Put Your Hope In God

Put Your Hope in God Even When It Looks Like All Hope Is Gone! Psalm 42:5, 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. When life isn't going the way you envisioned it, the road gets long, and the load is to heavy to carry it is easy to give in to despair. Trust me, unfortunately I have been there myself more times than I care to admit. The more I dwell and roll in despair the more helpless and hopeless I get. I lose sight of God, my faith wavers, and my world shakes, and I feel alone and afraid. It seems like everything and everyone is against me even though it may not be so. It's times like these that I turn to scripture to regain focus and encourage myself in the Lord. I have to make a conscious choice to praise God for all He has done. Even though I may feel that He has abandoned me at the moment. I have to draw on His faithfulness and steadfast love. He alone is my salvation and my God. Put Your Hope in God!

Time to Return to the Lord

Time to Return to the Lord I recently heard a statement that went something like this: America has traded in the blessings of God for unbridled pleasure and that our Nation needs to return to God. My thought is this: The church in our culture has traded in the blessing of God and our Nation is under reached, unchanged, and now considered to be unchristian. Until the Church comes back to Jesus we can't expect our Nation too. What say you??? I received a great question in response to my statement: So does that mean that the Bride of Christ is to blame..... That is a loaded question. I don't want to make a blanket statement. I know that there are many totally sold out believers. However, there are many in the Body that are stagnant, compromised, and divided in their affection for Jesus (Nice way of saying-spiritual adultery and idolatrous.). I am speaking of those of us who are professed Christians. Let me interrupt my train of thought and make a side note. Lest I sound self righteous and judgmental, I confess that I too, must accept responsibility for the tarnished, weakened, condition of the Church-Bride of Christ in our culture. I don't always live, act, speak, and serve in ways that are pleasing to the Lord. Thanks be to God for His amazing grace, tender love and mercy, and His ALL sufficient power and strength that He gives me. I don't deserve it and yet He gives it to me freely every day. Now I will get back to my original thoughts. I think the Church in our culture (the Bride of Christ) are in state much like is found in the book of Hosea. Our culture has seduced, allured, and deceived us into thinking we can profess Christ and live our lives as if He doesn’t exist. Because of this condition our witness in our society has been weakened. As a result the Church in our culture is low on conversion and high on transfer. Churches are dying, doors are closing, and in many cases the communities they were in don’t even know they are gone. Unfortunately, the Church in our culture is giving ample reason for those outside of faith to play the hypocrite card. We can’t expect our Nation or those who are far from faith to act like Christians but we should expect those who profess Christ too. That is the premise of my thought and the results speak for themselves. I love Jesus, His Church, and the local Body of Christ. I believe God has called us all to so much more. I believe the bar has been set high and it is time for me and all of us to rise to the challenge of our calling. There are so many lost and hurting people right here in our community and they deserve to see the very best of Christ through us. It is far past time for us to make the change. My prayer is that we revisit the blood stained cross, experience grace anew, walk in the power of His resurrection, and demonstrate His love and compassion toward one another, our friends, neighbors, associates, community, and our world. Long answer to a very thought provoking question. I am not crazy about the word blame. I would say we need to accept responsibility for the condition of the Church and as Christians encourage each other to return to the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When the Church in our culture returns to Jesus then maybe we might be able to make a difference in our Nation. Thoughts??????

LIFE LESSON FROM A WANDERING SHEEP Psalm 23:1-6 ESV The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (The shepherd knows what I need so I can trust in His provisions. Only He can satisfy my wants and needs. There is no other. He can be trusted!) He makes me lie down in green pastures. (Sheep are stubborn animals and I am no different. I need the guidance of the shepherd to take me to a place of safety, rest, and nourishment. Sheep will keep going and going until the shepherd makes them stop. My shepherd has to exert force in my life to make me stop, rest, and refuel. He is the Good Shepherd!) He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. (The shepherd takes me to the calm streams of His presence so I'm not overtaken by the strong and violent currents found in the river of life. He refreshes, revives, and restores me safely in the shallows. He is a God of restoration and peace!) He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Like sheep we all have a tendency to stray from His path. My shepherd will lead me if I yield and submit to His authority and leadership. His path is righteousness and He longs for me to follow Him on it and in it!) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Even when I walk in the cold, dark, shadows of life/death He assures me of His love and presence and drives out all fear! With the rod of discipline and staff of guidance He will comfort me in the darkest hours and places in life. He is my comfort!) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (When I'm in the presence of those that seek to harm me whether by choice or not my Shepherd will sustain me. He will come to my aid regardless of how I came to be there. He will tend to my needs; He will validate and affirm me as His own. He will deliver me safely into His care. He will fill me with His goodness and joy until my life once again is overflowing with His presence!) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (With my Shepherd leading, guiding, restoring, comforting, delivering, healing, and freshly refilling me all that could possibly be in the wake of my life is goodness, love, and mercy. No doubt, I’m an imperfect follower nevertheless I choose to follow Him all the days of my life.)

Characteristic of Authentic Community Proverbs 14:10 ESV Only those who intentionally establish and invest in relationship will ever see and know the hearts of those they do life with. Only those closest to me know the trials and challenges that God has used to shape and sanctify me. Pain and hardship seem to be cruel tools at the time but when you see how the Lord works in and through them to produce our deliverance then and only then can we share in the joy of redemption together. So, when I allow others into my heart and life they see and know what I've been through so they to can share in the joy of what God has done in my behalf. To know my bitterness is to share my joy! That is but one Characteristic of Authentic Community. Proverbs 14:10 ESV 10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

Intimately Known Yet Intimately Loved! Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24 ESV This morning as I read this I was reminded of how intimately involved God is in my life from beginning to end. He knows my every thought and every word I have to say before I even speak it. There is absolutely no where I can go that He hasn't been or wouldn't go to be with or make Himself and presence known to me. That is both comforting and troubling to me. The reason for this is that I know myself. My heart, mind, and thoughts unfortunately are not always the most God honoring and yet God still loves me. In these passages he comforts me with the reminder that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He encourages me by His relentless pursuit of me even when I'm seemingly outside of His will and plan for me. Knowing this about God is what gives me the courage to invite Him to search my troubled and wicked heart. I might be able to gloss over the unseen areas of my heart and life that gives the appearance of my being humble and holy but the truth is I struggle terribly at times. So much so I can't even begin to understand how or why He loves me so. You see, while I'm "Intimately Known" I am still "Intimately Loved" by God. Oh God, lead me in your everlasting way! Psalm 139:1-4, 23-24 ESV 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

The Search is Over Matthew 13:44-46 ESV For the first 20 years of my life I was searching for meaning and significance. I sought it the form of acceptance and belonging socially. I attempted to fill the void and heal the pain through drug use, promiscuity, and anything else that promised pleasure and fun. Sad thing is the more I searched and filled up on those things the pain and emptiness multiplied. Then I discovered the treasure and pearl of great price. His name is Jesus Christ. On that day I surrendered my life. The search was over. I found Him and He gave me everything. He gave me life, meaning, and purpose. He delivered me from myself and the path of destruction I was on. He healed and continues to heal the wounds in me and my life. 25 years later with many ups and downs, good times and bad, mountain top and valley experiences I can tell you life in the Kingdom is worth my full surrender and absolute abandonment to Jesus. You will never know the joy and fulfilment I am writing about until you discover the treasure and pearl of great price that is Jesus Christ. For me the search is over and what I have found in Christ is worth far more than this life could ever offer me. May you find Him today! Matthew 13:44-46 ESV 44 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

An Invitation to the Weary

An Invitation to the Weary Matthew 11:28-30 ESV Are you tired from your labor? Are you weighted down with a heavy load? If so, Jesus is issuing you an invitation to come to Him so He can give you rest. The yoke referred to here is what is used to connect oxen together to plough or perform some type of agricultural work. The yoke in itself was not the thing that would tire the ox. It was the load they were pulling and the constant strain of pulling against the other ox yoked together. The same can be true of us. We can pull against and resist the purpose and will of God. Futile, I know, but we do it often and get weary and worn down in the process. Jesus is also referring to the yoke as a form of teaching. The religious teachers of that day were placing the heavy yoke of their self imposed religion on the people. Unfortunately religion still is just as heavy and wearisome today as it was then. Jesus came to set us free and not bind us up. Big difference! Here Jesus invites us to remove the yoke that the world, religion, or others place on us. He welcomes you to cast all, not some, but all you burdens on Him. He promises to give you His rest in return. That my friend is an invitation too good to pass up. May you find comfort and rest in Christ today. Matthew 11:28-30 ESV 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

What Fruit Are You Known For?

What Fruit Are You Known For? Once again Jesus is addressing the religious elite, or so they thought. The question today is would Jesus be addressing us in the same manner? There are many people today that attend church and do all the religious stuff but the heart remains cold and virtually unchanged. In this passage the question reveals the answer. A good tree produces good fruit. Why? Or how? By what is on the inside and not the outside. What Jesus is and can do on the inside of you works its way to the outside. That being the fruit of His righteousness. Truth be told our conversation often reveals the reality of the fruit being produced. So, what fruit are you known for? Is it good? Think about it. Blessings! May your heart abound with His goodness and be filled with the treasure of His righteousness. May your conversations be filled with life and produce an abundance of good fruit to the glory of God. Matthew 12:33-37 ESV 33 "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Seeking God in Prayer

Seeking God in Prayer

If God knows my needs why do I have to pray about them? The answer: You are in a relationship with God. Relationships require communication between the individuals involved. Prayer is conversational and our Father longs for us to be in conversation with Him. Not to mention prayer gives expression to our faith. It reveals our trust and dependency on and in God.

This passage also reveals a process to our communication with God. We are instructed to ask God questions as well as to ask Him about our needs. There is a huge difference between asking and telling God about our situations and needs. The process of prayer is not about presenting a list of all our wants and needs to God as if He were Santa Claus. Rather than looking at the process of prayer as a linear list to follow I think this passage reveals that asking, seeking, and knocking is what happens when we are having an intimate conversation. It also reveals a tenacity to clearly understand what the Father has to say about our needs and concerns. Today as you seek God in prayer ask Him to speak to you about your needs and concerns. Seek to know His heart better. Continue to probe and knock on the door until you clearly know and have intimately shared as well as received direction that inspires Godly confidence and reveals Godly wisdom as it relates to your needs and concerns.

Ask, Seek, Knock!
Matthew 7:7-11 ESV

7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Perfect Posture

Perfect Posture!
Psalm 63:1 ESV

Life can be hard at times. Seasons of spiritual drought and famine come and go and oftentimes leave you empty. Your heart begins to question and doubt and confusion sets in robbing you of His joy and perfect peace. In those times it is so easy to retreat and withdraw from God and others. That my friends is one of satan’s deceptive schemes.

I've found that the best thing to do is run to God rather than away from Him. In many cases our conditions cause us to have "Perfect Posture" before God.

So, if you find yourself in this humble position acknowledge God, remember who you are in Christ, seek Him with all you've got, cry out to Him and He will come to you. He will flood your thirsty soul with His presence and all sufficient grace.

Be encouraged today! Your humble position gives you "Perfect Posture" before God.

Psalm 63:1 ESV
1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Are You Anxious?

Are You Anxious? I sure needed this reminder today. Honestly, it seems that the older I get the more I battle with anxiety. So when I read these scriptures I am reminded that God is completely aware of my needs. Needs and wants are two different things but we all know that so no need to go there. Our heavenly Father knows exactly what He is doing and exactly what we need. In fact, he delights in meeting our needs. In the book of Psalms you will find numerous examples of this.

When I am anxious and worried it undermines my faith. It makes the statement that I am the one that must make something happen and that God is not needed. One thing is for sure, I need God's active involvement and constant reminder that He sees, He knows, He cares, and He as at work and in control.

Reminder to self, don't let worry and anxiety steal one more minute of one more day. Rather, do what Matthew 6:33 teaches. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. I have heard it said this way, "seek God first and He will complement your life with everything you need."

I'm encouraged and I hope you are too. Be anxious for nothing God's got it.

Matthew 6:25, 27, 31-33 ESV

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Cultivating a Missional Heart OUTSIDE Your Small Group Time

Cultivating a Missional Heart OUTSIDE Your Small Group Time: As a result of being in a group, people should be more missional.


Very practical video that can be used in your group to help foster an outward focus. There are so many simple ways that your group can make a difference for Christ. Share it, Show it, Do it!

The Power of Choice - The Grass Isn't Greener!

Life is filled with so many wonderful opportunities. With them come the power, privilege, and responsibility to choose what and how we respond to them. The sad thing is many people search for happiness through instant gratification and personal pleasure only to find themselves empty and longing for more. The grass isn't greener on the other side of the fence. We just need to choose to cultivate, fertilize, and nurture the plot of life God has given each of us. It may sound boring to many but I promise it is where love, joy, peace, fulfillment, contentment, and your best life awaits you. Choose the best life. Sacrifice the empty promises of pleasure and work the ground of your life and enjoy the fruits it produces.

Hope is Alive!

Check out this edition of the Compass, a publication of Temple Baptist Church!

Fickle People - Fickle Me Exodus 32:1

Exodus 32:1 ESV

These are the same people who told Moses you meet with God, tell us what He says, and we will do it.

Has much changed since that time?

Moses goes up, hears from God, comes down the mountain with words of God on stone tablets only to find the people making their own God.

They didn't want to wait on God or for Moses so they took matters in their own hands.

Ex. 32:1 When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain...

Ok, stop, time out the people knew where Moses was and what he was doing. They where right there at the base of the mountain. They were close enough to know something was going on and far enough away not to be impacted by it.

Again, we have to remember what they had experienced up to this point. It's not like God hadn't totally validated and confirmed Moses as their leader. They certainly can't say they hadn't seen the power of God at work. So, now things are taking too long and they call foul-delay of game- and completely turn their backs on Moses.

Does this sound familiar?

The truth be told, I like to think I'm the good guy. I'm the godly one. It hurts to admit it but I respond pretty much the same way. I am the "Fickle One" God takes too long and doesn't show up in my alotted time frame. I don't agree with or like what He is saying or doing. So, what's my response? I justify my actions and rationalize my rebellion.

It is so much easier to point the finger at the Israelites and others. The truth is I am just as wretched and rebellious as they were. It's like looking in the mirror. I can't ignore what I see. The beauty in this is that despite this reality God loves me. It also reminds me how much I need Him. He is enough!

Small Group of One

Beyond Control Acts 6:1-10

Beyond Control
Acts 6:1-7

Organic and structure are two words that might seem to be diametrically opposed to one another. The reason some are totally uncomfortable with the word organic is the implication that it is too fluid or disorganized for us to control. On the other hand, structure can be so overly rigid and organized that it stifles and kills whatever it seeks to control. God is both organic and structured. The creative order demonstrates this pretty well.

When it comes to organizations, the church included, we organize and structure for growth. We attempt to understand all the variables, determine the risk factor, package it in a strategic plan, and then communicate it for the purpose of mobilization. I totally get that and am all for it to a point.

In this passage we can see that organization and structure came as a result of what God was doing. It was necessary because thousands were coming to faith in Christ. In addition the widows and the poor were being lost in the shuffle. When the Apostles learned of the need they responded and adjusted immediately. They didn't seek control. They empowered and released it.

Be honest, if we were planting a church we would do our homework, get our strategy together, create the systems, recruit and train volunteers which is all good. Rational thinking, operating in our understanding, organizing according to our plan can produce extraordinary growth but it really doesn't require God's involvement. This is why I think we should create, organize, and structure in ways that allow for rapid response to an ever-changing world and our God that is all about expanding His Kingdom.

What if 3000 came to faith in a day and then another 5000 or so would your organization be able to expand and adjust to accommodate that kind of growth? It can happen and it did in the chapters before this one. The problem is we limit God with our need for control and living in the realm of our own ability. We need to let God breathe His life into our small dreams and visions and allow Him to stretch us in ways that requires His involvement, power, and provision to accomplish what He inspired.

When I think about it, why would we ever want to try to create a system, structure, organization that we could control, manage, or even contain? As if we could ever really do that. Thankfully, God is beyond our control and He will never be contained in our structures. Plan yes, prepare yes, expect yes, but let's not try to reduce God to our size. Adjust and flex in the rhythm of what God is doing and Where He is going. After all, it is His church and He allows us to play a small role in His story. Enjoy the ride because He is beyond control!

He is Mindful of Me

He is Mindful of Me
Psalm 8:3-4 ESV and Psalm 8:9 ESV

Whenever I read these verses it always blows me away. Here's why: The God who created heaven and earth and all that is and will ever be knows and considers me. Every day when I see the sunrise or the sunset, the moon and the stars, and the beauty of all His creation I marvel at the fact that He loves me. Out of all the beautiful things that He has made He chose to make us in His own image. This same God chose to take the form of a man so that we could see, know and experience Him. When I think of these things it causes me to echo what the writer tries to convey, "Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth."

Did I Miss Something

Exodus 5:22-23 Did I Miss Something?
Exodus 5:22-23 ESV

This is another example of how we can obey everything the Lord has asked of us and totally lose sight of what He promises us. It's not like the Lord didn't tell Moses that Pharaoh would have a hard heart and reject and deny his request. Moses was not prepared for increased hardship of the people he was sent to deliver from their cruel bondage. From their prospective Moses, the one who committed murder and fled shows back up to attempt to be, and proclaims to be God's man and plan for their deliverance. I might respond the same way. My response would probably go something like this: Who do you think you are claiming to be our deliver saying God has sent you. Ever since you showed up things have gone from bad to worse. If God sent you to be His messenger and our deliverer then things would be getting better not worse.

On the other hand I can see how I would respond if I were Moses. My response would probably go like this: Yeah, I heard you. I knew it was going to be difficult. I never thought my own people would reject and turn against me.

My take away: Whether I am the leader or person being led I must stand on God's word. I have heard it said between the promise and the provision there usually is a problem in between the two. I think the reason for this so all will know that God and God alone has delivered us. To God be the glory great things he has done!

The Long Way

The Long Way
Exodus 13:17-18 ESV

First of all I couldn't even imagine what it must of been like to have seen God do all that He did to bring about Israel's deliverance. Then after years of slavery and bondage Israel is free. Think about it 400 years living in captivity. Generations were born and raised in these conditions. I can only imagine the mindset and baggage those kind of conditions would produce. It reminds of a scene from the movie "Shawshank Redemption." The prison librarian, after years of imprisonment, is freed. Once free, he tries to overcome the baggage of his incarceration. His new found freedom would become the stool from which to hang himself. He just could not handle life outside of prison because he had become so accustomed to a life of confinement. In all actuality he was more free behind bars than he was with no bars.

He was only imprisoned for a short time compared to the length of time the Israelites were enslaved. I wonder if God's reasoning to take the long way around the wilderness rather than a short journey to their destiny was to deliver them from a bondage mindset? If God had taken the shorter route and Israel had to face opposition chances are the mindset that was formed under oppression and bondage would have led to miserable defeat. So, rather taking what would seem to be the quickest road to freedom God takes them the long way. Why? My guess is that God knew He would have to lead them this way to workout and deliver them from a prison mentality cultivated by generations of slavery and bondage.

My take away: First of all I prefer taking shortcuts so I can get to my destinations. I race against time to beat past times or others traveling with me. Ok, that's probably something right there that I need to be delivered from fast. Not only that I really don't like the pain of admitting my faults or dealing with my own mindsets that keep me imprisoned to my old man.

So, today I'm thankful for the journey and the potential to become the man of God He created me to become.

Sunday Morning Sinai

Exodus 20:18 -20 Sunday Morning Sinai

I have to say that Exodus is one of my favorite Old Testament books. It is a beautiful picture of God's redemptive plan and His relentless pursuit of relationship with us.

Remember all that God has done up to this point. He has delivered Israel from Egypt, destroyed Pharaoh and His army in the Red Sea, gone before them with a cloud by day and fire by night, fed them with manna and quail, and caused water to flow from a rock to quench their thirst. Now, the very one who did all of those things wants to reveal Himself to them personally. I don't know about you, but I would want to experience that myself.

So here's the deal, God speaks to Moses and tells him what He wants to do. He tells them to consecrate themselves over a period of three days in preparation to meet God. After Moses receives the Law he comes down shares the plan with the people. Then God comes down and the people shrink back in fear. They tell Moses you listen to God, tell us what he says, and we will do whatever tells us to do.

I titled this thought "Sunday Morning Sinai" because that is still happening today. Many are content to rely on the Pastor to represent us before God and then represent God to us. Rather than the people enjoying and taking advantage of all that Christ has done to consecrate us-make us holy and acceptable before God-for the purpose of restoring right relationship with God Himself. When we come to completely rest in God's marvelous Grace and realize that Christ is enough we can begin to experience a rich and intimate relationship with God.

What's really sad is the number of people who still shy away from God in fear because they still believe they have do the work that Christ already completed. As a result many still rely on Pastor to be their Moses. You know, Pastor, you hear from God for us, labor and toil in God's word to feed us, and we'll do whatever He say's. For the most part we are experiencing the same results today as Moses did in his. As you would see if you continue to read on in Exodus.

The Take Away: God desires me, us! He doesn't want me/us to rely on a Pastor or any other person to have a relationship with Him for us. God has removed the barrier of sin that separated us from Him through Jesus so we could separated to Him in Jesus. God is speaking today and He really wants me to hear and understand what He is saying. He has provided His living word to feed us. Trust Him and walk with Him today. Don't be content to live off of others experience. Go to His word, seek His face, trust in God's grace and mercy, and get to know the lover of your soul.