent more likely to steal
- 200 percent more likely to physically hurt someone
- 300 percent more likely to use illegal drugs
- 600 percent more likely to attempt suicide

Did you know that the majority of today's youth (70 percent) say there is no absolute moral truth.  Also, 81 percent of our students claim that "all truth is relative to the individual and his/her circumstances."  Where are they getting this?  Let's face it, we live in a postmodern world folks and it's everywhere.  When you turn on your TV, radio, and the web...it's all screaming that truth does not exist!

But there is hope, Romans 10:17 tells us that, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."  So, my challenge to parents is, stand your ground and "Start your children off on the way they should go and even when they are old they will not turn from it."  That's God's promise...Amen!





  

No More Diapers

Its not fun changing diapers.  I mean, let's face it.  It's just plain gross.  There are a few people out there, and you know who are, that take pleasure in cleaning the underside of a little one.  Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, and I love little babies.  And I've changed a few diapers in my life, but I guess I just get a little grossed out.  If you asked my wife, she'd tell you that I'm a big baby when it comes to dirty diapers.  Oh, and needles.  Just the thought of either one makes me cringe.

When Evie gave birth to our son, Hayden, I was the proudest papa on the planet.  He was such a good lookin little baby boy.  I still get chocked up just thinking about seeing him for the first time.  There he was, this beautiful little ball of flesh.  Needless to say, we were and are proud parents.  He even had a tan.  Or jaundice, it really just depends on how you look at it.

The time finally came when we got to take our little boy home.  I'm laughing as I write this, becuase if you could have seen us you'd be laughing too.  We were so careful.  Ok, we were extremely careful.  I think I only drove like 20 mph the whole way home.  But hey, he was precious cargo.  Its been almost nine years since we took Hayden home from the hospital and I'm amazed at how quickly time has gone.

Hayden has long since been out of diapers.  You would probably agree, that is a good thing.  Nobody wants to see a boy his age in diapers with a binky in his mouth.  I could take that one step further and say that we might be confused if we saw an adult in diapers, a binky and their baba (bottle).

Let's face it, it's just not right.  I know what you're thinking, where are you going with this?  Well, here comes the flip.  There is a great need for maturity in the body of Christ.  We have, how do you say, spiritual babies who should have long been out of diapers.  And something is starting to smell.

I want you to know that I'm not addressing the new believer.  We all start at the same place.  Immature, like newborns.  That is why  Paul urges us in 1 Peter 2:2 "as newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow up."  If you are a new believer, I encourage you to thirst for the word of God so that you might grow. 

As for the rest of us, there is a great need for maturity.  I'd like to make a few things clear.  No amount of supposed spiritual insight or experience reflects genuine spirtual growth, IF it is seperated from our basic growth in the knowledge of God's word.  In other words, it doesn't matter how long you've sat on that pew, how much time and energy or even money you give the church.  You can be spiritually immature and have been a Christian your entire life.  Your tenure as a believer does not equal spiritual maturity.

Listen to Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, " Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly —mere infants in Christ.  I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.  You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?"

Wow, nobody puts it like Pual.  What is the sign of their immaturity here?  "For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?"  How often do we see this played out among God's people?  But Paul ain't scared, he calls them on the carpet about their worldliness, telling them, "Indeed, you are still not ready."  The implication being that they should be ready.  The diapers should be off by now.

The point is, it's time to grow up!  Hebrews 6:1 tells us, "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God."

How do we grow and mature in Christ?  We must be rooted in the Word of God.  Without this rootedness in the Word, we may be fooled about our growth.  Again, thinking that because we've been around for so long that we have spiritual maturity.  Like a tree planted by the water's edge, our roots should go deep in truth and love not just head knowledge.

My challenge for us today is this, that we spend time in the Word of God and remove ourselves from lovelessness, competiteveness and strife.  "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.  For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are."  1 Corinthians 3:16-17      
 

I'm ready to go home

"I have cancer", that's what the gentlemen across from me said while waiting for his ride home from the hospital.  There was a big trashbag full of medication on the table next to him.  He was a small man, perhaps he had been losing weight from the treatments.  Or maybe he had always been small.  Either way, he was friendly and somewhat optimistic about his situation.  We sat there for what seemed like hours.  Every few moments a few words were exchanged.  "I'm ready to go home" he said.  Those words rang out like a thousand gun shots.

The only thing I could think was, "Is he really ready to go home?".  Of course I knew what he meant by "home", but all I could think about was the state of his soul.  The longer we sat there the more uncomfortable I felt.  I could feel the lump in my throat growing as if I had swallowed a golf ball.  How long would I sit there and not ask the most important question in life?  Would I really let this opportunity for sharing God's love slip through my fingers?

I began to think about all the other times I allowed my fear to hold me captive.  Opportunity after opportunity to share the gift of life.  By this time, my mind was flooded by past failures and I could see that my window of opportunity was coming to a close.  Perhaps you can relate.  Maybe you know exactly what I'm talking about.  On the outside I was as cool as a cucumber, but my insides were in knots.  I knew what I had to do.  Now was the moment of truth.  I could no longer allow my own comfort or lack there of to determine my actions.

About that time, they called for us.  It was time for Evie's ultrasound.  We gathered our things and began to move.  I had failed.  Feeling sorry for myself I went over to him, extended my hand and asked his name.  "Charles", he said.  I'm Brian and I'll be praying for you.  Those words came out of my mouth but that's not what I was thinking.  "I'm Brian and I'm just trying to make myself feel better by being cliche." 

I'd like to say that I knelt down beside him right there in the lobby being led by the Holy Spirit and called heaven into that room on his behalf...but I didn't.  I'd like to say that I was obedient to the small voice of the Lord urging me to witness to him...but I can't.  What I can say to you is this.  God taught me a very valuble lesson that day, one I thought I already understood. 

I'm responsible.  And you are responsible.  As believers and the redeemed of the Lord, we are responsible to share the gift that God has freely given and desires to give.  I fear that most of us in the American church have become spiritual hoarders.  We take and take and take, piling up our spiritual mess all around us until we can no longer see the lost and hurting.  We justify our hoarding telling ourselves that, "someday I'll use that".

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that , "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."   Although we are weak and fragile, we carry inside of us the knowledge of God in the face of Christ.

Listen to his words later in chapter 5:20, "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."  Lord, help me.  I ought to be like this.  I should be pleading with those around me, "BE RECONCILED TO GOD!"  It is my prayer for you and I that we take hold of this great truth, be clothed in boldness and be ambassadors for Christ sake before the sands of time run out. 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."  Matthew 28:19

"A job worth doing, is worth doing right"

I remember the day so clearly.  June 28th, 2003.  It was a beautiful Saturday in Raymore, MO.  Evie was big and pregnant with our first child, Hayden.  We were surrounded by her family and life was good.  Little did I know that my world was about to be rocked by one phone call. 

Before I graduated high school I had already joined the Marine Corp.  I know, seems funny to think that I wanted to be a military man, but I did.  There was something inside of me that longed for adventure, discipline and a good challenge.  And boy was my dad proud.  You see, he joined the army at age 16.  You guessed it, he lied about his age, but his size told a different story.  He stood around 6'3" and looked very intimidating. 

Knowing my dad was proud of me was the highlight of that season in my life.  We didn't have a great relationship, but things were getting better.  I was fortunate to come along later in my dads life, he was a little more mellow.  My mom and dad had three kids, then ten years later I showed up.  My dad didn't want another child.  He suggested that my mom get an abortion.

In case you're wondering, she didn't. :)  My mom ended up giving her life to Jesus while pregnant with me.  My dad on the other hand, did not.  Needless to say, it was tough growing up in a divided home.  But I loved my dad.  He was hard on me, I'll spare you the details, let's just say when he got angry I paid for it.  But he did teach me one very valuble thing, and that is to always do your best.

That lesson has never left me.  It has been a constant in my life for almost 32 years.  It is what I live by.  He would always tell me, "A job worth doing, is worth doing right".  Even though I didn't fully understand it when I was a child, I know exactly what he was trying to instill in me now that I'm a man.  But as a Christian man, it means even more to me, because now, I give my best for the Lord.

In the nineth grade I almost lost him, his heart was failing and I missed a lot of school just spending time with him at the hospital.  He ended up having a quadruple bypass.  Unfortunately, that was not enough to convince my dad to stop smoking and work on his health.  There would be a few more surgeries and scares along the way.

Life is full of ups and downs, this I know.  It can take you places you don't really want to go.  For me, that was the day my sister called me, the date was June 28th, 2003.  I answered the phone in my usual playful way, but this time there was no laughter on the other end.  I heard my sister crying and my heart begin to sink.  I asked what was wrong.  All she said was, "Dad is gone".  I've never felt so broken.  It was like every cell was overtaken by grief and sorrow.

You see, it was also a beautiful day in Arkansas.  My mom and dad went for a motorcycle ride in the country.  Riding along on my dad's Honda Goldwing, mom recalls she was singing "you light up my life" in my dad's ear.  One second here, the next gone.  Not even a month later my son was born.  I wanted my dad to hold his grandson.  To see the joy on his face would have been priceless.  But my dad never got that chance.

But this is no sad story.  Why?  A few years before that fateful day, I witnessed the greatest miracle in life.  My mom and I were getting ready for church, as we did every Sunday, little did we know that is was no ordinary Sunday.  You see,  a few months prior we had given my dad a beautiful Bible with his name engraved on it for his birthday, believing that one day he would give his heart to the Lord.  And it just so happened that on that particular Sunday, my mother had the privilege of leading her husband to the arms of Christ.

Even though my dad never got to hold his grandson, and even though I miss him so much it hurts.  I know that he is with our Savior!  My encouragement for you today is this.  Don't ever stop praying for your loved ones.  We cannot see the future, but God holds every moment.  When we ask, when we pray, God listens.  Jesus tells us, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." - John 14:13

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior, today is the day of salvation!  Trust me, it doesn't matter how old or how young you are.  You can know the unconditional love that only God can give.

"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.   For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”   For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  - Romans 10:9-13

Why we must look forward

Eight months. That's how long I've been here in the Mon-Valley area. Not very long if you consider most everyone here has been in this area their entire lives. When we arrived here in September 2011, we knew it was going to be hard for us as a family, but we never anticipated the trials and struggles that were to come. To say we had a rough start would be an understatement, but we were optimistic, knowing God has brought us here for a purpose.

So, let's do the math. Pack up, move your family over 800 miles away from everyone they know and love, add a ton of new people who don't know you then add to that the role of youth pastor, which for most, usually only last a few months due to stress, miscommunication and tons of work with little pay and you have a recipe for failure.

Fortunatley, I've learned that failure does equal the end, just like the past does not equal the future. Both success and failure are needed to become who God intends for us to be. Can I say that I've done everything in perfect love and humility, no. I've made my mistakes and hurt people along the way...but I can say it's never been intentional. Most of us never want to offend or hurt others, especially in the church. However, it does happen.

Jesus tells us in Luke 17:1 that "It is impossible that no offenses should come". Here the term "offenses" literally means "stumbling blocks". So we could read it as, "It is impossible that no stumbling blocks should come", which should prepare us for the inevitable...there will be times of stumbling. Think about it. We stumble over each other, don't we? Especially in the church where the enemy is working the most. It is his will and passion to cause division among the people of God. The very people that Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

Of course we know that this is no ordinary love that Jesus is talking about, it is a new standard. A servantlike, selfless love. A love that according to 1 Corinthians 13:8 "never fails". It is a love like no other and it is how the world will know that we belong to Him!

Being raised within the "church" my entire life I have seen the ugly side of people. I've witnessed the pain and destruction that offense can cause between the people of God. I can honeslty say that God has given me a love for His people. Its why I do what I do. The plain and simple truth is, it's not our past offenses, hurts or pain that determine our future as the people of God. Its how we respond to those times of "stumbling" over one another that determines our future.

Unfortunatley, many times, we see the opposite of what God expects from us. Instead of reacting to offenses in love and forgiveness, we allow bitterness and hurt to take root. Before long, the joy of the Lord is far from reach and we find ourselves withdrawn and aloof from God's people. Many dear brothers and sisters in the Lord never return from this place. They just won't let go of their offense. They feed it, nurture it and allow it to grow.

John Bevere says that, "An offended Christian is one who takes in life, but because of fear, cannot release it." I'm burdened for believers who live in this fear, carrying around their offenses like stones around their necks. I can't tell you how many times I've heard Christians say, "Well, so and so did this and they said that" years after the offense. If we are going to experience the kind of love and joy that God has for us we must be willing to forgive. When we are unable to forgive, we have forgotten the great debt that God has forgiven us.

That is why, we must look forward! I'm asking that you join me on this journey of forgiveness. Letting go of past hurt and offenses...and looking forward to the bright future God has in store for His children. Make a point today to forgive those who have wronged you and ask God to help you walk in His love. God Bless - Brian

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:24-26