“AND HE WAS CALLED THE FRIEND OF GOD” JAMES 2:23
Abraham had many distinctions, but none greater than this; “HE WAS CALLED THE FRIEND OF GOD”.
Note; this isn’t something Abraham proclaimed about himself; it is what was said about him. In other words, when people saw Abraham they saw that he was a friend of God.
His words honored God. His life honored God. What he did and how he did it, it all brought glory to God’s name. A friend is the man who makes the other man look good. A friend is the man who cares more for the other man than he does for himself. “NO GREATER LOVE IS THERE THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS”. JOHN 15:13
I said it a couple weeks ago and it bears repeating; “FRIENDSHIP IS A SACRED TRUST; BROKEN IT OFFENDS BOTH GOD AND MAN”.
I have had many acquaintances in my life but no more than a few friends.
Friends; people who have loved me for who I am and who still stand with me, sometimes in spite of knowing me so well, but loving me enough to know I desire to grow into a better person. Perhaps for the thousands of people I have known, I have perhaps less than a dozen true friends. I hold each friend as a treasure for they make my life worthwhile.
However the friendship I most desire is with my Creator, He has promised through His Son, never to leave me or forsake me and He has always remained true to His word, but greater yet is my desire to have it said of me, that I am His’ friend.
I desire that all that I say makes Him look good. I pray all that I do, demonstrates His unconditional love. I desire that I am so true to His character that others will know that I am His friend. I hope that when I am laid out and life has left these lips; it can be said of me, even as it is said of Abraham, “AND HE WAS CALLED THE FRIEND OF GOD” Amen!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Freely Received
Jesus sent His’ disciples out into ministry saying, “AND AS YOU GO, PREACH, SAYING, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND. HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT DEMONS, FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE. DON’T CARRY A PURSE WITH AN EXTRA COAT OR SANDALS OR EVEN A WALKING STICK. DON’T HESITATE TO ACCEPT HOSPITALITY, BECAUSE THOSE WHO WORK DESERVE TO BE FED. AND WHATEVER CITY OR VILLAGE YOU ENTER, INQUIRE WHO IS WORTHY IN IT, AND STAY AT HIS HOUSE UNTIL YOU LEAVE THAT CITY.” MATTHEW 10:6-11
I thought of this passage of Scripture as I read the ticket prices for a famous minister coming to our city. Seats start at $25.00 and range up to $150.00 a seat to hear this man preach. He has proclaimed that he doesn’t preach about sin, because it’s a negative word and he also believes that a person doesn’t necessarily need to believe in Jesus to get to Heaven – he thinks there are many ways, “as long as one is sincere”.
And yet Jesus said” I am the way, the truth and the life no man comes to the father except through me”; wonder what He meant?
I will not pass judgment for I know that God will touch some hearts as He always does when sincere hearts are seeking and some, perhaps in spite of this preacher will find Christ as savior and Lord.
My question is; how did the “Church” ever get so far away from what God intended? When did the souls of men become a business? When did God ever bless our preoccupation with buildings over people, schedules over problems, ministry over lives?
What has become of the command; “FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE.”? When did Christ announce that it was ok to provide for ourselves, rather than be dependant upon God? When did He commission us to sell tickets or sell “Special Bibles” or prayers?
What has happened to the message, “Here is what Christ has done in my life; let’s ask what he’ll do in yours?”
I may never pastor more than 40 people, I may never preach to thousands, but I can say for certain; I will not, by the grace of God ever, offer more than one way to heaven or sell tickets to others to get there.
May God awaken our generation to the meaning of ministry. Amen
I thought of this passage of Scripture as I read the ticket prices for a famous minister coming to our city. Seats start at $25.00 and range up to $150.00 a seat to hear this man preach. He has proclaimed that he doesn’t preach about sin, because it’s a negative word and he also believes that a person doesn’t necessarily need to believe in Jesus to get to Heaven – he thinks there are many ways, “as long as one is sincere”.
And yet Jesus said” I am the way, the truth and the life no man comes to the father except through me”; wonder what He meant?
I will not pass judgment for I know that God will touch some hearts as He always does when sincere hearts are seeking and some, perhaps in spite of this preacher will find Christ as savior and Lord.
My question is; how did the “Church” ever get so far away from what God intended? When did the souls of men become a business? When did God ever bless our preoccupation with buildings over people, schedules over problems, ministry over lives?
What has become of the command; “FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE.”? When did Christ announce that it was ok to provide for ourselves, rather than be dependant upon God? When did He commission us to sell tickets or sell “Special Bibles” or prayers?
What has happened to the message, “Here is what Christ has done in my life; let’s ask what he’ll do in yours?”
I may never pastor more than 40 people, I may never preach to thousands, but I can say for certain; I will not, by the grace of God ever, offer more than one way to heaven or sell tickets to others to get there.
May God awaken our generation to the meaning of ministry. Amen
Monday, April 27, 2009
“FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.” ROMANS 6:23
This is a message for the unbeliever isn’t it? Ask yourself; “for whom did Paul write the Book of Romans?” He wrote it to the Christian Believers living in Rome. So this warning stands as well for you and me as it does for the man who has yet to accept Christ as his Savior.
When you give yourself permission to sin; you are in fact punching an unseen “time-card”, where you are accumulating for yourself elements of death. When you give yourself permission to “sin a little”, you are inviting the enemy of your soul into your life all-the way. When you sin; you are in fact opening the door to the enemy to destroy something or all things within your life. We may argue whether or not your soul is at risk once you have accepted Christ, but none-the-less, sin will destroy what it can.
When you sin you invite Satan to have a go at your home, As a Christian you are the guard over it spiritually. When you intentionally sin you are opening the door and inviting destruction into your home; it may take your wife, your children or your marriage. Sin can bring financial ruin and emotional destruction, even physical death. When David took Bathsheba, another man’s wife and then that man’s life; he punched the time card and the wage earn was the life of the son born to them.
In America today children are growing-up fatherless or with absentee fathers because “dad” has chosen his love for sin over the love of his children. Our streets are filled with angry young men and women whose parent or parents are missing in action, due to sin.
In 1 Peter 5:8 we are warned, “BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKS ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR;”
When you give yourself permission to transgress, you give your enemy permission to devour all that you love and care about. By your example; your children are learning what it means to be a Christian, what it means to be a husband; what it means to be a wife, what it means to be a child of God, What have you shown them? What are you showing them?
You may say, but what about “BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.”? What about it; do choose eternal life or do you choose sin? God’s Grace is sufficient; why then do you choose sin instead?
This is a message for the unbeliever isn’t it? Ask yourself; “for whom did Paul write the Book of Romans?” He wrote it to the Christian Believers living in Rome. So this warning stands as well for you and me as it does for the man who has yet to accept Christ as his Savior.
When you give yourself permission to sin; you are in fact punching an unseen “time-card”, where you are accumulating for yourself elements of death. When you give yourself permission to “sin a little”, you are inviting the enemy of your soul into your life all-the way. When you sin; you are in fact opening the door to the enemy to destroy something or all things within your life. We may argue whether or not your soul is at risk once you have accepted Christ, but none-the-less, sin will destroy what it can.
When you sin you invite Satan to have a go at your home, As a Christian you are the guard over it spiritually. When you intentionally sin you are opening the door and inviting destruction into your home; it may take your wife, your children or your marriage. Sin can bring financial ruin and emotional destruction, even physical death. When David took Bathsheba, another man’s wife and then that man’s life; he punched the time card and the wage earn was the life of the son born to them.
In America today children are growing-up fatherless or with absentee fathers because “dad” has chosen his love for sin over the love of his children. Our streets are filled with angry young men and women whose parent or parents are missing in action, due to sin.
In 1 Peter 5:8 we are warned, “BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKS ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR;”
When you give yourself permission to transgress, you give your enemy permission to devour all that you love and care about. By your example; your children are learning what it means to be a Christian, what it means to be a husband; what it means to be a wife, what it means to be a child of God, What have you shown them? What are you showing them?
You may say, but what about “BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.”? What about it; do choose eternal life or do you choose sin? God’s Grace is sufficient; why then do you choose sin instead?
Friday, April 24, 2009
HAVE YOU LEFT ALL?
MARK 10:28 "THEN PETER REMARKED TO HIM, "SEE, WE HAVE LEFT ALL AND FOLLOWED YOU."
New Testament Christianity knows nothing of partial commitment; Sunday only worship or giving only 10% of all that we have. New Testament Christianity costs 100%; if you want to have relationship with Christ as His Disciples had you can give no less.
Jesus quoted the Scripture in saying, ' YOU MUST LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD, WITH ALL YOUR HEART, ALL YOUR SOUL, ALL MIND AND ALL YOUR STRENGTH AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF." All the laws of days gone by are fulfilled as we fulfill these two.
But you cannot love just a little or forgive just a little or repent just a little or follow Jesus part-time; either you are His 100% or you are not His at all. Why are we American Christians so quick to believe that our 10% out of our excess is equal with others who "HAVE LEFT ALL"?
We talk about taking up the cross and following Jesus, but most of us are not faithful in the most comfortable of conditions; what would happen if following Him were to honestly cost us our lives? We can't give an hour to help someone in need and yet we expect to stand with martyrs who have given their entire lives for His name's sake?
I was reminded this morning of the great cost to every disciple; each one without exception totally abandoned the family and life they had known in order to follow Jesus. Where did they follow Him? They followed Him to the cross and the sword and the oil and the fire; except for John who had the privilege of seeing his Master and every friend killed for the sake of the Gospel. Even then, until the very end, he proclaimed, "LOVE ONE ANOTHER!"
Are you willing to give to Christ, what He has already given for you? Are you ready and willing to say with Peter, "(LORD) SEE WE HAVE LEFT ALL AND FOLLOWED YOU"?
STOP GOING TO CHURCH - COME, BE THE CHURCH!VISIT OUR WEBSITE; http://www.newhopecommunityfellowship.com N.H.C.F. Touching Hearts - Changing Lives
New Testament Christianity knows nothing of partial commitment; Sunday only worship or giving only 10% of all that we have. New Testament Christianity costs 100%; if you want to have relationship with Christ as His Disciples had you can give no less.
Jesus quoted the Scripture in saying, ' YOU MUST LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD, WITH ALL YOUR HEART, ALL YOUR SOUL, ALL MIND AND ALL YOUR STRENGTH AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF." All the laws of days gone by are fulfilled as we fulfill these two.
But you cannot love just a little or forgive just a little or repent just a little or follow Jesus part-time; either you are His 100% or you are not His at all. Why are we American Christians so quick to believe that our 10% out of our excess is equal with others who "HAVE LEFT ALL"?
We talk about taking up the cross and following Jesus, but most of us are not faithful in the most comfortable of conditions; what would happen if following Him were to honestly cost us our lives? We can't give an hour to help someone in need and yet we expect to stand with martyrs who have given their entire lives for His name's sake?
I was reminded this morning of the great cost to every disciple; each one without exception totally abandoned the family and life they had known in order to follow Jesus. Where did they follow Him? They followed Him to the cross and the sword and the oil and the fire; except for John who had the privilege of seeing his Master and every friend killed for the sake of the Gospel. Even then, until the very end, he proclaimed, "LOVE ONE ANOTHER!"
Are you willing to give to Christ, what He has already given for you? Are you ready and willing to say with Peter, "(LORD) SEE WE HAVE LEFT ALL AND FOLLOWED YOU"?
STOP GOING TO CHURCH - COME, BE THE CHURCH!VISIT OUR WEBSITE; http://www.newhopecommunityfellowship.com N.H.C.F. Touching Hearts - Changing Lives
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Editorial written 2009
Those angry about gun violence have a right to protect themselves
Published: April 18, 2009
The Columbus Dispatch Edition: Home Final Section: Editorial & CommentPage: 11A
In his letter of April 9, Lee H. Lybarger asked, "Why aren't Americans getting as angry about gun violence as they are about abortions and the bonuses paid to bankers?" He continued, "Most significantly, why are church congregations so silent on this epidemic?"
I can't speak for all Americans or all other church congregations, but I can say, as for myself as an American and as a pastor, I am not silent.
I fully support the right of every American to own and, when in need, use a gun. I also support the Constitution, which gives us the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, rights that are violated by criminals, abortion and socialist governments.
Perhaps Americans are not outraged because they realize the problem is not with legal gun ownership but rather with the liberal policies that would allow criminals, the mentally insane and politicians the opportunity to abuse our rights.
Lybarger differentiates "good people" from "handgun lovers." He says perhaps "good people are intimidated by handgun lovers."
I have dedicated my life to loving and serving people. I would hope that would qualify me as a good person. But it's not so much a love for handguns that causes me to support Americans' right to own guns. Rather, it's out of love for my grandfather, who fought in World War I to preserve those rights; my love for my father, who earned a Purple Heart in World War II to preserve these same rights; my love for my children and grandchildren, who will never know the freedoms already lost since I was a boy in this country. But mostly it is out of my love for this nation and its Constitution, which also guarantees me the opportunity to possess whatever gun I might to defend myself and my family, not only against criminals but also, if need be, from those in political power -- to defend this nation.
Lybarger's outrage is misplaced. Rather than being angry because we live in a free nation, where we have the right to protect ourselves, he ought to be angry toward the lawless, who abuse our laws, and those in Congress who would legislate our rights away.
In closing, I am not a member of the National Rifle Association or any other gun-rights group. But I am an American. That gives me reason enough to defend our Constitution and our nation.
THE REV. GARY HOLMAN Westerville
Published: April 18, 2009
The Columbus Dispatch Edition: Home Final Section: Editorial & CommentPage: 11A
In his letter of April 9, Lee H. Lybarger asked, "Why aren't Americans getting as angry about gun violence as they are about abortions and the bonuses paid to bankers?" He continued, "Most significantly, why are church congregations so silent on this epidemic?"
I can't speak for all Americans or all other church congregations, but I can say, as for myself as an American and as a pastor, I am not silent.
I fully support the right of every American to own and, when in need, use a gun. I also support the Constitution, which gives us the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, rights that are violated by criminals, abortion and socialist governments.
Perhaps Americans are not outraged because they realize the problem is not with legal gun ownership but rather with the liberal policies that would allow criminals, the mentally insane and politicians the opportunity to abuse our rights.
Lybarger differentiates "good people" from "handgun lovers." He says perhaps "good people are intimidated by handgun lovers."
I have dedicated my life to loving and serving people. I would hope that would qualify me as a good person. But it's not so much a love for handguns that causes me to support Americans' right to own guns. Rather, it's out of love for my grandfather, who fought in World War I to preserve those rights; my love for my father, who earned a Purple Heart in World War II to preserve these same rights; my love for my children and grandchildren, who will never know the freedoms already lost since I was a boy in this country. But mostly it is out of my love for this nation and its Constitution, which also guarantees me the opportunity to possess whatever gun I might to defend myself and my family, not only against criminals but also, if need be, from those in political power -- to defend this nation.
Lybarger's outrage is misplaced. Rather than being angry because we live in a free nation, where we have the right to protect ourselves, he ought to be angry toward the lawless, who abuse our laws, and those in Congress who would legislate our rights away.
In closing, I am not a member of the National Rifle Association or any other gun-rights group. But I am an American. That gives me reason enough to defend our Constitution and our nation.
THE REV. GARY HOLMAN Westerville
Monday, April 20, 2009
“I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD; I KNOW MY OWN SHEEP, AND THEY KNOW ME” JOHN 10:14
These words are either a challenge or a comfort to the hearer. The thought that the perfect, sinless Son of God knows our sin marked lives can be daunting.
These words are either a challenge or a comfort to the hearer. The thought that the perfect, sinless Son of God knows our sin marked lives can be daunting.
Adding further to the judgment is the proclamation, “AND THEY KNOW ME”; there is no excuse of ignorance for we who wear His name. The Holy Spirit instructs us as we need, and so Christ can boldly claim, not only does He know us, but we know Him just as well.
There is comfort for we who are earnestly seeking Him for we do not strive alone. He knows our temptations, He knows our desires, He knows our strengths; He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. He has promised to come when we are weak and heavy laden and He will give us rest (he will help carry our load). He has promised to be all that we have need of and then stand in intercession for us before God the Father.
The long and short of the Christian faith is a matter of the heart. Christ knows this too; whether or not we are sincere in our profession of faith, sincere in our trust of Him, sincere in our working out our own salvation with fear and trembling or blindly insisting on our well coiffed rebellion; confident that somehow we can fool an all-knowing God.
Today; hear the Words of Christ, the one who paid the price that you might have life eternal; “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD; I KNOW MY OWN SHEEP, AND THEY KNOW ME” AMEN.
Thank you for your prayers; our first Sunday in our new location was a fresh start indeed! What a wonderful meeting place we have been loaned for our Church!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
HOW ARE YOU TREATING JESUS?
“JUDGE NOT, AND YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED: CONDEM NOT, AND YOU SHALL NOT BE CONDEMED: FORGIVE, AND YOU SHALL BE FORGIVEN:” LUKE 6:37
I used to have a pastor who preached that it was ok to judge others as long as you were willing to be judged yourself; he used this text as “proof” of that twisted theology.
As radical as such teaching may sound to you, most of us subconsciously live by such a standard. Have you noticed how critical people are these days? Have you experienced the backlash of some other person’s misguided anger and unhappiness?
Few people are willing to cordially overlook mistakes. It seems we are all searching for the opportunity to judge and be offended. It seems to this writer, that we are gleefully looking for the brokenness of others while seriously denying our own.It’s been said “there is no free lunch”, but in America today, if your business or personal dealings are marred by human error, there may be indeed opportunity to cash in on the humanness of the other party. Too many people have the attitude, “Fall short of my expectations and I’ll sue you, if I don’t get the amount I am suing for, I know I can collect something!”
Such attitudes contribute to the destruction of individual lives and businesses. However that reality doesn’t matter just as long as we can deposit our “earnings” into our personal bank accounts. I wonder what ever happened to the Golden Rule. I wonder what ever happened to charity. A mistake in business is reason to retaliate; an error of another driver is reason to retaliate; thoughtlessness of our neighbor (even if it has never happened before) is reason to retaliate, the humanness of our spouse is all the reason most people require to break the marriage covenant.
Even within the Church, there is no room for personal error. We seldom grant one another “room to grow in God”. We expect “our brother or sister” to live on a much higher plane than we can attain ourselves and when they fail, we gleefully try to work their failure to our advantage. When we discover the pastor isn’t perfect, we don’t talk to him nearly as often as we talk about him, usually on our way out the door. We forget the past good he has shown toward us in our quest for something better. When we discover the “Church” isn’t perfect we leave to find the mythical perfect church, not understanding that WE ARE THE CHURCH and our own imperfection taints the next group of believers we join as soon as we arrive.
How much happier we would all be if we could love God with all we are and love one another more than we love ourselves. One can never be happy living with an entitlement mentality. How much better off we would all be if each one of us would only take the opportunity to love and forget; to refuse to take advantage of one another even if we are in the “right”. If only we would we would choose to love; choose to understand; choose to be slow to anger and quick to forgive.
Today, I challenge you to live by the Golden rule; treat others the way you would most desire to be treated; try to be as understanding of the failures of others as you are your own; choose to build bridges rather than walls, commit to strengthen relationships rather than sever friendships. Lastly, remember; whatever you do to the LEAST of your brothers, you’ve done to Jesus. Amen!
I used to have a pastor who preached that it was ok to judge others as long as you were willing to be judged yourself; he used this text as “proof” of that twisted theology.
As radical as such teaching may sound to you, most of us subconsciously live by such a standard. Have you noticed how critical people are these days? Have you experienced the backlash of some other person’s misguided anger and unhappiness?
Few people are willing to cordially overlook mistakes. It seems we are all searching for the opportunity to judge and be offended. It seems to this writer, that we are gleefully looking for the brokenness of others while seriously denying our own.It’s been said “there is no free lunch”, but in America today, if your business or personal dealings are marred by human error, there may be indeed opportunity to cash in on the humanness of the other party. Too many people have the attitude, “Fall short of my expectations and I’ll sue you, if I don’t get the amount I am suing for, I know I can collect something!”
Such attitudes contribute to the destruction of individual lives and businesses. However that reality doesn’t matter just as long as we can deposit our “earnings” into our personal bank accounts. I wonder what ever happened to the Golden Rule. I wonder what ever happened to charity. A mistake in business is reason to retaliate; an error of another driver is reason to retaliate; thoughtlessness of our neighbor (even if it has never happened before) is reason to retaliate, the humanness of our spouse is all the reason most people require to break the marriage covenant.
Even within the Church, there is no room for personal error. We seldom grant one another “room to grow in God”. We expect “our brother or sister” to live on a much higher plane than we can attain ourselves and when they fail, we gleefully try to work their failure to our advantage. When we discover the pastor isn’t perfect, we don’t talk to him nearly as often as we talk about him, usually on our way out the door. We forget the past good he has shown toward us in our quest for something better. When we discover the “Church” isn’t perfect we leave to find the mythical perfect church, not understanding that WE ARE THE CHURCH and our own imperfection taints the next group of believers we join as soon as we arrive.
How much happier we would all be if we could love God with all we are and love one another more than we love ourselves. One can never be happy living with an entitlement mentality. How much better off we would all be if each one of us would only take the opportunity to love and forget; to refuse to take advantage of one another even if we are in the “right”. If only we would we would choose to love; choose to understand; choose to be slow to anger and quick to forgive.
Today, I challenge you to live by the Golden rule; treat others the way you would most desire to be treated; try to be as understanding of the failures of others as you are your own; choose to build bridges rather than walls, commit to strengthen relationships rather than sever friendships. Lastly, remember; whatever you do to the LEAST of your brothers, you’ve done to Jesus. Amen!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I KNOW WHO HOLDS MY HAND BY PASTOR GARY HOLMAN
When comfort is replaced with uncertainty
I know He holds my hand
When sorrow is met with sorrow
When I do not understand
When I feel I must stand all alone
I know He holds my hand
When I cannot breathe for weeping
When it seems I cannot standIt’s than I look within my heart
I know He holds my hand
When my friends have all abandoned me
Though I’ve done my best by them
I have a friend who never leaves
I know He holds my hand
Without doubt, I’ve ignore His warnings
Without doubt, followed my own plans
In as much as I have forsaken Him
I know still; He holds my hand
I know He holds my hand
When sorrow is met with sorrow
When I do not understand
When I feel I must stand all alone
I know He holds my hand
When I cannot breathe for weeping
When it seems I cannot standIt’s than I look within my heart
I know He holds my hand
When my friends have all abandoned me
Though I’ve done my best by them
I have a friend who never leaves
I know He holds my hand
Without doubt, I’ve ignore His warnings
Without doubt, followed my own plans
In as much as I have forsaken Him
I know still; He holds my hand
Monday, April 13, 2009
EVEN A CHILD
“EVEN A CHILD IS KNOWN BY HIS DOINGS, WHETHER HIS WORK BE PURE, AND WHETHER IT BE RIGHT.”PROVERBS 20:11
There is behavior that is acceptable even for the youngest of children. There is also behavior that is never acceptable; regardless of age, the same can be said for adults; there is behavior that is commendable and there is behavior that is considered abhorrent at any age.
You and I are known by our deeds. Solomon warns us that are children are equally known by their deeds. What we permit today becomes their reputation tomorrow.
It is apparent to me that children will only attain the level of proper behavior as is required of them. In this regard they are no different than we adults. We will not be any more disciplined in our lives than is required of us, either by we, ourselves or by those around us.
An undisciplined life produces varying degrees of failure; “IF YOU LOVE SLEEP, YOU WILL END IN POVERTY. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, AND THERE WILL BE PLENTY TO EAT!” PROVERBS 20:13
“A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER, A LITTLE FOLDING OF THE HANDS TO REST, YOUR POVERTY WILL COME IN LIKE A VAGABOUND AND YOUR NEED LIKE AN ARMED MAN.” PROVERBS 6:10
Likewise; PROVERBS 24:33 “A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER, A LITTLE FOLDING OF THE HANDS TO REST, YOUR POVERTY WILL COME AS A ROBBER AND YOUR WANT LIKER AN ARMED MAN.”
Undisciplined children become undisciplined adults who produce even more undisciplined children; it takes only one generation of hard working adults to inspire the next generation the value of a disciplined life, likewise it takes only one generation of laziness for the next generation to believe that laziness is the normal expectancy of life.
There is a law in parenting; what is compromised in this generation becomes accepted in the next generation and becomes the norm in the following generation; we only need look at the failure of Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” in America to see how quickly the poverty mentality took hold and the welfare state became the norm for mass groups of people for multiple generations. 40 years later what was once considered unthinkable is considered the rights of many. My grandfather’s generation was reluctant to accept charity; in our generation many, if not most, consider it their birthright.How are we known? How are our children known? What legacy are we leaving to this world? Think about it. Amen!
There is behavior that is acceptable even for the youngest of children. There is also behavior that is never acceptable; regardless of age, the same can be said for adults; there is behavior that is commendable and there is behavior that is considered abhorrent at any age.
You and I are known by our deeds. Solomon warns us that are children are equally known by their deeds. What we permit today becomes their reputation tomorrow.
It is apparent to me that children will only attain the level of proper behavior as is required of them. In this regard they are no different than we adults. We will not be any more disciplined in our lives than is required of us, either by we, ourselves or by those around us.
An undisciplined life produces varying degrees of failure; “IF YOU LOVE SLEEP, YOU WILL END IN POVERTY. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, AND THERE WILL BE PLENTY TO EAT!” PROVERBS 20:13
“A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER, A LITTLE FOLDING OF THE HANDS TO REST, YOUR POVERTY WILL COME IN LIKE A VAGABOUND AND YOUR NEED LIKE AN ARMED MAN.” PROVERBS 6:10
Likewise; PROVERBS 24:33 “A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER, A LITTLE FOLDING OF THE HANDS TO REST, YOUR POVERTY WILL COME AS A ROBBER AND YOUR WANT LIKER AN ARMED MAN.”
Undisciplined children become undisciplined adults who produce even more undisciplined children; it takes only one generation of hard working adults to inspire the next generation the value of a disciplined life, likewise it takes only one generation of laziness for the next generation to believe that laziness is the normal expectancy of life.
There is a law in parenting; what is compromised in this generation becomes accepted in the next generation and becomes the norm in the following generation; we only need look at the failure of Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” in America to see how quickly the poverty mentality took hold and the welfare state became the norm for mass groups of people for multiple generations. 40 years later what was once considered unthinkable is considered the rights of many. My grandfather’s generation was reluctant to accept charity; in our generation many, if not most, consider it their birthright.How are we known? How are our children known? What legacy are we leaving to this world? Think about it. Amen!
Friday, April 10, 2009
IT IS FINISHED!
“IT IS FINISHED!” JOHN 19:30
This proclamation of victory bought our pardon. This proclamation of victory set us free from the slavery of sin and death. Jesus of Nazareth the carpenter showed Himself to be Jesus The Christ; Our Messiah, Our Lord, Our Savior, Our King!
What men heard as the desperate ending of a single life was in fact the proclamation of real life; abundant life for all mankind!
We call this day “Good Friday” because on this day the only one who ever walked as a man and was perfect in His goodness died for us that He might proclaim our righteousness before His Heavenly Father.
Make no mistake; there is one way to Heaven. Jesus is the only door through which man can find eternal salvation. The history of man is wrought with man’s pitiful attempts to find another path. Jesus said “I AM THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, NO MAN COME TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME!” As His life breath left his body, eternity was changed for all mankind.
Yet some of you continue in sin; some of you continue in fear, some of you continue in greed and doubt and lust and religion; which is all sin in God’s eyes. Some who claim to love Christ continue to allow their addictions to dictate their lives; hear the words of Jesus this day; “IT IS FINISHED!” I invite you die to self and live to Christ. Allow this Good Friday to be your own Best Friday; surrender to the will of God for your life. Amen!
This proclamation of victory bought our pardon. This proclamation of victory set us free from the slavery of sin and death. Jesus of Nazareth the carpenter showed Himself to be Jesus The Christ; Our Messiah, Our Lord, Our Savior, Our King!
What men heard as the desperate ending of a single life was in fact the proclamation of real life; abundant life for all mankind!
We call this day “Good Friday” because on this day the only one who ever walked as a man and was perfect in His goodness died for us that He might proclaim our righteousness before His Heavenly Father.
Make no mistake; there is one way to Heaven. Jesus is the only door through which man can find eternal salvation. The history of man is wrought with man’s pitiful attempts to find another path. Jesus said “I AM THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE, NO MAN COME TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME!” As His life breath left his body, eternity was changed for all mankind.
Yet some of you continue in sin; some of you continue in fear, some of you continue in greed and doubt and lust and religion; which is all sin in God’s eyes. Some who claim to love Christ continue to allow their addictions to dictate their lives; hear the words of Jesus this day; “IT IS FINISHED!” I invite you die to self and live to Christ. Allow this Good Friday to be your own Best Friday; surrender to the will of God for your life. Amen!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Who Is This King of Glory?
WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY?
THE LORD OF HOSTS,
HE IS THE KING OF GLORY. PSALM 24:7
Some, when they think of Jesus, remember a babe in a manger, the innocent child born in humble estate to Joseph and his betrothed Mary. They reflect upon the child who was without sin who came into this world to grow into a man.
Some remember a historical figure. A man of days long past. They remember a man who once lived and berthed and walked this earth as we do. They remember Him as they remember Caesar or Pharaoh or Mark Twain or Abraham Lincoln; a famous man who once lived upon this earth.Some, during this Lenten Season worship the crucified Christ. They recall how He was beaten and ripped and mocked, only to be crucified. They remember an innocent man rose between two thieves; they recall His suffering and His cruel, humiliating death.
I celebrate the Resurrected Lord! More than the child, more than the man; more than the man of suffering who took my place, I celebrate the victorious Son of God who defeated death Hel and the grave, thereby allowing me the opportunity to do the same. I celebrate the Risen One who calls me His own; the perfect Lamb of God who was slain that His blood would cover all my sin and wash away all my iniquities.
WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY? THE LORD STRONG AND MIGHTY, THE LORD IN BATTLE.” I recognize the One, “WHICH NONE OF THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD KNEW: FOR IF THEY HAD KNOWN IT, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY” 1 CORINTHIANS 2:6
Do you know this King of Glory who was born, lived and died? More importantly do you know this King of Glory who lives?
THE LORD OF HOSTS,
HE IS THE KING OF GLORY. PSALM 24:7
Some, when they think of Jesus, remember a babe in a manger, the innocent child born in humble estate to Joseph and his betrothed Mary. They reflect upon the child who was without sin who came into this world to grow into a man.
Some remember a historical figure. A man of days long past. They remember a man who once lived and berthed and walked this earth as we do. They remember Him as they remember Caesar or Pharaoh or Mark Twain or Abraham Lincoln; a famous man who once lived upon this earth.Some, during this Lenten Season worship the crucified Christ. They recall how He was beaten and ripped and mocked, only to be crucified. They remember an innocent man rose between two thieves; they recall His suffering and His cruel, humiliating death.
I celebrate the Resurrected Lord! More than the child, more than the man; more than the man of suffering who took my place, I celebrate the victorious Son of God who defeated death Hel and the grave, thereby allowing me the opportunity to do the same. I celebrate the Risen One who calls me His own; the perfect Lamb of God who was slain that His blood would cover all my sin and wash away all my iniquities.
WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY? THE LORD STRONG AND MIGHTY, THE LORD IN BATTLE.” I recognize the One, “WHICH NONE OF THE PRINCES OF THIS WORLD KNEW: FOR IF THEY HAD KNOWN IT, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CRUCIFIED THE LORD OF GLORY” 1 CORINTHIANS 2:6
Do you know this King of Glory who was born, lived and died? More importantly do you know this King of Glory who lives?
He came to make a way.
He lived to show the way.
He died to be the way.
He rose from the grave and He is the way for you and me to know our Father God. Amen!
Monday, April 6, 2009
INFALLIBLE GOD/FALLIBLE MEN
Twenty-three years of pastoral ministry has clearly taught me that God is faithful and we are not. God's love is unconditional and ours is not. Christ is perfect while mankind is broken. Out of our brokeness, we more easily break others than we restore them. Surely, "ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD!"
On the other hand for every ten people who receive from the Lord through a particular ministry, only one will remain to be thankful. Isn't that exactly what Jesus experienced when he healed ten lepers? We must thank God for the one; they receive and they return to be a blessing to others. When others walk away; they remain and like Elisha, say, "Please do not leave me here alone!"
If the Good Shepherd finds the "One lost sheep" valuable enough to leave the ninety-nine, shouldn't we find the one who is hungry for God enough reason to press-on in spite the abandoned by most?
Forsaking the praise of men; let us seek those who are hungry and thirsty and seeking for God. Let us shake the dust from our feet of the cultured set in order to better the life of the beggar and prostitute. Let us see the destitute for the God children they were created to be. Let us cast off all formalities of organized religion and give ourselves to what Christ calls the "True Religion"; caring for those who cannot care for themselves.
Let us STOP GOING TO CHURCH AND LET US BECOME THE CHURCH; loving God with all that we are and loving our neighbors as ourselves, in fact let us prefer them over ourselves. Let us not worry about building buildings; let us build lives.
Let the religious prefer their religion; let us abandon religion for relationship with our Living Christ! We may not have tomorrow, so let us love and serve and care and bless one another and all who come expecting TODAY!
AMEN!
On the other hand for every ten people who receive from the Lord through a particular ministry, only one will remain to be thankful. Isn't that exactly what Jesus experienced when he healed ten lepers? We must thank God for the one; they receive and they return to be a blessing to others. When others walk away; they remain and like Elisha, say, "Please do not leave me here alone!"
If the Good Shepherd finds the "One lost sheep" valuable enough to leave the ninety-nine, shouldn't we find the one who is hungry for God enough reason to press-on in spite the abandoned by most?
Forsaking the praise of men; let us seek those who are hungry and thirsty and seeking for God. Let us shake the dust from our feet of the cultured set in order to better the life of the beggar and prostitute. Let us see the destitute for the God children they were created to be. Let us cast off all formalities of organized religion and give ourselves to what Christ calls the "True Religion"; caring for those who cannot care for themselves.
Let us STOP GOING TO CHURCH AND LET US BECOME THE CHURCH; loving God with all that we are and loving our neighbors as ourselves, in fact let us prefer them over ourselves. Let us not worry about building buildings; let us build lives.
Let the religious prefer their religion; let us abandon religion for relationship with our Living Christ! We may not have tomorrow, so let us love and serve and care and bless one another and all who come expecting TODAY!
AMEN!
Friday, April 3, 2009
HOLY WEEK CHALLENGE
As Holy Week approaches; here is another challenge for you;
between now and Easter Sunday "TURN-OFF THE NEWS". That's right, I challenged you to refuse to listen to the Network News, Local News by radio, Televion or Newspaper. Usually, I suggest that we ought to be informed, but yesterday as I was praying and meditating, the thought occured to me that for this one week out of the year, we Christians ought to cast aside the news of the day for the Good News of God's Word. That's part 2, in what time you would be saturating yourself with the negative propaganda of the world, instead fill yourself with God's Word. Read your Bible - perhaps concentrate on the final days of Christ upon this earth; listen to music that is uplifting and read devotions rather than take in the daily druge of negativity.
How different Easter will be for us! Can you do it? Can you fellow political junkies fast your news programing and communications for Holy Week? That's the challenge!
Starting today for me; I will switch my car radio from the news talk station that I listen to while I drive; no local news, no Rush Limbaugh, no Hannity, no Mark Levine, no NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, no Columbus Dispatch. I will ignore the email news postings that I receive daily, I will turn-off the evening news and instead, I will read my Bible during these times or listen to uplifting music or devotions. I will spend time meditating upon the sacrafice Christ has made for me. Perhaps in place fo ne News Cast this week I will watch the Passion of The Christ again.Are you with me? That's the challenge (oh, and of course, we will be faithful to worship as our churches allow).
In His Service
Pastor Gary
between now and Easter Sunday "TURN-OFF THE NEWS". That's right, I challenged you to refuse to listen to the Network News, Local News by radio, Televion or Newspaper. Usually, I suggest that we ought to be informed, but yesterday as I was praying and meditating, the thought occured to me that for this one week out of the year, we Christians ought to cast aside the news of the day for the Good News of God's Word. That's part 2, in what time you would be saturating yourself with the negative propaganda of the world, instead fill yourself with God's Word. Read your Bible - perhaps concentrate on the final days of Christ upon this earth; listen to music that is uplifting and read devotions rather than take in the daily druge of negativity.
How different Easter will be for us! Can you do it? Can you fellow political junkies fast your news programing and communications for Holy Week? That's the challenge!
Starting today for me; I will switch my car radio from the news talk station that I listen to while I drive; no local news, no Rush Limbaugh, no Hannity, no Mark Levine, no NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, no Columbus Dispatch. I will ignore the email news postings that I receive daily, I will turn-off the evening news and instead, I will read my Bible during these times or listen to uplifting music or devotions. I will spend time meditating upon the sacrafice Christ has made for me. Perhaps in place fo ne News Cast this week I will watch the Passion of The Christ again.Are you with me? That's the challenge (oh, and of course, we will be faithful to worship as our churches allow).
In His Service
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
We Are One
“NOW ALL OF YOU TOGETHER ARE CHRIST’S BODY, AND EACH ONE OF YOU IS SEPARATE AND NECESSARY PART OF IT.” 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27
John Donne (1572-1631) wrote those famous words, “NO MAN IS AN ISLAND, ENTIRE OF ITSELF”. It was from a collection of devotions and meditations. The thought was not new; it is integral to the message of the Kingdom of God which Christ and His Disciples preached.
Beloved, you are created to embody the Great Commandment and the Great Commission; “AND YOU MUST LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEAR, ALL YOUR SOUL, ALL YOUR MIND, AND ALL YOUR STRENTH AND YOU MUST LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF” MARK 12:30,31 Such love will compel you to live the great commission; “GO YE UNTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL CREATION” MARK 16:15
If indeed we believe the words of Christ; that we are all together Christ’s body, when we tear ourselves from one another, do we not tear His body apart? If we allow emotions to drive us from our brothers and sisters in Christ, do we not tear His flesh anew? Each one of us are created separate and necessary part of it; how then can we allow anything to be more important than living the supreme love of Christ? Christian, if you cannot love your brother or sister who has in common with you the merciful redemption of our Christ, how will you ever love the darkened soul of one who has yet to meet Him?
If such love is not enough to bridge ideologies, and teachings and habits and traditions and customs and preferences, denomination or title or position; if the need of Christian Community is not greater than to selfish desire of entertainment, enlightenment or individuality, personal space or comfort, does the love of Christ who suffered and died for us all live in you at all?I understand the ackwardness that is integral to human disagreement, but how do we as Christians allow such ackwardness to become greater than the command of Christ that we love one another? When my comfort, my emotions, my individuality or my desires become paramount to the kinship of the body of Christ, I have ripped His flesh to bow at an altar where I worship self. It is written; “ABOVE ALL, KEEP FERVENT IN YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER, BECAUSE LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS.” 1 PETER 4:8 May God have mercy upon us all.
What is it that is more important than fulfilling the command and commission of God with your life? How is it again that you have “won” the disagreement if you separate yourself from whom you were created to be?
Consider the whole devotion of Donne;
"All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated...As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come: so this bell calls us all: but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness....No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." AMEN!
P.S. "FRIENDSHIP IS A SACRED TRUST WHEN BROKEN IT OFFENDS BOTH GOD AND MAN." Pastor Gary Holman
John Donne (1572-1631) wrote those famous words, “NO MAN IS AN ISLAND, ENTIRE OF ITSELF”. It was from a collection of devotions and meditations. The thought was not new; it is integral to the message of the Kingdom of God which Christ and His Disciples preached.
Beloved, you are created to embody the Great Commandment and the Great Commission; “AND YOU MUST LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEAR, ALL YOUR SOUL, ALL YOUR MIND, AND ALL YOUR STRENTH AND YOU MUST LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF” MARK 12:30,31 Such love will compel you to live the great commission; “GO YE UNTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL CREATION” MARK 16:15
If indeed we believe the words of Christ; that we are all together Christ’s body, when we tear ourselves from one another, do we not tear His body apart? If we allow emotions to drive us from our brothers and sisters in Christ, do we not tear His flesh anew? Each one of us are created separate and necessary part of it; how then can we allow anything to be more important than living the supreme love of Christ? Christian, if you cannot love your brother or sister who has in common with you the merciful redemption of our Christ, how will you ever love the darkened soul of one who has yet to meet Him?
If such love is not enough to bridge ideologies, and teachings and habits and traditions and customs and preferences, denomination or title or position; if the need of Christian Community is not greater than to selfish desire of entertainment, enlightenment or individuality, personal space or comfort, does the love of Christ who suffered and died for us all live in you at all?I understand the ackwardness that is integral to human disagreement, but how do we as Christians allow such ackwardness to become greater than the command of Christ that we love one another? When my comfort, my emotions, my individuality or my desires become paramount to the kinship of the body of Christ, I have ripped His flesh to bow at an altar where I worship self. It is written; “ABOVE ALL, KEEP FERVENT IN YOUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER, BECAUSE LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS.” 1 PETER 4:8 May God have mercy upon us all.
What is it that is more important than fulfilling the command and commission of God with your life? How is it again that you have “won” the disagreement if you separate yourself from whom you were created to be?
Consider the whole devotion of Donne;
"All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated...As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come: so this bell calls us all: but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness....No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." AMEN!
P.S. "FRIENDSHIP IS A SACRED TRUST WHEN BROKEN IT OFFENDS BOTH GOD AND MAN." Pastor Gary Holman
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