Why Should I Have A Daily Quiet Time with Jesus?

What happens if a growing boy doesn't eat? Though he may make it without the "ewwy" broccoli, he won't grow very tall. His muscles won't develop into those of a G.I. Joe. If he doesn't get the nutrients he needs, his body will shrivel, and eventually just stop.

The same can be said for believers who don't "eat" enough of God's word: the Bible.

4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,‘People do not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

Matt 4:4 (NLT)

 

 

 

I often talk with believers who struggle to keep a consistent time of prayer and bible reading. Heck, I struggled for years to develop a habit of spending time with Christ. But, my daily "quiet time" has become essential to my spiritual walk. I can now tell a huge difference between the flow of days in which I do read my bible and the ones that I don't.

 

 

Why Read My Bible and Pray Everyday?

I remember a cute little song that one of my Sunday School teachers taught me growing up that went something like this...

 

"...Read your bible, pray everyday, and you'll groW, grOW, GROW!..."

 

It's cute, and it's RIGHT! If we have a true desire to groW, grOW, GROW! then we will begin the process of spending time with Jesus every day.

 

RELATIONSHIP is also a HUGE word when it comes to having a quiet time. If I want to build a good relationship with someone I don't ignore and neglect them. But, I spend time with them. We hangout. We talk. We'll probably catch a cup of coffee together, or maybe shoot some hoops. It's no different from our walk with Jesus. It's said that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship. I wholeheartedly agree. But, it's up to us to enhance that relationship, and we do that by spending time with Jesus.

 

How Do I Read My Bible and Pray Everyday?

Listen Dude, spending time with Jesus isn't nearly as hard as we make it out to be. There isn't a cookie-cutter system. Here are a few answered questions and tips:

• When am I supposed to have my quiet time? Jesus doesn't have office hours. You will never call on Him and get His secretary. Jesus's door is always open to talk. Take advantage of this. I usually sit down and have my quiet time first thing in the morning. My bible and prayer time usually goes with a cup of coffee. But, that's because that's what works for me. You can meet with Jesus anytime. When you wake up, or before you go to sleep. Maybe you leave lunch a little early, and find a place to check into your bible for a few minutes. Make time for Jesus, anytime.

• I just haven't had time... Bologna. You make time for other things. People have time to do what they want to do. Like I said, Jesus's door is always open. You may just have to spend less time on facebook, texting little Susie, or cut off SportsCenter for a few minutes in the morning.

• Where do I start? I used to say the gospel of John, but my mind has changed. Really, it doesn't matter. But, my suggestion is always Romans. Martin Luther called Romans the purest Gospel. It doesn't get much better than that. The book of Romans is basically Apostle Paul writing down the basics of our Christian Faith.

 

 

•  There are just so many distractions, my brother listens to the TV really loud... Be wise. Get away. Go somewhere quiet. Take a prayer walk through the woods. Read your bible while laying on the trampoline. Or, this is a crazy thought, go in your room and shut the door...

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matt 6:6 (NLT)



 

 

Reading the bible is a privilege. I mean, we actually get to hear God speak. Praying is a privilege. We have the opportunity to approach God in grace! Take advantage of this. The Creator of the universe wants to sit down and talk with YOU!

 

 

I hope this has helped in some way. If you have any thoughts, questions, or suggestions don't hesitate to leave a comment.

 

 

 

Here are some other thoughts or resources that may help...

 

• Try the YouVersion bible app. www.youversion.com They have reading plans and an accessible app where you can read anytime. Most students use this electric version of the bible in our bible studies.
• A good devotional to supplement your bible reading is usually helpful. But, be careful not to lay down the Bible in favor of a devotional. Here is Johhny Hunt talking about the devotional that I'm actually using now. It's great. You can find it on amazon for a decent price.

 
•  http://pastormark.tv/2012/04/17/7-tips-for-better-bible-study

 



 

 

 

A Letter to YOU!

Hey you! Yes, you.

I want you to know something today. If you are in Christ, YOU ARE NEW!

 

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"

2 Corinthians 5:17(NLT)

 

You've messed up? You lived a jacked up life for years? You haven't been the greatest friend? Maybe, you've lied or lusted. Maybe you used to be a gossip. In Christ, you are forgiven. Yep, I said it...FORGIVEN.

 

When you enter Christ, God the Father doesn't see you and your jacked up life anymore. He sees JESUS! How huge is that? It's HUGE!

 

"For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

2 Corinthians 5:21(NLT)

 

So, if you are FORGIVEN, if you are really NEW, live like who you are would live. Catch that? Live like the person who God has made you. He has made you into a new creation. You, in Christ, are not a pervert. You are a pure child of the Living God. Live purely. You, in Christ, are not a liar anymore. You are a product of the Truth. Walk in truth. You, in Christ, are no longer a mess up. You have been made into a masterpiece. Let your life be the swipe of God's paint brush.



"He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them."

2 Cor 5:15 (NLT)

 

Train Tracks

I recently moved into a home in Marshville, NC. Yep, the home of Randy Travis. The last few weeks have been hectic. From starting work at a new church, to packing and moving, to having the satellite dude come this week, these past few weeks have been a big adjustment.

 

I must say, I’m loving it. The busyness has been fun. But, there have been some weird, different, and even scary parts. I’m from the country, and I grew up about 15 minutes from the nearest city limit sign. Not anymore. I live in town now. And, if you are in town in Marshville, you can hear the train moving down the tracks several times a day…and night. That scared me at first. When I first thought about it I said, “Oh, poop.” But, once I got moved in, my mind changed. I heard the train, and instead of referring to poop, I said, “Man, that’s cool.” I am loving this train. When it wakes me up at 2am? I don’t clinch my teeth. I smile. It’s just the train…

 

Following Christ can be this way. When we stand on the outside of following Jesus we may think, “Oh, poop.” But, when you’re on the inside? You wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. Yep, even when things feel as inconvenient as hearing a train pass at 2am. You may think of the hiccups and missed opportunities when first seeing if this Jesus thing is for real. I know. I put off following Jesus for 2 or 3 years because of what it might cost me. Now, as a Christ-follower, I couldn’t imagine myself following anyone else. Are there rough patches? You better believe it. But, those speed-bumps aren’t because Jesus led me down the wrong path. I’m experiencing that bump in  the road because I’m imperfect, and I live in an imperfect world. Following Jesus is like living beside the train tracks. And, I’m falling in love with sound of that ole train.

 

But, I need to be careful. I love the sound of that train now, because it’s new and different. What happens after I’ve been here for a few weeks, months, or years. It could lose it’s romance. I could get so used to hearing the sound that it doesn’t even catch my attention. Or, it’s repetitiveness could grow to irritate me. I think the same can happen to following Jesus…

 

Sometimes when we finally crossover to following Jesus, we lose our love after a while. Loving others doesn’t come so easy. Reading our bible doesn’t seem so exciting. And, meeting with the church? Those people can start to get on your nerves.

 

So, what do you do? Well, I don’t want to stop hearing that Train, so I’m going to keep listening for it. I’m going to take note of it’s passing. In my silliness, I may throw up a wave. Will I do the same for Jesus? Will I continue to keep an eye out for His beauty? Will I listen for His calling and encourage? Will you? Don’t fall out of love with Jesus.

Always The Right Answer...

I have never been a super student. Especially not in math. I remember taking a math quiz in the 7th grade like it was yesterday. Pre-Algebra was almost the death of me. But, this specific quiz was handed out, and I felt like I was looking at a different language. It was like my teacher said, "Let me blow your mind!" I didn't even know where to start. The only space for an answer that I could fill was one that said "Name:_________".

Sometimes we feel this way in our Christian walk. We are faced with a problem, or a temptation, and we have no idea how to answer. The answers are almost always more complex than saying yes or no. Each question has larger implications than that. There is a grade to come. Maybe the grade is the approval of our friends. No one wants to be a loser. Maybe the grade is financial status. Nobody wants to be broke or have to give up going out to dinner every night of the week. Maybe the grade is the fulfillment of a pleasure, dream, or addiction. We all have things we want.

But, Jesus showed us how to get an A. In Matthew 3 and 4, we read about Jesus being tempted. Jesus was in a situation and He had to make a choice. He had to bubble in an answer. It was test time. Satan threw out all kind of temptation. He tempted Him with power, and false fulfillment. But, how would Jesus answer?

a. WITH SCRIPTURE!

With every question and temptation, Jesus answered back with some truth from the BIBLE. Jesus would take the Word, and say, "Here Satan, put that in your oven and cook it!"

This is an awesome example for us. If we want to answer the questions of life correctly and pass the only test that matters, we need to be rooted in the bible. We need to be able to answer our sin with biblical truth. When we do this, we find a way out of the situation and ace the test. When we have questions of doubt, we are to look back at scripture and know that God will provide.

3 Disciplines to Help You Answer With Scripture:

Read Scripture:
How will we answer sin with scripture if we don't even look at the word? Make a point to read your bible daily. Start with a 5 minute devotion. Get alone with Jesus. Pray and read. The gospel of John and the Book of Romans are good places to start.

Remember Scripture:
OOOOOH, this one is scary. Actually memorize scripture? Yes. You're not always going to have your bible with you. You're not always going to be surrounded with "Super Christians". You may last a little while walking with Jesus and not having some scripture memorized, but not for long. He gives us His word for a reason. Have the words of it written on your heart. We are in a spiritual war. Be ready to fight.

Really Believe Scripture:
If you don't REALLY believe the bible then you're wasting your time. Don't just read it. Read it and know that it is the inspired word of God, and He cannot lie. And, don't read it like some story book. Read it like a passionate love letter. Read it like He really means what He is saying. Take God's word seriously. Not like Goldy Locks and the three little pigs, or whatever. Also, if you REALLY believe it, you will begin to live it. If you believe your pants are on fire, then you will act like your pants on fire. If you believe God's word is true, you will see it's truth becoming true in the things that you do.



Here are a few Scriptures that help me answer temptation and doubt:

• Galatians 2:20
• John 3:30
• John 3:16-17
• Romans 1:8
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 6:23
• James 1:21

All About Jesus.

Different Place, Same Calling

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

 

 

 

There is common misconception in today's world concerning the way we follow and serve Jesus: My circumstances or placement in life should determine the way I serve Christ.

 

The truth is that whatever we do, or wherever do it, it should all be for the glory of God.

 

The last few weeks have been an exciting time in my life. They have been full of change. I've made a move from serving at one church to another. I'll soon be moving homes. We've been trying to throw some  arrangements for furniture together. And, in all of this, Taylor and I plan and look forward to getting married in April. This has been going on throughout the holidays and all of it's fun. So, it's easy to say that we've had a lot going on.

 

But, the Lord gave me some encouragement today. In all of the business, I have asked myself, "What are we gonna do?". Questions concerning what I'll teach, how we will approach certain situations, and financial needs have raced through my mind. But, this morning God gave me a word. Wherever I go, I have one purpose for living: To Glorify Jesus.

 

I need to plan to glorify Jesus. I need to prepare in such a way that in every situation I enter Jesus will be glorified. I need to set myself up for success in the area of pointing to Jesus, and that is in every area. Prayer is a HUGE part of this. If I do not pray that Jesus be given glory through my life, then I will not be properly equipped to do so. He is my source. He is my power. I can't get so caught up in doing that I forget why and for whom I'm doing all this for.

 

I need to focus on glorifying Jesus. Not me. Not a study. Not a program. Not a bill. And, not some drama. If I'm going to live a life that glorifies Jesus, I need to focus on JESUS. If I'm focused on everything else then that is what I will glorify. To glorify means to highlight or to lift up. If we are going to highlight Jesus, we have to focus the swipe of our pens, which are our lives, across the name of Jesus.

 

Remember, wherever you go or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of Jesus. Don't make excuses. Don't search for cooler things or more excitement. Search for Jesus. He is our purpose for living.

 

 

All About Jesus.

Most Read Blog Posts From 2012

This year is coming to an end. Looking at my blog, I've noticed something: I don't blog as much as I once did. But, I look forward to blowing up your news feed with news posts in 2013.

In review, here are links to the 3 most read blog posts of 2013...

1. To Those Struggling with Homosexuality, and Their Family Members: http://doyouhavetheurge.blogspot.com/2012/04/to-those-struggling-with-homosexuality.html
2. Loving Others When You Want to Punch Them In The Throat...: http://doyouhavetheurge.blogspot.com/2012/12/loving-others-when-you-want-to-punch.html

    T3.  5 years ago...: http://doyouhavetheurge.blogspot.com/2012/12/5-years-ago.html
    T3. FOR US (Good Friday)...: http://doyouhavetheurge.blogspot.com/2012/04/for-us-good-friday.html

I hope you enjoyed 2012 at www.doyouhavetheurge.blogspot.com, and I look forward to posting in 2013!

Soaking Up Family Traditions On Christmas...

I love Christmas. But, I haven't always loved the family traditions.

I remember as a kid, just waiting for the presents, and hating everything that delayed opening them. We would eat. Boy, would we eat. Then came the old-folks talking for what seemed like ages. Then came the Christmas story. Then more old people talking, and usually some crying. We'd sing happy birthday to Jesus.Then finally... well, then they would talk some more. Then... THE PRESENTS. I hate to brag, but I think I'm the best present unwrapper ever. Just saying.

But, as I get older, I'm starting to cherish the tradition. I'm starting to enjoy the talking. I'm beginning to love my Grandmother reading the Christmas story. And, there may be a tear or seven running down my cheek. But, my favorite part? Singing happy birthday to Jesus. I know it may seem silly. I mean, as a kid, I would giggle through it. But, I love it. 15 or so people, young and old, just singing our hearts out to Jesus as we celebrate His birth. I look around and see my Grandparents, parents, and other family acting as if they were at a childhood friend's birthday party. That's my family. I'm thankful for them,

I'm thankful for my family. I'm starting to realize that they may not always be here. And, so as I soak the tradition up, I also soak them up. My MawMaw loves that Christmas story. My PawPaw loves teasing us grandchildren. My mom loves sharing a recent testimony. My aunts/uncles love to see all of us as their own sons and daughters. My brothers? They love giving me a hard time.

Soak the tradition up. But, soak up the ones you enjoy it with even more. They won't always be there, but cherish them while they are. Even the ones that get on your nerves. If they weren't there? It wouldn't be the same.

5 years ago...

 

"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God."

Acts 20:24 (NLT)

 

5 years can seem like a millennium or be gone in a flash. I don't know how I would describe the last 5 years of my life.

5 years ago, I was hooked on girls, drugs, and attention. Fooling around, obsessed with wearing $60 dollar jeans, and self-promotion pretty much summed up my life. 5 years ago, I was worried about if she was pregnant or if my book bag would get searched at school.

 

5 years ago, Jesus came and got me. This week marks 5 years since Jesus gave this tin-man a new heart, and turned my life into His life.

 

I can remember the morning like it was yesterday. It was cold. It was really cold. I'd been battling with the Holy Spirit for 2 years. I was miserable, and searching for an answer that I already knew. I knew that the best thing to do was turn to Christ. But, I didn't want to. I wanted to hold on to my life, and live it the way I wanted to. But, Jesus had other plans. I walked into church, Hermon Baptist, with a heavy heart. And, I walked out with a new one. When the altar call was given, I knew what had to take place. I had to quit fighting. I had to quit running. I looked at my girlfriend, knowing she was totally against it. I looked at my family, knowing some of them wouldn't believe it. But, it was time. Christ came and got me...then He drug me all the way to the altar.

 

I can honestly say that these past 5 years have been the best years of my life. It was scary, and still is. But, God walks with me daily. It is only by His grace that I'm still in the race. It's only by His grace that He called me. And, it's only by His grace if He chooses to use me. I'm thankful for all He has done and will continue to do.

 

I'm the chief of all sinners, and if God can use me, He can use anybody. You running? Your putting it off? Is God calling you to a new life in Him? What is your response? Maybe God is calling you to step up and be a leader in your church/youth group. Maybe God wants you to hold a bible study in your living room. Maybe God wants you to simply share the love of Jesus with a coworker tomorrow. Maybe He's calling you to be a missionary over seas, be a preacher, or mentor a new believer.

 

God has a calling on your life. Seek it first. I know you have your life planned out. I did too. But, Jesus has a better plan for you. God's will isn't always the easiest, but it is the best. Walk His way. Don't run from Him.

 

All glory to KING JESUS.

Loving Others When You Want to Punch Them In The Throat...

Yes, I said it. There are times when I want to punch people in the throat. You caught me.

 

But, as a Christian, it would be best for me to do otherwise. Christ has called me to more than that, and my Christian witness would probably be ruined by the witness of my fist left on their jugular.

"Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters."

Heb 13:1 (NLT)

 

I have brothers. We argue. We fight. We have thrown pillows, shoes, and tantrums of every sort. We have bloodied noses. And, one brother even knocked a tooth of mine out of my mouth and across the living room. But, you let someone make fun of me. You let someone try to intimidate me, and my brothers will come to the rescue. That is love.

 

Today, I wanted to punch a someone in the throat. They insulted me. They took a bite of french fry, and then threw the crumbs into my face. Boy, I wanted to hand her about 10 karate chops. But, I couldn't. Not because she was bigger than me. Not because I was scared. But, because I knew the spiritual repercussions. I would have darkened the name of Christ in her mind forever. She gave me a chance to respond in anger, but, by responding in grace, a door to witness was left open. She may never apologize. She may never get saved. But, a lack of love on my part won't be the reason.

 

Before punching someone in the throat remember whats at stake. People's hearts and thoughts about Christ are on the line. What will they see if you go off on them like a spider monkey? Not Christ. Will you have to fight your anger to keep your witness? Yes. Will you have to swallow your pride? Yes. But, what if God uses the grace that you use to open their heart for His grace?

 

Remember who you are, and who's you are, before punching someone in the throat.

 

 

ALL ABOUT JESUS.



Chan on how the church is and what it the bible says it should be...

What is the church supposed to be? What are we supposed to be doing? What is to be our passion? Is Jesus the center of it all? Are we willing to change and move forward? Are we more concerned with our pride and tradition or people and Jesus?

 

Watch this helpful video. It's long, but good. Show your church leaders.

 

 

 

 

Pouring It All Out...

"Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance."

John 12:3 (NLT)

 

 

Mary wasn't rich, and perfume wasn't cheap. But, for some reason she chose to pour out the bottle on the feet of Jesus, so much that the house was full of its fragrance.

 

Why?

 

Jesus Is Worthy.

 

So often we value our lives as Mary's critics valued the perfume. Judas clinched his fist at Mary. He could have sold the perfume and served the poor, or even better, served himself. "Mary could have used it on herself", some of the local women may have said. Why waste such a fragrance of the feet of man? They did not understand. They did get that Mary wasn't only pouring out her perfume, but she was pouring out her life in front of Jesus in gratitude. She took hold of His grace, and let it flow into every part of her life. This was her worship.

 

Are we worshiping this freely? Are we this thankful? Are we willing to pour it all out for Christ?

 

If we pour out our lives for the cause of Christ, I trust that He is faithful to fill us back up. He is faithful to fill us with an awe for Him. He will fill us up with a joy that overflows into the lives of others. He will fill us up with a satisfaction in Him that points to a life free of searching for fulfillment. He will fill us up with His grace. And, we are to pour it all out in service for Him again. This is how we are to worship.

 

So, where are you pouring your life?

 

Your life is going to a cause, but is it a worthy one? Many pour their days into xbox, studying, or a job that pulls them away from their family. Many pour their lives into their child's little league baseball career. Some have fallen into the trap of wasting away their lives by searching for attention and approval from their friends and coworkers.

 

But, only One is worthy of our lives, and His name is Jesus. How will you spend your life today?

 

 

ALL ABOUT JESUS.

 

 

Thankful For The But... (Thanksgiving 2012)

I'm thankful for Christ and what He has done. I was dead, and without a hope, BUT...

One Sign of A Spiritually Dead Life

When you are sick there are symptoms. If these symptoms are serious enough to alarm you, a visit to your Doctor's office is likely. There your Doctor will check you out, or examine you. He does this to find the source of your symptoms. He examines you to find the real sickness. He does this so that you can begin to heal and get well.

We often need a spiritual exam much like a trip to the Doctor.

The Sickness: Spiritual Death/Life Apart From Christ

A Symptom: Fitting in with the world

Treatment: A true connection with Christ through faith, and realizing your new identity in Him

Funny, the way it is...

Somethings just make since.

Red goes with white, and blue.
Shoes go with socks.
Toys go with happy meals.
Hats go with bald men.
Ketchup goes with fries.(Ranch goes with everything)
Friends go with family.
"Bless-you's" go with sneezes.
Goodbyes go with kisses and I love you's.

But, what went with Jesus when He left this world? Did he give out a couple of awkward hugs and then ascend. Did he remind Peter to stick to the hymnal? Did Jesus say, "James, my brother, push Sunday School to the church like medicine to a 5 year old."

No. It's kind of funny when we think about it. A lot of things that we make a big deal, Jesus seems to forget as He gives His last words. Not saying hymnals are sin, and Sunday school is a waste, but they were not in the top one of importance. What was?

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him."

Acts 1:8-9 (NLT)

Wow, knowing Jesus and sharing Jesus must have been a pretty big deal to Jesus...

Like Pumpkins and Fall, Jesus and sharing Jesus just makes sense. Let's keep the main thing, the main thing.



ALL ABOUT JESUS!

What Would Happen...? (Video)

To Live Is Christ 9/9/12

Who's Yo Daddy?

Certain things run in certain families. Some are known for height, whether they are extremely tall or extremely small. Some are known for their personalities or humor. But, wherever or whomever you come from, there will be a slight resemblance.

Think about your dad. Anything in common? His bumpy nose, big ears, or the fact that you sound like a freight train when you sleep? The chances are that in some way you look like your dad. You make talk like him, or have a similar way of walking. Whatever it is, there are signs that he is your daddy.

So, question: Are there any signs in your life that show you to be a child of God? Any resemblances between you and your creator? No, I'm not asking if you wear a robe, or if you have ever walked on water. Here's a verse that may help us understand...

"You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own."

Lev 20:26 (NLT)

If we truly belong to God, won't we resemble Him? Won't we follow His model? Won't we walk His way? The Bible seems to say that we should, and will.

The way we look, or live rather, says something about who belong too. So, represent well. As a believer, you have been CHOSEN to be a personal representative of King Jesus. So when you say, "I'm a Christian", people see Christ. If they see you living like a joke, they see Jesus as joke. But, what if they see you as loving? They see Jesus as loving. What if they see you as "true-blue"? They see Jesus as the real-deal. So, be holy for He is holy. Here's a quote that I heard from my mom before I went out with friends while growing up...

"Remember who you are, and more importantly, whose you are!"

Christian, remember who you belong to. Rep Him well.

All About Jesus!!!



More Than Dress Up

"Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God."

Romans 6:13(NLT)

Every Sunday members of a local church wake up, and get dressed. Maybe they wear a tie, or maybe they wear a t-shirt. Maybe slacks, or maybe shorts. Maybe heels, "dress" shoes, or flip-flops. They walk out of their home, hop in the car, and head to church. Once there, they find "their" place on a pew. They sing a few songs, pray a few prayers, listen to a sermon, and maybe, if they're feeling brave, kneel at the altar. Then, they walk out the back door. They walk out unchanged. Yes, they did do their weekly duties. Yes, they did show up with a smile and put a $20 in the plate. But, in their heart? They just played dress up.

Many that attend weekly services check that service off their weekly to-do list. They go home, put on something more comfortable, and forget about God as they dip into a deep sleep. And, I don't mean that nap in your recliner.

We see all through the Bible that God calls us to more than this. He calls us to more than a few songs, and an altar call. He calls us to more than a 10th of our earnings. He calls us to more than a Sunday School breakfast. Yes, He calls us to more than dress up.

We see in Romans 6 that we are called to a life that is free from sin by relying on Christ. And, in the 13th verse, we see that we are to respond by living that life. We see that the Christian life is not to be a fraction of our whole life. We shouldn't respond to God's grace by only giving Him 1/4 or 33% of our life. No, we are called to more than that.

God has a plan. And, we as the church, have been to called be used as an instrument to achieve that plan. Last time I checked, half a pair of pliers isn't worth much. In Romans 6:13, we are called to respond to God's life-giving grace by giving up that life for His use and glory.

If all you have for Jesus is one day a week, bed-time prayers, or some Sunday clothes...Keep'em. Jesus doesn't want your tie. Jesus wants you. All of you. Jesus is calling us to more than dress up.



A Privilege Neglected

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20(NLT)

 

The Great Commission is a privilege.

The verse above is known as the Great Commission. The great commision is one of the first things Jesus told his disciples after He died on the cross to pay for the world's sin by swallowing the wrath of His Holy Father. It was one of the last things that He told His disciples before departing from earth and asending into heaven. This commision or sending was to be the mission of these 11 men. It is also to be the mission of all those who proclaim Christ as Lord of their lives. He was telling them to tell about Him. He commanded and commissioned them, and us, to make His name famous among the nations. They were to tell their families, friends, and their community, and the world that Jesus died for them and that He was alive. They were to share that He had the power to free them of their sin and that He had the power to give them a new life with Him.

The world was lost and dying like it is today. People had a deep need to be forgiven and freed like they do today. People, both young and old, were dying without a saving faith in Jesus like they are today. This is why Jesus came. This is why the disciples were sent. This is why this Great Commision is still sending all true believers today. People are dying without a Savior, and we have been given the privilege of sharing the message of Life with them. Oh, what a privilege it is.

Last Thursday at about 12 noon a group left from Waxhaw and headed to Brasil for 12 days. Their goal was not to have fun and see sights. Their trip was not a vacation. But, they went to take Jesus to people who had never heard of Him. They went to share The Truth and The Life with people that knew no truth, and have no life worth living. As we prayed a prayer of commision, I began to weep. I had family and friends going, but that is not why I cried. I cried because God pressed upon my heart how big of a privilege it is to take Life to the lifeless. I will miss my loved ones for these 12 days, but that is not why my chin shivered. My cheeks were tear striped because I was not going to share the Truth with those people with them. It is a privilege. A privilege not just for overseas mission trips, but a privilege right here in Waxhaw, Lancaster, and Charlotte. A privilege for my house, my work, and my school. People are dying without Christ, and He has given His followers the privilege of seeing others know Him. Oh, what a privilege it is.

A Privilege Neglected

My fear is that many of us, including myself, do not always see this as a privilege. We sometimes see it as a chore. We may see it as something that our preacher or youth pastor talk about sometimes. And, many just see it a the preachers job, or something that "super Christians" do. This is rubbish. This is a sin probably as "big" as any other. It has just as much of a consequence as any other. Those people that we don't tell, will never be told.

When is the last time that you shared Jesus with a friend? When is the last time that you stepped out of that comfort zone and served as a bridge between people and Jesus? When is the last time that you cried over what Christ has done for you? When was the last time that your life showed that you belong to Jesus?

A Christian t-shirt is not enough. A facebook status is not enough. Attending church or a bible study is not the only thing that Christ is calling you to. I don't know if you know this or not, but the Gospel that is personal enough to save your soul should be personal enough to change your life. It is peronal enough to change the way that you see people. The Gospel is not something to hide. But, it is a privilege that we are to shout and share.

Are you neglecting the greatest privilege known to man?

The Gospel?

Maybe you say you don't know it well enough to share it. 2 things here: 1.Why do you trust in something to save you that you don't even know well enough to share? 2. Its simple. Don't let words, people, or guilt discourage you.

Here is a simple 4 point Gospel that anyone could share.

1. God is good.
2. People are not.
3. Jesus is the answer, and calls us to repentence and new life.
4. We must respond in faith.

 

I urge you to know it, live it, and share it. Who and where is God sending you to? Your family? Yes. Your friends? Yes. Your coworkers? Yes. The world? Yes. Now, Go!

 

All About Jesus.

http://youtu.be/tdiFvye6EQs

 

People Matter.

We were all created. We will all die. Whether we die young, or live to be old, we will expire. Most would say that this truth proves a conclusion that says "time matters." However, I think that the bible teaches that, more than time, people matter.

"But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."

2 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)

We will expire. So how do we make it count? We don't try to make as many memories as possible, because they will be forgotten, or, in essence, die. We don't run out and stock up on milk and bread like the 2nd great depression is coming. No. We are to love. We are to invest ourselves in what matters. That is not time, memories, or something that will delay an inevitable ending. We are to invest ourselves in the lives of people. They matter.

I once heard Paul Washer say, "I am to preach as a dying man to dying men."

This quote has made an impression on my heart. It reminds me that I am to live with an extreme since of urgency. I am to do this, because I am dying and others around me are dying. And, if they die without knowing Jesus as Lord, they will not rest for all eternity. But, they will labor in hell. This is to drive us. People that God loves, and that God commands us to love, are dying without knowing God's love. This is horrific. The fields are white for the harvest. Where are the Lord's workers?

The Holy Spirit is teaching me more and more that people matter. People were the reason Christ came. People were the reason that Christ died. I'm not to forget this. Jesus remembered me. I am to remember others. I'm not only to remember them during prayer request time in Sunday School. I'm not to only remember them when they get sick. No. Christ has called me to be a missionary in my home, and in my community. Jesus has called us to more than just saying, "I'll pray for you." Christ has called us to GO and DO. (Matthew 28:16-20/James 1:22)

My challenge today is this: Pick someone today, and pour your life into theirs.

What do I mean by this? Find someone, anyone, who needs to know the love of Jesus. Then, do whatever it takes for that person to know the love of Jesus. This may be risky. It may cost you gas money or time. It cost Jesus his life on the cross. It may be frustrating. They may not get it quickly. Jesus prayed that God the Father forgive them anyway. People matter to Jesus. So, they should matter to you.

"We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."

1 John 3:16

This is Taylor with some of our Youth at Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC.
Taylor has been leading small group with our girls on Wednesday Nights.

All About Jesus.