No Thanks!

No Thanks!

Have you ever been somewhere to buy something and the salesperson was grouchy or unfriendly? What about rude and obnoxious?  What about arrogant and a know-it-all? Makes you want to rush to buy something from them doesn't it? NOT!  No Thanks!  I am not going to buy something from someone who acts like any of these traits, but the funny thing is many preachers, churches,and christians act like this and then wonder why no one wants what they offering?

You can't share Christ or influence people they need Jesus if you are constantly grouchy and unfriendly. You aren't going to win people to Christ or get them to become a Christian if you are rude or obnoxious about it. And you aren't going to lead people to Jesus or get people to come to church(or come back if you do get them there) if you are arrogant and have a know-it-all atttitude.

This doesn't work selling cars, appliances, or houses, and it definately isn't going to work trying to share the good news of Jesus with people. I'm not making excuses for people. There are people out there who do not go to church or will not become Christians and they have no good reasons, only selfish excuses, "church is boring", "it's full of hypocrits", "and I've done too much wrong", etc....excuses are endless, but at the same time there is NO EXCUSE for pastors, church leaders, church members, or christians to hurt the church or the cause of Christ, because they have a personal agenda, a narrow-mind, a legalistic attitude, or won't deal with their hard heads or hearts.  

Everyone can be grouchy or unfriendly sometimes or be moody, but when you are that way more than you are friendly or nice,  you obviously have issues you are not dealing with or being convicted of in your life. There is also NEVER a good reason to be rude or obnoxious when talking about God, but many christians and sadly pastors, thrive on this!  They think they are smarter, and doing God a favor, but really they are scared or insecure, they are so afraid they are going to be proven wrong or not be right, that they'd rather put you down, be judgemental,and argue than listen to you, think things through, and act like Jesus.  Jesus was Never rude or obnoxious, he was firm when he needed to be, appropriate with his anger, and kept his emotions in check.

Also, being arrogant or cocky is the opposite of Christ, yet many christians and preachers act this way. They almost gloat that they are smarter, know more, and "are saved" and you're  not.  And I don't care how much you know or think you know, NO ONE "knows-it-all" except God!  Nothing to me is a bigger turn off than a christian, a preacher, or a church where everyone is pushy, arrogant, and you can't talk to them or discuss anything, because they "already know", sad.   (I don't know it all or  my blogs would be a lot better, ha!) No thanks. I don't want what they are selling.

We have to keep in mind, that some people have learned the wrong way how to invite people to church or to evangelize the lost.  We have to keep in mind some preachers, were trained in ignornance and are simply mimicing the way they have been taught, and therefore they aren't afforded an open-mind, to think for themselves, and realize that though there are many commands in the Bible, there is also freedom and not everything is a sin, wrong, abominination, or sending you to Hell.  Yes, only one way to God through Jesus and only one Message(gospel), but many ways and methods to get to Jesus or grow in your faith.  This type of behavior is not conservative or keeping on the "old" ways or "old" path, it's serving and speaking out of fear or ignorance. When all you say, or preach, or talk about is what is negative, wrong, a sin,  or people have to agree with you or everything has to be  a certain way for you to accept someone, then to me that's a sign you are on the wrong path, being legalistic, and sort of like the pharisees in Jesus day, they missed Jesus because they were too busy with their own agenda.

People, we need to realize when we preach, wear the name Christian, or call ourselves a member of a church, that WE represent Jesus.  Whether its' fair on not, when people see us, they should see Jesus and if they see a grouch, a gossip, a punk, a jerk, arrogance, judgemental, ignorant, and conceited, that is how they are going to view God, because they don't know Him yet.   I'm not saying we have to be perfect,  but what I'm saying is we need to be sincere, honest, and transparent.  We need to strive and pursue a right relationship with God, which includes constantly evaluating our actions and attitudes.

Take a good look at yourself, would you want to go to church or become a christian if someone just like you acted came and invited you to church or tried to tell you what you needed to do to become a Christian?  Would you make  sell for Jesus or would you say "no Thanks", I don't want what they are selling look at how they act? Something for us all to think about!  We want to be like Christ and we want to share Christ!

2 Corinthians 12:20(NIV)

For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

(here it is in KJV incase you don't accept the NIV)
20For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

Love people the way God loves us all, and share Jesus with Love, people will want that!

It's all about Team

It's All About Team

The old saying goes "There's no I in  Team", which is true, but there is a M and an E, which is Me, which is the same thing.  A successful and great team, can't be about one individual, about one person getting all the credit, the limelight, and accolades.  Truly successful and great teams, though they may have some great individual performances or players, still trace their success back to teamwork, unity, good chemistry, and not caring who gets the credit as long as they win.

Teams work to win championships, titles, and trophies.  Teams are no different than businesses or churches. They are a group of people working toward a common goal.  In a business it may be to make money, expand or grow the company.  In churches our goal (should be anyway) to Glorify, Honor, and Worship God.   Church is a body of people who make up members of that body with Christ as the head, and the church does not exist for one person to get all the credit, accolades, attention, or glory, only Christ. 

If Christ is not the center of attention, then you have the wrong motives, the wront attitude, and have a personal agenda other than that of Christ. Sure, people say and do things "in the name of Jesus",but we forget that God "knows all" and He knows our heart, our motives and our agenda.  Some Preachers Preach because if they were brutallty honest, they like the attention, credit, and strokes to their ego.  Some people serve in  church in leadership, leading the worship, or heading up a committee because they like feeling important, being in charge, or control.

None of those things benefit God or help the body or glorify Christ.  Just like we've seen in sports over and over, when you got one person who cares more about self than the team, the team is seldom successful, can't win, and ends up causeing alot of turmoil in the locker room and slowly unravels the team.

We cannot preach, lead, serve, sing, or use our gifts for God if He's not the center, core, or sole  motivation for doing so.  Many people are indeed "called", but they eventually stopped listening to God or doing it for God for various reasons and started marching to the beat of their own drum or sound of their own horn.

How many athletes became stars and in the process got lost in the lights, glitz, greed, money, and glamour. They started playing as kids for fun and being a part of a team with their friends and over time, their attitude, motives, and ego become corrupt and pretty soon, attitudes shift to "what about me",  "I deserve more", and "I'm special", and "It's all about me".

Happens in pulpits, in sanctuaries, in ministry, and in churches.  We like the limelight, the attention, the pats on the back, and the credit, and pretty soon we start feeling like we deserve it, we are owed it, and we want more.  There is no glory for God in that.  If you don't sing, serve, preach , teach, lead, and worship for God's glory and credit, than it's empty words, wasted time, and hurts the body(team) of Christ.  I don't care what your motive or agenda is, if it's not Christ, it's wrong period. 

We need to check our ego's at the door.  We need to constantly be evaluating our attitudes and motives with prayer, God's word, and even accountability by trusted peers/mentors.   Why do you preach? Why do you serve? Why do you lead? Why do you do what you do? Is it for God or for you?  Are you worried more about getting credit or giving God credit?  Do you want to build the church, reach the lost, or help people for your own selfish agenda, or do you truly do it for the cause of Christ?

We are the last ones to notice our faults usually because we are in denial or unwilling to be honest with ourselves, but if you don't the team(church) is going to suffer. Most of all at some point it will backfire and blow up in your face.  Just like athletes who are selfish and greedy with big ego's, they lose contracts, friends, fans, and teams no longer want them, even though they are talented,  because not worth the hassle or drama that accompanies them.  The greatest athletes are those that give their teamates the credit.

A preacher can be the most gifted speaker or evangelist, yet His ego holds him back.  You can be the most gifted teacher/singer, but your motivation is you, and your talent is wasted, you can be the greatest leader, but you're selfish agenda causes constant turmoil and problems(and you think everyone else  has the problem).

Let's all be a team player, let's all contibute and do our part for the good of the team.   Even though I Pastor a church, this church is not about it, nor will it be successful solely based on me. I am just one person and my role is to pastor, but everyone here who serves and gives is just as important as me.  Sure we all like a kind word, encouragement, and a someone to notice our hard work, but if that is your motivation, then you've missed the point.  The church is God's body not ours, the credit is His not ours, and the glory is for Him not us.  It's all about God and we are on His team.


James 4:3(NIV)

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Not Me!

Not Me!

"Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."  Exodus 4:10 (NIV)

Do you know what this sounds like to me? An Excuse. God was calling Moses to go to Egypt and be the instrument He was going to use to free the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, but Moses gave God excuses as to why He shouldn't go, I'm not a good speaker now or in the past, I'm slow, yada yada yada.  Excuses.

Maybe Moses was scared? Maybe He was still ashamed of fleein Egypt years earlier for killing a man? I don't know, maybe He had no self-confidence, or  maybe he was simply comfortable in tending flocks for  his father-in-law?  But, the bottom line is when God calls you to do something, He already knows you can do it, or He wouldn't have called you to do it. God unlike us, doesn't make mistakes.

I believe every individual created by God was created for a purpose and has value, and is called.  Many people never realize it, ignore it, or reject it, many make excuses.  Some people try to find purpose and value in earthly relationships, power, sex, drugs, jobs, money, and hobbies and can't understand why they are never fulfilled, complete, or why enough is never enough?   It's because God created you and me for a reason. 

No we are not all called to be preachers, missionaries, or church leaders, but regardless you are still called to do something for God.  The talents and gifts you have, maybe in sports, music, speaking, or computers? Maybe God wants you to use them for Him. Maybe God wants you to be an influence at your school, at your job, with your friends, in your family? 

But, what do we do?  We make excuses why we can't, won't, or aren't willing.  I remember several years ago I left full-time ministry and struggled spiritually, I wasn't a very good Christian, and for a period of time I still felt God's calling, but ignored it because I was ashamed and felt unworthry like God could never used me again, yet here I am again serving in ministry, because I couldn't stand the constant calling as opposed to ignoring it and running out or excuses why God couldn't use me.  

No matter your past, God can use you. No matter your mistakes, God can still use you. No matter your self-esteem or self-worth, God can use you.  When you find your value and worth in God you can't help but feel better about yourselves.

So what you have a speech problem? So what you have a physical disability?  So what your divorced? So what your an alcoholic?  So what you take anti-depressants(who doesn't these days?) So what your busy?  So what you have a past?  So what you've been a dishonest person? So what you have did and said things you are ashamed of? So what you are shy?  It doesn't matter, all are excuses to not be used by God and He's waiting to you use. He belives in you or He would not have created you, and called you to do something for Him, or be used by Him.

God wants to use you in big and small ways, so stop finding reasons to NOT serve or be used and START seeking God.  Stop making excuses why you CAN'T and start finding ways you CAN.  Again, if God

 made you and gave you gifts, He will supply the strength, wisdom, and means to use them, you will fail with your own strength, but with God, you are limitless.

I leave you today with YES you!  God made you, God wants to use you, what is your excuse?  and BTW Moses finally obeyed and as we say the rest is history!

If you have time, watch this video about a guy name Christopher and ask yourself, what is my excuse for not letting God use me?
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FFCC2JNU

LIFE

LIFE

                                  James 4:14(NIV)

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Life. What is it? What is it to you?  For some it's a sentence because they make poor choices, live selfishly, and have no purpose or meaning.  For others, it's all they have, because this life is all they live for and look forward to.  For still others, it's a blessing, too short, and  not be taken for granted.

We have no promise of tomorrow, everyday of life is a gift.  Some spend their life trying to disprove that we were created and coming up with all sorts of reasons why there is not creator, though I beleive it takes alot more faith to be a true agnostic or atheist, than it does to believe in a creator.

Life.  It's fragile, yet human beings can be some of the most resilient people.  Life is short, but some people it drags out because they seek no divine calling or purpose to their lives.  Life is unpredictable, but yet predictably many people seek bitterness instead of healing, negativity instead of hope, and revenge instead of forgiveness. Life means living, yet many people choose not to truly live.  They have unhealthy habits, relationships, life styles that are slowly killing them and molding and shaping them for a life of regret.

People waste life.  They waste talent, money, resources, relationships, and opportunity to love, to be honest, to do the right thing, and make a positive difference. Intstead of making the world a better place, they add to the problems of the world. Instead of overcoming their past, a problem, or an addiction, they continue to live out the wreckless, destroying cycle of pain.

We need to enjoy life.  We need to embrace life. We need to take advantage of our life.  Whether we live 10 years or 100,  every day is a chance to do good, enjoy life, and make the world a better place.  No matter who we are, even if we were born or raised in bad circumstances, we should not let those things define us.  Maybe you were raised poor, but you can be rich in kindeness.  Maybe you were born into abuse? You can live as an example of healing and forgiveness.  Maybe you've experienced a great loss of a loved one and you've stopped living? You can start living a life that honors their memory and still be there for those still living. 

There are many reasons and excuses people waste life, ruin lives, and and don't enjoy life.  Probably a many reasons/excuses as there are people in the world.   But, my point today is God created LIFE.  God created life for a purpose.  A reason.   God created us in His image, for His purpose, and for His glory.  Did you know you were created to bring pleasure and enjoyment to the creator?  Just like a painting, a drawing, or a sculpture our creator shape and molded us for His pleasure.  He gave us life, breathed it into our nostrils so that we would have life.  He sent Jesus to die for our sins, because we are all sinful by human nature and can't be perfect on our own.  Jesus came to give us live and life to the fullest(Jn 10:10).

You are not a mistake, a mishap, and you werent created randomly. You aren't a big bang, a monkey, or some other cosmic or weird fantasy creation.   You and I were created by a creator.  THE God, not just any random person or thing, but THE God.    Your life is precious, valuable, and purposeful to God and it should be to you.  The thing is even though God gave us life and life on this earth,  this life and this place is only temporary. 

We do not life this life for this world, for our own pleasures or agenda, God created us in this life to prepare us for eternity.  He wants us to enjoy this life, it's pleasures, relationships, etc..but if your life is only about this life alone, or you are wasting it with only pain and suffering, you are missing the point of life.  Live your life.   Live your life with God in mind.


Ecclesiastes 8:15(NIV)

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.

Core Values

Core Values

I recently developed a set of CORE VALUES at Bozoo Christian Church where I now preach. I am currently going through a series with the same title and preaching on each core value.  The core values come from Acts 2:42-47 (when the New Testament church was established).  Rick Warren through his Purpose Driven Church book and this scripture says a church should have these 5 core values to make up a healthy church with purpose (ministry, mission, worship, fellowship, & discipleship).

I took the word "BOZOO" to come up with 5 statements to share our core values(yes, I know I'm creative, haha).  Core Values defined are "basic principles that guide us".  I'm sharing these with  my church,but it got me thinking about me as an individual what are my core values?  What about you? What principles,morals,or beliefs guide you?  

Even though we may not have a written down list of Core Values, we all have them, whether we know them or not. The problem is not all our values are healthy, good for us, or realistic.  Think about it, some people have no values or morals. They lie, they cheat, steal, or manipulate.  They are sneaky, arrogant, selfish, or prideful.  They are motivated by lust, greed, power, or control.  These basic principles guide them.  It's what motivates them, and even defines them and who they are and how they treat people and what they live for.

What about me? What about you?  Are our values healthy? Do we have a set of principles we live by that are hurting us? Hurting others? Destroying us?  Leaving a trail of destruction everywhere we go? If we live out life without purpose, meaning, or value, then we are going to naturally gravitate toward things,people, places, and habits that are not good for us or healthy for us.

That is why it's VITAL that you and me have some standards in our lives. Some values and principles that guide us. Our decision making, our choices, who we react to problems, and respond to issues. How we treat people and how we work, play, and live.

There is not a set list, because there may be some things that are important to me, that aren't important to you, or vice versa, but there are basic principles I think we all need.   Honesty. Integrity.  Faith. Unconditional Love.  Grace & forgivness.  I think we need first and formost to have faith in God and because of that, our relationship with God will help us mold and shape our values and principles we live by.

We will learn to be honest and practice honesty. We will know the difference between right and wrong and strive to always live and do right. I think we will know the difference and consequences of truth and lies and strive to be honest at all times no matter what we think the outcome.   We will work toward having morals that we won't compromise with greed, selfish behavior, or lust.  We will strive to live a pure and not taint our lives with drugs, abusing of alcohol, or negative things such bad sexual issues, vulgar language, or treating people like they are less than you.  We will value honesty, truth, acceptance, standards, morals, and love.

What words define you?  What words describe your personal core values.  Truth is, what we think we are. We we do we become, and how we live everyday determines our eternal destiny. What do people think of you?  Do they think you are nice or a pervert? Do they think you are compassionate or heartless? Do they know you are liar or sincere?  Do people think you are easy or know you to be a stand up person. This isn' worrying about what others think about you, it's not about perception. It's about reality.  What type of values do you have and display in your life everyday?  If you have bad values, you can change them. You can develop better, healthier, spiritual, and meaningful core values to guide your faith, relationships,and life.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17(NIV)

"Therefore prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;" I Peter 1:13-15

Backbone

BACKBONE

Proverbs 31:9(NIV)
"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”


Not only is this a physical attribute all of us have (a backbone), but it's sometimes a term we use to describe someone  who stands up to what is right, or sometimes we use it negatively to describe someone who "has no backbone" and will not stand up or address conflict or problems or who acts cowardly.

 

Your backbone sort of keeps your body together, slangily speaking the dictionary defines one who has backbone as "strength or character; being resolute".  It shouldn't surprise me, but we live in a society today where many people don't have much of a "backbone".  They look the other way when someone does something wrong, they enable and allow friends and family to destroy their lives without stepping in or trying to intervene. We won't stand up to bullies or people who try to push us around or others for that matter.

I've always felt like people who had "no spine or backbone" had no self-respect or low self-esteem.  Right is right and wrong is wrong.  Truth is truth and lies are lies.  When it comes to truth and the right thing, we should never cower, avoid, live in denial, or pretend everything is ok when it's not. Just creates an endless cycle of more problems and damage.

I am convinced that is why many of our marriages, family situations, relationships in general, work environments, and even many of our churches have major issues because leaders won't lead, people who are being taken advantage of, hurt, mistreated, abused, harassed, or walked on won't stand up.  Of if someone can't stand up for themselves, then those of us who are aware of it, need to stand up for those who are helpless, but many times don't.  Instead we make excuses, feel sorry, or simple pretend it's not there.

Many times we make excuses and feel sorry for people, so we "tolerate" their behavior or treatment, if they are sick or ill, they need help not sympathy.  Tough love is helping them, sympathy is hurting them. Sometimes we don't want to get involved, but if you don't who will? If others can't or won't do the right thing, how about you?  If you are in a position of leadership in the home, work, or even church you were put there for a reason, to lead.  You cannot lead effectively if you aren't willing to make tough decisions, deal with problems, and confront wrong.

Being a follower of Jesus doesn't mean being weak, timid, or blind.  Even those who do not follow Jesus have to have some sort of moral compass.  We cannot look the other way while people do wrong, hurt othters, or spin out of control. We cannot look the other way while people are hurt, suffer, and are pushed around.

Jesus stood up to sin, bullies, and He stood for those who were hurting and in need.  I think we are called to do the same thing. It's time that we get  a spine, get a backbone, and stop avoiding things because they make us uncomfortable or we are scared. I think it's time to stop running away because we don't want to get involved.  I think it's time that we stop ignoring things because we feel sorry for someone or don't want to make them mad or cause a riff.  Courage is not the absence of fear, it's responding through fear.  Real Character is standing up for what is right, even against oppostion or risk of making someone mad or even if you have to do it alone.

I want to encourage us all no matter the situation in life, if we are faced with an opporunity to confront a problem, deal with a tough issue, or right a wrong or help someone in need,  stop a bully, help a loved one or freind who is hurting themselves, or stop a conflict at work or church, we need to stand up!

Deuteronomy 31:6(NIV)

"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.”

No leaders to follow

No Leaders to Follow
I've wrote on leadership before, but until now I haven't truly experienced my first leadership crisis.  I've been on staff at churches and been a part of churches in the past that lacked leadership, or had people in leadership who wouldn't lead effectively (or couldn't), I think part of the reason churches have habitual problems or do not grow is because they lack real, spiritual leadership or they have people in leadership who aren't good leader (they like the title or the attention leadership brings), but leader is not just a title, it's a position that requires you to lead.

 I also understand not everyone is a leader, but still there are many people who have ability to lead, but do not.  I am at a new church that is small,  I'm the only staff now and have no elders.  The church has been dwindling and on a downward spiral for sometime.. I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic. People have left and went to other churches, stopped going to church, or died off.  This church like others have had it's past successes and wonderful moments of blessing, but at the same time, if a church doesn't have quality, effecitve, and spiritual leaders the chuch is going to do any number of things: 1) divide 2) waffle 3) be stagnant 4) go in circles 5) be unproductive 6) quench the spirit 7) left hand not knowing what the right is doing 8) nothing will ever get done 9) dissension 10) dwindle and die.  I am sure you can think of some other things, but this was some of the things i've seen or had others share with me about their church.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from other Minister's is they have no leadership in their church.  They  have to end up doing everything themselves and either get burned out or frustrated or they do it all and get blamed for being a "dictator" or a "one man show", but the truth is, when you are the only one willing to lead, then it becomes those out of necessity and people have no right to complain if they aren't willing to serve or lead.

As I look back and learn about the church where I at now, the biggest thing that has been missing or is missing now is leadership.  People to lead.  People willing to lead.  People wanting to lead. People committed to using their leadership skills for God.   We will lead the boosters,PTA, girl/boy scouts,  the committee at work, be a supervisor or boss for a company, or coach a team, but when asked to serve in leadership at church people won't?  What happens, is churches settle and end up letting people lead who shouldn't because they aren't gifted or they want to be a "leader" for the wrong reasons(power, position, control, ego, pride, etc...).

I was called to lead and I'm going to lead. I'm also going to push for leadership and I'm going to try and call out people to lead.  We need leaders in our church, not just preachers,  Elders or Deacons/Ministry leaders, but we need people leading in our nursery, with our children, in our worship, our buildings/grounds, fellowships, meals, benevolence, outreach, evangelism, the lists of plenty of areas of our churches that need quality leadership to take these ministries, programs, and positions to the next level or begin these much needed ministries.  We need people to step up, step out, and step into leadershp in ALL churches.

I don't care your past,  your concerns, or excuses, if God gifted you with leadership abilities you need to be leading.  If God didn't equip you to be a leader, you need to be honest enough to accept it and find other ways to serve besides leadership. 

People cannot follow if they do not have a leader. People will not come to know Jesus if we do not have leaders in our churches or if churches aren't calling out and raising up and training leaders.  I'm a leader and I'm going to lead and I am leading, are you?  If you are gifted, called, and able to lead, then lead.  Ask God to give you a desire and willingness to lead, and then lead. Don't worry about criticism, complaints, or people who try to bully you. Lead!  No Preacher will be successful if he doesn't have people in the church willing to lead and no church will grow if it doesn't have people willing to lead.  Let's lead so people can follow.

Hebrews 13:7(NIV)

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Always Forget, Never Remember?

Always Forget, Never Remember?

This will be one of many articles I am sure you will read or come across talking about the 10 year annv. of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.  It falls on a Sunday, so a great opportunity for churches and preachers to use this time, as a great outreach, support, and reminder to all their church members and communities.

One thing you can be sure of, we forget, and we don't remember.  There are plenty of posters, clip art, and sign sayings, "Never Forget", and "Always Remember" and things like that about 9/11/01, but truth is we are a human race that forgets.  Go back and read the Old Testament of the Bible, how many times did the children of Israel turn to God, seek God, and get rescued and forgiven by God, only to forget, rebel, and follow their own ways or after other Gods? Plenty!  They forgot.  They didn't remember. 

Look at the New Testament, the jews were promised a Messiah and what happened when He finally came? They rejected Him, because they forgot or didn't remember the promises of God.  Look at churches today,  How many people go to church, get on fire for Jesus, get saved, etc...only in time to stop going to church or stop serving God. Why? We forget, we stop remembering.

How about your life or mine? How many times have we sinned, continued to sin, fell away, rebelled, or chose poorly? Why? We forget.  We don't remember.  We forget the kindnesss, unconditional love, grace, mercy, and salvation of God. We don't remember the healing He gave us at one time, the forgiveness, and gift He gave us.

We are forgetful people.  I know people are thinking about 9/11 because it's a 10 year annv., but I remember 10 years ago, how many people were scared the world was going to end, or we were all going to die, and people flocked to churches and God.  Where are they today? Many of them back to their old lives and back to no change.  Over time, the feelings of fear and the emotions of mortality faded, and they slowly went back to their old lives, old vices, old habits, old routines, and slowly but surely,they forgot about church, God, and faith.  Now, I am sure there were some people who came to God because of the 9/11 events, God always uses bad for good, but if I were a betting man, I'd bet more people forgot and faded than those who got saved(though we still rejoice for everyone who gets saved).

My thought for you this morming, is to develop better memory habits.  We need reminders, or we forget.  That is why  it's so important to talk (pray) to God daily, even though life may be busy. It's important to block off time daily or regularly to read/study the Bible even though you got distractions or obligations.  It's important to attend church and be involved serving in church regularly, not just sunday mornings only or hit and miss, but committed faithfully to attending, but not just attending, serving, giving, and being an active part of the church body.

In doing so, this will help you to remember and stay focused, if not the busyiness, hobbies, distractions, temptations,and life will get in the way and you will forget to serve, read, pray, attend, and grow your relationship with God.  Stay focused, stay involved, stay connected, so that you will not forget and will remember the goodness of God.

Proverbs 4:5(NIV)

"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them."

Nehemiah 9:16-18(NIV)

16 “But they, our ancestors, became arrogant and stiff-necked, and they did not obey your commands. 17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, 18 even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your god, who brought you up out of Egypt,’ or when they committed awful blasphemies.

What are you doing?

What Are You Doing?

Romans 12:6-8(NIV)
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully




We want God to do all sorts of things for us don't we?  We want Him to answer all our prayers exactly the way we want them answered and quickly. We want God to bless us and give us all the things we want, need, and "think" we need.  We can even want church to be exactly how we think it should be, sing the songs we want, spend money the way we want, have the traditions and programs I like, and the list is endless of things we want from God or want God to do.

However, the better question is:  What are YOU doing for God?  If being a Christian was just about us giving our opinions and/or coming and sitting on a church pew on Sunday mornings and attending church, we'd all be super-christians.  But, being a Christian or being the church, is not about attending a church service or getting our way. As a matter of fact, being a christian really is the opposite.  It's about "being" the church and not attending a church service, and it's about "giving" ourselves to God in worship and service and not just giving an opinion.

So, What are you doing?  Where are you serving?  How are you giving? Are you truly committed to God and His church?  We give tons of cash to a house payment, car payment, or our hobbies of golf, boating, or camping, but what do we give God? We spend countless hours scrapbooking, fishing, going to little league, or cheer competitions, or yard sales, but how much time a week do we devote to serving God?  We use our abilities to help with school athletic boosters, PTO, little league officer, Kiwanis or Lion's club, or countless other causes(most are good), but if we are asked to volunteer, serve, lead, or teach at church, we don't have time.

So, What are you doing?  Do you spend time each day in prayer talking to God?  Are you spending regular amounts of time reading or studying the Bible or involved in a weekly Bible study or SS class?  Are you doing your part in the church and volunteering and serving in some way in one of it's programs or ministries?  Are you committed to giving financially to God. Remember you are giving to God through His church, not just giving money to "your" church. 

So, What are you doing? Are you serving? Are you giving? Are you leading? Are you committed? Are you doing your part? Are you giving your best to God? Are you

Be careful what you ask for

*sorry it's been a few weeks since my last blog. We have been in process of moving and getting internet and getting settled.

Be Careful What you Ask for

How many times have you wished for something or asked for something or prayed to God for something you wanted or wanted to do?  You finally get what you thought you wanted and you now have regret? dissapointment?  frustration?  Because what you thought you "wanted" or "needed" was not what you wanted, needed, or what was best for you? It may not even be what God intended for you?  Or it may be something God wanted you to have or do and you fight against it, even though you asked for it.

I'm not sure what your situation, problem, or what it is that your life doesn't have or you think you want, need, or have to change?  However, I do know that sometimes we ask for things we don't need, we want things that are not healthy for us, and we can even pray to God for things we know aren't in His will.

How can we avoid this?   I think 1.) You pray, but pray unbiased to God, and truly be open to His will, not yours. Not what you want or think you want or need, but pray for God to give you or do or show you what HE wants for your life.  2.)  Weigh the options.  You have to look at the pro's and con's and the positive and negatives of what you think you want or need or are asking for.  Take time to truly evaluate and see if what you want or asking for is because you are being selfish, might be being negatively influenced by someone or something, or just havent researched the consequences of if you actually got your wish. 3.)  Seek Godly counsel.  Sometimes we go around and ask for advice from people until we find one that tells us what we want to hear, so we think we got affirmation or justification to what we want.  However, this is wrong.  We need to talk to people we trust, know will tell be completely honest with us, and tell us like it is, and then we need to respect their honesty and thank them for being a real friend and consider highly their honest counsel.
4.) Change your mindset.  Stop being guided by emotions, feelings, pleasure, selfishness, fantasy, or lies.  Be realistic when you think you want something. Ask why do I really want this?  What is it I really hope to get out of this?  Is it truly worth it?  How am I going to feel once I get what I think I want?  We've got to think, evaluate, view, and pray with a right mindset that is open to the option of maybe what i'm asking for I don't need, don't really want, is not best for me, or will cause more problems.

These are just my suggestions from my experiences and the experiences I've seen in others, but I pray they help you.  We need to be very very careful what we ask for, what we pray for, and what we think we "want" or "need".  From a christian standpoint, we especially need to involve God in all things and seek His will and strive to live our lives with Him as our guide and helping us make our decisions and choices in daily life so that we don't do things or get things that will hurt us, cause us pain, or leave us with regret. 

Sometimes God will give us what we want, even though it's not His will because He's tired of our rebellious heart.

Psalm 81:12(NIV)

So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.

But, God truly wants us to use wisdom, discernment, and grow to what we ask for

Proverbs 4:26(NIV)Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways

Ask for God's will when we ask for anything, not "our" will, but God's!
1 John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Bozoo Bound

Bozoo Bound

Why Bozoo? I say Why not?  I've gotten different comments about going to Bozoo Christian Church, all are positive.  The biggest question is how is it pronounced, it's Bo-Zoo, not Bozo not Bazoo, it's Bo-zoo.  The next question is where is it.  It's in Monoroe county in southern West Virginia near the Virginia border(for those of you in the midwest or southwest or west, West Virginia and Virginia are 2 different states, WV was 35th state in the union, c'mon pay attention in geography or look at a map).

Bozoo is in Monroe county just about 5 miles outside the city limits of Peterstown WV.  Now where is Peterstown?  it is about 15 minutes EAST of Princeton, WV off of Highway 460 (on rt. 219 out of Rich Creek, VA) or it's about 15 minutes WEST of Pearisburg, VA or 45 minutes WEST of Blacksburg, VA, home of the VA Tech Chokies, I mean Hokies.

Bozoo is a small rural farming community and is nestled beautifully in the moutains of southern WV and within 30-60 minutes of many  places including Bluestone Lake, Pipestem, Winterplace Ski Resort, Lewisburg, the Greenbriar, New River, etc...so many places to camp, fish, sightsee, and enjoy the outdoors.

Bozoo Christian Church is where I will be preaching.  It's a small church that has it's roots back to 1896. The church used to be a  larger and more active, but in recent years has dwindled down to over half of what they used to be to about 40 faithful people, due to either lack of leadership, no minister, or various other circumstances.  However, those that are left desire to see the church grow, get the church moving again, and see God work in their community again.  They realize if they do not try and get a full-time Minsiter now, that in the near future they would be in danger of even exisiting or still having services.

Many people my age and situation may want a larger church, or many people seem to be in the movement of going and starting new churches and doing church plants.  I've read it's easier to go into a community and start a new church, than it is to go into an old church and try and change it.  While this is probably true, I am not going in with the mindset of trying to change the church.  I am going in with the mindset and attitude of being faithful with the small things.  Helping this church get organized and structured, and provide leadership. I also know with this ministry there will be no quick fixes.  It will take much time, prayer, effort, and most of all relying fully on the power of the Holy Spirit and trusting in God to work.  As long as people are willing to follow me and we work together, we can change and can grow all under God's blessings.

I like a challenge. I like the thought of going into a church and helping them.  I told my wife we are really going to be missionaries to Bozoo.  We will not have the resources and things we need at first, and that is why i've asked some of my ministry friends and friends at churches (and I'm asking you) if you want to motivate your church, SS class or small group, or youth group to give a one time donation to the church at  BCC there are lots of projects where there is great need and will cost money, which as you know in smaller churches is not in great supply. (if you do want to help, email me jbthomas72@hotmail.com ).  They are going out on a limb to hire me and have spent much money fixing up the parsonage, but there is much more to do.

However, though we may have some resources we will be lacking, we will build toward those things and strive to make the church in all areas better and healthier and it will take time as i grow in relationship and trust with the current members and as wel begin to reach out to that community.  We may not have all the high-tech stuff, modern contemporary worship I enjoy, but there are some things in smaller country churches that are nice too. Like great home cooking, friendliness, loyalty, and a giving spirit.

I joked with a freind I am not exactly in high demand, I've moved around too much the past few years, I don't have the typical bible degree from college, and my wife has been married before, so many churches look over me, but I like to think I'm a diamond in the rough. That God isn't finished with me yet, and that if I am faithful and obedient, He will bless me and my family and the church I serve Him in.  It's His church and His will be done.

We are looking forward to going to Bozoo, even with the challenges and things ahead, I am confident in God and my ability to serve Him, and with the core group of people there that Bozoo Christian Church can be effective and relevant to that community again.  There are not shortage of lost people or unchurched people out there, and there is no shortage of casual christians, church hoppers, and non-committal christians out there.  There is plenty of work to do, no matter where you go or serve.

You say why Bozoo? I say why not? I desire to serve God and He desires to use  me. Bozoo has a great need and I desire to fill that need for God.  I do  not know what the future will hold, I do not know how we will accomplish some of the things that need to happen, and I do not  know how everything will get done, but I do not God can do ANYTHING and it's He that I hope guides us.  I just want to be obedient and available to Him and continue to grow in wisdom, patience, faith, and knowledge as I try to go as a Christian and as a Minister.

I ask for your prayers.  Come and visit us sometime.  Come and stay with us(we will have guest room and plenty of room), if you come and camp or ski or travel near us, give us a shout.  You can find Bozoo Christian church on Facebook and you can google us. I hope within the year to have a website up and running.   Looking forward to seeing what God is going to do at Bozoo Christian Church.

Blessings and love,

Jason

Talk to ME

Talk to Me

I think the biggest issue in relationships, businesses, and even church leadership is communication.  People have trouble expressing their feelings or putting them into words, and being honest and straight about what they want, how they feel, or in making decisions.

How many conflicts, problems, or issues could be resolved if people would only speak up?  We have people in leadership in companies and especially churches who will not communicate with people.  They are in a position of leadership, but will not lead. They don't want to cause a wave, hurt feelings, make anyone mad, make themselves uncomofortable, or deal with whatever the issue at hand is.   The problem is however, you created more and bigger issues by not communicating directly, honestly, promptly, and effectively.

I think in our relationships whether dating, marriage, parenting, or friendships could be alot better if we'd express our feelings, desires, wants, or needs into words.  So many times we want to avoid conflict so we remain silent, we don't want to cause problems so we stay quiet, or we don't want to share our true feelings out of discomfort or awkwardness.  Once again, you create more problems by not communicating how you really feel.

If I was being completely honest with you, i am direct, blunt, and say how I feel.  I usually don't hold back.  I agree at times I may need to have more tact or I don't have to say everything I feel or that pops into my head(I'm a work in progress), however, it makes no sense to me why people won't stand up, speak out, or say how they are feeling, what they want, or what needs to happen or change.   We live with a constant "elephant in the room" in our board meetings, leadership meetings, or in our conversations with loved ones.

We cannot have healthy relationships, lead effectively, or run a company, business, organization, or church without learning to speak up, communicate clearly and effectively, and without confronting pressing issues head on.  

For example, I heard recently from some people from a church about being upset about a change in service times.  It wasn't that they were upset that the times changed, they were upset the Elders of the church didn't communicate the changes, or seek feedback from the church.  Another  example, would be having an issue at work with an employeed always coming in late or not doing their job, but refusing to address the issue because you don't want to cause a problem(hello! You're in charge, it is your problem!).  Or in relationship if your husband says something to hurt your feelings, or your brother treats you bad, or a friend throws you under the bus, and you avoid telling them how it made you feel, well you are the only one who can say how you feel, or what you want. 

I know not everyone is talkative, some more more introverted and quiet, but even if that is your personality, you still have to speak up and communicate with people, especially if you are in relationships or in positions of authority.  If you are a leader or boss and you don't like commmunicating, making decisions, or dealing with problems head on, then maybe it's time for you to resign or find a job or role where you don't have to deal with those things.

Sometimes we want the title, the glory, or the pay but then don't want to do the job or role.  Sometimes we want the relationship or friendship but at the expense of our integrity or character.  We've gotta learn to talk, communicate, and share our feelings, expectations, wants, desires, needs, and even our authority(if we are in a position to have the right to excerise it).

Maybe you are with people who talk to much, or dominate conversataions, they maybe that way because they are allowed to be, or because no one else ever steps in and speaks up.  Don't be afraid to cut them off and be heard, or keep them on task, or gain the respect to be heard yourself!

Jesus was the ultimate communicater. He was open, honest, and direct.  I think all our relationships whether personal, professional, or spiritual could be so much better if we'd all learn to talk to each other and not waste time, worry, or avoid subjects or conversations that need to happen. 

Ephesians 4:25(NIV)

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

You of little faith

You of little Faith?

Jesus used that statement five(5) times in book of Matthew.  Once  He talked about worry(matt 6:30), once when He calmed the storm (matt 8:26), once when Peter joined him walking on water and he tooks His eyes of Jesus and begin to sink(matt 14:31), once when He was dealing with the disciples in teaching them to beware of the teachings of the pharisees and sadducees(matt 16:8), and once when the disciples couldn't drive out a demon and He told them they only needed faith the size of a mustard seed and they could move a mountain (matt 17:20).

Whether it was worry, fear, focus, education, or doubt Jesus expects those of us who follow Him or claim to be His to have FAITH.  Big faith, not little faith.  Faith is belief in action. We can't say we truly have faith in God if we are constantly worrying about every little thing or afraid of what will happen if we take a risk or make a decision.  We can't say we have faith, if we are easily influenced by the world, false teaching, or religion based on traditions, or if we doubt the power of God to do whatever He wants through us. We can't say we have faith, if we doubt that God can do what He wants to do, anytime He wants to do it, and anyway He wants to do it.

Do you see? Faith is not just a word to say I'm a christian or go to church? People ask what faith are you? We say Christian, Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, etc...Faith is not a religion or denomination. Faith is built on our belief and relationship in God. 

The biblical definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1(NIV)
¹ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see

FAITH means being SURE, having HOPE, being CERTAIN, even though we do not see God right in front of us physical.

This sure, hopeful, certain faith should motivate us to overcome fears, doubts, anxieties, worries, and act upon our belief in our relationship with God.  It should help us keep our focus and attention on God.  To read and study His Holy Word so we are educated and not easily led astray or influenced by bad teaching, leagalism, sin, tradition, or false hope.  It should give us confidence that we have the power of God(His Spirit) living and working in us, that we can do anything God wants us to do, and that we trust wholly and completely in God that we can do anything God wants us to do, yes even moving a mountain with the faith small as a mustard seed.

Yet, many Christians live like they have no faith.  They live in constant worry or fear. They are afraid to fail so they do not try. They worry about the future, so they do not trust in God's outcome.  They don't have faith in prayer to God or in learning His word, so they are constantly confused by things we read or religous talk.  We  don't tap into the power of the Holy Spirit in us and we neglect it and thus we don't use our talents, gifts, or abilities for God.  In reality we limit God.

Churches are no different. Churches never plan what they can't pay for or do in their own power.  Churches won't step out in faith and hire additional staff, or build a better facility, or deal with difficult people who are holding their church back.  The church(it's leaders, shepherds, pastors, and preachers, even members) need to start practicing what they preach, or as the old saying goes "put your money where your mouth is", in translation, we need to not just talk, we need to walk the walk.  We need to be people who are christians, who are church members, and church leaders to have BIG faith, not little faith, or no faith. 

I don't care what it is?  Relationships? Finance? Decisions? Problems?  We need to put our faith in God.  We need to Trust God by exercising our faith.  I don't want Jesus to say about me what He said about others, "OH you of little faith.".

I'm not worthy

I'm Not Worthy

You remember that from the movie "Wayne's World", when Wayne and Garth would meet one of their heroes?  However, sometimes the opposite of that happens when people expect you to bow down to them, like they are special, better than you, or above others and they are not deserving.

You may know the Bible speaks of "Pride comes before the fall" (Proverbs 16:18), but why is it that some people take their faith, "calling", or religion so serious, that  they become arrogant, haughty, or stuck-up, when those things are the opposite of what it means to be a christian, pastor, or preacher.  We must be humble, sincere, and seek out the good of others and most of all God's glory before ourselves.

We live in a world of mega-churches Pastors and televangelists that demand their own parking space,  want treated like a celebrity or apostle, and love the attention the comes with being a "Preacher".  Or they are so puffed up with what they think is their own knowledge, gifts, and "know it all" you can hardly be around them.  You can't talk to them, because they are never wrong, you can't debate them because they don't listen except to their own voice, and you can't reason with them, because are more righteous than you.  This isn't just preacher's, this goes for some christians as well.

I got news for all of us out there(yes, me too!), we are not better than anyone else.  It doesn't matter your last name, your position in society, your title, your education, how much money you make, or how many books you've read.  Not one person is better than the other.  I don't care if you've been to church your whole life, been a christian most of your life, or been to seminary, bible college, or ordained a minister, elder, deacon, or duke of Earl, as the saying goes, "All ground is level at the foot of the cross."

We all need Jesus. We all need a Savior.  We all fall short and sin every day(Romans 8:28), none of us know it all, and  no one is better than the other.  No color of skin, no amount of income, and no job title will get you any closer to God. 

If we want to grow in our knowledge, faith, and wisdom of God, then we need to be humble and teachable.  If we want God to use our abilities and talents for His purpose, we need be be humble and willing.  If we want to make a difference in this world then we must be humble and serve like Christ.

I may know more about the Bible than you, but you may pray more often than I do.   You may be a more mature Christian than I am, but I do a better job of sharing my faith with others.  I may preach and teach, but you  may encourage, give lavishly, and pray earnestly more often for others needs than I do.  The point is,we all have our strengths, we alll have our weaknesses, and we all are equal in God's eyes.  He died for each of us, He loves us all the same, and He offers us all the same opportunities to be be saved, to grow in our faith, to serve, to give, and to love as He does.

We should  have confidence in our God, but not arrogance. We should be secure in our relationship with God, but not be judgemental and look down on those who aren't.  We should feel good to know that we are God's and loved by Him unconditionally, but we should not think we are better than anyone, only better off that some because we are God's and they have not yet chose Him. 

Love God, Love others!  Be the church!  Let your light Shine!  Be Humble!  Be available!  Let God use you! Lead others to Him!  Share your faith in Love!  Be sincere!  Be sincere!  Be the you God created you to be!  We are only worthy because of God.  He is the one who is truly Worthy of all praise, all glory, and all credit!

Philippians 2:3(NIV)

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

Ignore

Ignore

That's what we like to do sometimes isn't it? Ignore.  Ignore it and it will go away?  Well I've not learned everything, but I've learned most things in life just don't go away.  Can't ignore the fly or the mosquito it's not just going to get bored and go away.  You can't ignore your whining kid, they won't go away.  You also can't ignore the problem in your life with drugs or alcohol that's turning into a dependence or an addiction.  It's not going to fix itself.  You can't ignore the warning signs and flashing lights of  bad relationships whether friendship, dating, or marriage, they aren't going to just resolve on their own. 

Yes, we can ignore the messy bedroom or the leaky sink or the tight jeans, but guess what, they aren't going to clean themselves, fix themselves, or get loose on their own.  No matter how big or how small the problem, issue, or trouble, things aren't going to be resolved, fixed, or overcome by ignoring them.

We have church leaders who want the title as "Pastor" or "Elder" or "Leader", but when it comes to dealing with problems or preventing problems or "leading", they would rather "Ignore" than lead. When it comes to having a struggle with a sin, or bad habit, or something, we want to just ignore it and live in denial, but problem is it doesn't go away it gets worse, creates more problems, and affect others.

Several years ago, I left  full-time ministry and during that time out of ministry I started turning to alcohol and away from Jesus.  I knew it wasn't ok or right to abuse alcohol or ignore Jesus, but I didn't care, my heart had become hard.  I tried ignoring my problems for awhile.  When I was sad, depressed, lonely, or upset I'd turn to alcohol.  It created more problems that it solved.  I made poor decisions,  I was a bad example, I let people down, and I just created more problems for myself by abusing and mis-using alcohol.  I couldn't ignore the problem anymore or it would have turned into a bigger problem and could have ruined my life, or even any opportunity I had to minister in the future.

Praise God, I stopped ignoring and started dealing.  I turned back to God, He healed me and eventually was able to use me again in full-time ministry.  Sadly, many people don't recover because they continue to ignore the problems.

When you have to have it, have to do it, or your life revolves around it, it's no longer healthy.  Whether it's abusing Alcohol, doing drugs, using people for sex, hanging with the wrong crowd, or dating people who treat you bad, or hanging out with friends who use you, or something less noticeable like having a negative attitude, or being moody, or being judgemental and criticical of others.  Anything, that is ignored long enough becomes a problem, but eventually not just a problem for you, but for those you come into contact with.

You think a drug user is only one to deal with his demons? You think the gossip, the negative, or the angry are  the only ones effected by their behavior?  Everyone pays the price when we ignore stuff.

You refuse to lead and ignore problems in your church, your marriage, or your children, there are consequences.  You refuse to deal with your addiction, it will eventually kill you or land you in prison and definitly alone.  You keep ignoring your behaviors or attitudes or feelings and you will push people away, isolate yourself, and be miserable and make others miserable.

Don't ignore things in your life any longer. Deal with them.  Get help if you need it.  Seek help if you need it.  Change what you can.  Address what you can.  Deal with what you can.  Most of all seek God.  Allow God to help you change, grow, mature, and deal with issues, problems, etc..in your life.  Ask God for wisdom to make better choices or decisions.  Surround yourself with people, family, church, whoever that truly loves you, and will be a positive help in your life.

Don't go through life ignoring things, or it will be a constant reminder of regret, pain, problems, and troubles.  Don't make excuses, blame others, or IGNORE it all thinking it will go away. It will not.  Not only will it not go away, it will come back on you a lot bigger and a lot worse. Most of all don't ignore God and His helping Hand.  God can help you, heal you, and hold you.

Proverbs 8:33(NIV)

"Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it."

PURE

PURE

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Look at these sheep.  They really stand out against the back drop of green grass.  They are white, fluffy, and pure.  White is the color of purity.  Purity is a good thing.   Let's look at the next picture below.

Now? Not so much.  They look nice and white when they are compared to green grass, but once you place them up against sometime a lot whiter and more pure like fresh snow, the flaws and dirt become obvious.

That's sort of what Jesus does.  Jesus is Pure.  He is Holy. He is perfect. He is without defect.  We are not.  Sometimes we'd like to think we or someone we love is like the pretty white sheep standing in a lush green pasture, but truth is we are all are or were like the dirty white sheep standing in the snow.  We need Jesus.  Jesus is the only one who can make us pure and clean us up to be like Him.

It's very easy to get caught up in I'm a good person, I do good things, and I don't know why I need this Jesus.  It's also easy to be very critical of others faults or presumed faults while ignoring the much worse ones you have. 

Which sheep are you? Are you the one hiding in the green grass pretending to be pure? It's like putting yourself around fat people so that you look skinny, or hanging out with people uglier than you so you look pretty.  It's like being hurtful or tearing someone else down so that you look smart.  All you are doing is trying to cover up your impurities and hide your faults.

If we hold oursleves up to a higher standard which is God, we realize we aren't as pure. We have faults, blemishes, and defects.  But, don't get depressed or low self-esteem. There is good news. What we all really need to do(yes, this means me too) is look at Jesus who is PURE and compare ourselves to Him. We need to realize we need Him and we cannot be pure without Him.   God makes us pure.  Its the reason Jesus came to earth, lived as a human, died a cruel death on the cross, and become our sin, took our hell, and defeated them all in order to make us pure.  He became our sacrificial lamb. Jesus is the pure white sheep.

We can become pure, only because of Jesus. Not anything we did, can do, or ever will do.  Purity comes from Him.  It is our goal to strive to live pure lives.  We us purity alot of times talking about sex, but purity is really for all areas of our lives.  Anytime we sin, pick up bad habits, or do wrong, we become impure. 

 Dictionary defines Pure as : "free from tainting or polluting matter; clean; wholesome"  This is what God does for us through Jesus.  We get "tainted" or "polluted" with sin, problems, negative attitudes, bitterness, envy, hatred, addictions, etc....and Jesus comes in and makes us "clean" and "whole". 

All of us are born human, therefore we are born into a sinful world and over time, we ourselves become sinful and dirty, and impure.  I know I was dirty once and there was a time I gave up the purity to be dirty again. Thank God He doesn't give up on us!

  Many times we don't realize it because we surround ourselves around things and people and places that mask or camoflauge our imperfections and impurities, we sometimes hide behind them in order to make ourselves look good. However, when we compare ourselves to the Purity of Jesus, we realize we need to be like Him, we need Him, and He is the only one who can truly clean us.  Then we can share with others how they can become pure no matter what they've said or done in the past or present.  God is Pure.

 Titus 1:15

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Psalm 51:7

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.