Faith On The Vine

Church In A Bottle

2015-02-23T18:07:00.000-08:00

We live in a very different generation than those that have gone before us. The modern trend of "healthy" living does not involve changing bad habits, eating correctly, or changing our sedentary lifestyle; instead, we buy a bottle of pills. Oddly enough, if the bottle says "natural", consumers stand in line to get the next miracle drug. We fail to ask ourselves if it were really "natural", why do the results not happen "naturally". An aspect of our metabolism and digestion is severely altered by a pill, and we sing it's praises. We do not have to change our diets or our habits, we simply take this pill and the pounds fall off leaving a trimmer and healthier you. Sadly though, we look beyond the consumerism of the marketing, the multi-level scheme, and the fact that the praise for the pill results in another sale. Another consumer who is conditioned to depend on something in a bottle! The "all natural" pill has results that lasts only as long as the pill is consumed on a regular basis. Immediately after the cessation of the product, our unhealthy lifestyle evidences itself once again in our physical bodies. There is almost an addiction like a drug purchased on the illegal market that sings the praise of "radical change" within our bodies; producing a dependence and a need to continue the unhealthy acquisition of that which may even also be "natural", but all that is "natural" is not necessarily beneficial.

In like manner, the same model has contributed to our church selection and attendance. We seek that which thrills us, that which produces the perceived results we desire, even if they are only temporary. There is almost a refusal to investigate the actual cause of our sudden interest; and the longevity of the impact lasts only temporarily. The books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all give us the parable of the soils. The second soil mentioned is that which involves a bedrock. A layer of rock hidden beneath the soil keeps the true fruit being evidenced. The Bible states that after the seed is cast on this type of soil, there is an immediate result. All looks wonderful and godly until the heat of the sun. In the moment of testing, the lack of depth becomes evidenced with the withering of the plant. "Christianity" can be based on a "fad". We long to fit in, to keep up, to enjoy the moment, and we enjoy the temporary "high" of the moment; but there is nothing lasting about it. Like a "magic pill", we run in masses to achieve the desired results of high adrenaline worship, entertaining message, and a lack of true accountability; all without real internal change from within.

The health craze will continue to develop that next "natural" pill, each one better than the last; but each one demanding an allegiance to itself, even promising financial gain from it. We are still unaware of the lasting affects of the ingestion of all that is deemed "natural"; but it is probably that it will leave us just as unhealthy in our lifestyle as we were before we first opened the bottle. Sadly, the church craze will continue as well; but the ending result is so much more tragic. Living the lie of insincerity, our "change" is only skin deep; lasting until that next big trial; hearing one day, "depart from me, for I never knew you." It is time to stop the dependence on the bottle!

The Business Plan

2012-12-13T20:32:00.003-08:00

"May You direct us by Thy Word as we make decisions for this business" prayed a business owner as he started the day. How many of us have known business owners who made that commitment on Sunday, but lived by a different moto on Monday. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" Our economy today does not need another business model to attempt; what our economy needs today are business owners who are willing to surrender their business to the Lord.

OUR MOTIVE. Week after week, business after business close their doors for the last time. During a tight economy, it seems that only the strongest businesses survive for another day. Only the "hungry" are able to succeed; only those willing to push, struggle, and fight their way to the top are awarded the privilege of another quarter of profits. Colossians 1:18 ends with these words, "that in all things He might have the preeminence". When we read about the love of money being the root of all evil in 1 Timothy 6:10, we forget about the rest of the verse: "which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." The sin of loving money is always delegated to the "other guy", while we justify our hunger for the dollar by the words, "it is just business". In the very Word of God that we long to direct us, we read that it is impossible for us to love both God and money. If the motive of our business is the dollar, may we learn to put off our idolatrous ways, and again place HIM in that preeminent position.

OUR MESSAGE. The success of a business often depends upon the favor of those who have contact with our business. Without customers, there is no business. In our effort to succeed in business, we place our best foot forward and declare that the "customer is always right". Matthew 5:16 gives us our message: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." 1 Peter 2:12 takes it one step farther with "Having your conversation (behavior - let's use the word business dealings) honest among the Gentiles (let's use the word - customers): that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." Book after book and seminar after seminar are searched and read in order to determine the best way to increase leads, sales, bottom lines, and ultimately, business. May we search the Word and see that our true objective is to conduct our business not to promote ourselves, but to promote our Lord.

OUR MIGHT. Colossians 3:23 gives us this directive: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;". To work heartily means to work out of breath. Drive down any Main Street and you will find exhausted business owners. The labor force that has committed themselves to working harder, longer, and smarter than the competition. May we not forget the end of this known verse: "as to the Lord, and not unto men". Can we pray that God would direct our business through His Word, and then admit that we have wore ourselves out working for ourselves? The very next verse ends with these words: "for ye serve the Lord Christ". Check your exhaustion at the door at ask yourself: who did I serve today?

OUR MORALS. It would seem that if our motive, our message, and our might are all centered on Christ, it should directly impact our morals and our business ethics. 1 Peter 2:13 commands us to "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake". In the realm of business, the ordinances, legislation, and basic red tape is nearly endless and increasing at an astounding rate, all placed upon the already struggling business. The Word-directed business is going to submit to EVERY ordinance of man, but again the objective is directed to the Lord ("for the Lord's sake"). There are often legislator-introduced loopholes for small businesses and it certainly could be claimed that taking advantage of those loopholes is practicing good stewardship; but we better make sure that we are not creating our own loopholes and again justifying our sin. The only Biblical "loophole" in regards to 1 Peter 2:13 involves the simple statement that it is better to obey God than man (Acts 5:29). "Submitting yourselves to every ordinance" means that every ordinance is examined in light of the Bible, not according to our bottom line or feasability. If that ordinance is contrary to the Word of God, we must chose to obey God, but we must also submit ourselves to the civil penalty of that decision.

It would seem that the business that practiced those four points of God's business plan would be handicapped in today's dog-eat-dog market. 2 Peter 1 started with the statement that we have everything we need for our life and godliness, and it concludes with this statement "ye do well if ye take heed" (2 Peter 1:19). Search God's Word thoroughly, there is not a crown, not even a certificate for the business that grossed the greatest assets; there is no recognition for the business that acquired the largest client-base. The crowns of eternity are not based on bottom-lines and capital but in simple obedience to His Word! It would certainly be far better to hear "well done thou good and faithful servant" in eternity, than to have the praises of man here on this earth!

There are plenty of business men that have committed their businesses to the Lord with their mouths, but their very actions prove that their hearts are far from Him! The principles of God's Word never pretended to be popular; they never pretended to be defended and promoted by those of the World; but, the principles of God's Word SHOULD CERTAINLY direct the business of the Christian. May He truly direct our steps through His Word!

Hairology

2009-12-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

For the benefit of those who were in Sunday School today and heard me reference "Hairology". I present the complete "sermon"! It seems that the author of this rendition is a professor at Luisiana Baptist University - check out this link for more details.

Click here to delight your senses and your hair!

Seven Steps To Revitalizing The Small-Town Church

2009-11-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

As a pastor of a small-town church, it seems that a common misconception of small rural

churches is that as things are now, they must always be. In other words, the small-town church is delegated to a sub-par role in ministry. It is an endless mission to bring new life and zeal to the small church in a small town. Paul Hazelton was a pastor of a small church in LaMoure, North Dakota, and he writes a book that gives some concepts to consider in bringing life to the small-town church.

Paul's seven tasks to implementing the task of revitalizing the small church:

1. Define The Roles Of Pastor and Laity. The role of the pastor's efforts in serving the congregation and community are presented; followed by the role of the congregation in supporting the pastor financially, prayerfully, and with respect. The author presents the application of the pastor being the quarterback; the success of the team may hinge upon the quarterback, but if the quarterback is the only player on the field, it will be devastating.

2. Examine Your Organizational Structure. In this chapter, the author depicts the need for having a purpose and living that purpose in the ministry. He also places tremendous responsibility on prayer.

3. Develop A Plan. The empahsis for the small church is to have goals - reachable goals - but goals nonetheless. How easy it is to become void of goals in the small church. A church needs to set goals and work towards those goals in order to maintain vitality in the ministry.

4. Get Ready For Company. It is essential that the church prepares for the fruit of its labors. Begin by having plans in place for receiving and greeting visitors, and as well, a follow-up to the visitors needs to be in place before those visitors even attend.

5. Create Community Visability. The small church in the small town must focus on being visible to the community. He presents several recommendations: listings in the paper and phone books, promotional articles in the newspaper, devotional ads in the paper, personal congratulations to graduations and new births. The author states that if something is happening in the church, let the entire community know!

6. Identify Ministries With Potential For Outreach. A simple demographics study of your community will present the necessary means for properly ministering the community. While reaching out to the community, never forget to emphasize the purpose of the church.

7. Keep Your Denominational Identity. While the author presents a strongly ecumenical philosophy, he does strongly urge that churches not blur the lines of the their theological differences.

While all of the points of this book may not be for every church, it was a tremendous reminder of the potential found in any church, regardless of size. May the small town church find revival and vitality for the Lord's work in the town that the Lord hasa planted them in.

The Bivocational Pastor

2009-11-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

Since I am getting consistent rebukes about not updating this blog. I thought I would include some thoughts from the books that I have been reading. It will help me record the notable quotes, while also challenging you, the reader, to read more inspirational books.

The book begins with the definition of success; keeping a Heavenly perspective of the definition of true success will help when our view of success fail. The third chapter presented the difference between vision and dreams. "Dreamers are content to wish things were different; visionaries seek ways to partner with God to make a difference." (p.28). In the sixth chapter, the author encourages us to stay long enough in the small church in order to make a difference. Stating that many small churches remain in survival mode because of the rapid turnover of pastors in small churches. He has a powerful statement: "You will also have to win the battle against discouragement. Change and growth usually come slowly in the smaller church. There will be months and even years when it seems that nothing worthwhile is occurring. You may even doubt that God ever gave you a vision for the church. (p. 73). The tenth chapter is on "equipping the laity". Using one of my often quoted passages, the author expounds on Ephesians 4:11-12 with this statement: "Too often, Pastors are wearing themselves out trying to do the work of the ministry of the church while laypeople sit in the pews scoring their pastor'sefforts. Such ministry is not only seldom successful but also unbiblical." (p.115). Diving deeper into that thought, the author quotes John Maxwell as saying, "If we take people as they are, we make them worse. If we take them as they should be, we help them become what they can be." (p. 121).

I found this book extremely applicable to my current situation of "two jobs, and one ministry". While the author does seem to be repetitious in some instances, it was a great challenge and refocus...in the one thing needful!

The Smile That Is Stronger Than The Sword

2008-02-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

Numbers 22-24 describe the efforts of Balak to convince the prophet Baalam to put a curse on the children of Israel; within that account is the well-known event involving Baalam's donkey. In chapters 23 and 24, Baalam refuses to put a curse on the children of Israel, which places great fear in the life of Balak the king of Moab, especially since the memory of what the Lord did through the children of Israel with the Amorites is still on the mind of King Balak.

Chapter 25 begins with the proverbial smile that is stronger than the sword. While the sword of Balak and his armies was not able to defeat the Israelites, the women of Moab brought defeat within the camp. God commands Moses to kill all of the leaders of the people that have fallen prey to the harlots. The digression in the hearts of the children of Israel is evident when one of those leaders brings one of the harlots right into the camps of the children of Israel - seemingly, not even blushing about the sin. The end result is the death to 24,000 men!

Matthew Henry comments: "We are more endangered by the charms of a smiling world, than by the terrors of a frowning world." The frowning world is evident all around us: we need not look further than the evening news, the legislature, and the anti-Christians sentiments being introduced in the name of "education". The question for us to consider: how aware are we of the charms of the smiling world around us? The proverbial Moabite women who sneak into our hearts and homes inch-by-inch, and before long we are not even aware that we should be blushing! Boldness and pride have replaced shame! The smile is indeed stronger than the sword!

Do We Sanctify Him In Our Obedience?

2008-02-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

Numbers 20 reveals the events that led to Moses and Aaron's sin of striking the rock instead of talking to the rock! Within the judgment that followed is a very humbling statement by the Lord. In verse 24, God states that their sin was a sin of rebellion against God's Word. That is not difficult to comprehend: if we disobey or disregard the commands of the Lord, it is rebellion. What is more descriptive is God's initial words to Aaron and Moses found in verse 12: "Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel..."

Our rebellion against the will and commands of God is not just simple rebellion; it is a compounded sin of rebellion. A sin of unbelief before our God, and a sin of disgrace of our God in the sight of those who are near us! When we disregard the Word of God, we prove our rebellion, but that rebellion shows our view of God to Him and to others: we show our disbelief and we show our lack of desire to sanctify (to separate and make holy) our God before others!

Could Leviticus Be Legalistic?

2008-02-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Read through the entire book of Leviticus and you will read the law regarding sin offerings...to the exact details; the consecretion of the priests for service...to the exact details; laws regarding food, purity, childbirth, leprosy, etc...again, each one to the exact, specific detail (or "the letter of the law"); and even more significant, the details often contain penalties if those exact details are not followed exactly!

Today, there is a strong movement away from anything that sets guidelines, standards, or simply the enforcement of any "laws"; all in the name of not being legalistic. Certainly, there is a need to not seek the WORKS in order to add or secure our faith (the believer's eternity was secured on the cross, not because of what we did, but because of what Christ did - Eph 2:8-9, Titus 3:5-6). However, does the term "legalistic" or "legalist" spill off our tongues simply because we do not like the rules or guidelines that are trying to be enforced? Think about it! We seldom define the guidelines we agree with as "legalistic"; but if the school, church, or home expects me to do, dress, or look a way differently than I desire to do, dress, or look - our quick response is to justify our refusal by using the word "legalist".

Why was God so specific about every little detail in the book of Leviticus - did it all really matter? The law has been fulfilled, but our God has not changed! A quick reading of the entire book will reveal something very interesting about the exactness of the law. To aid your quick reading, consider these verses: 11:44-45, 18:2, 18:4, 18:21, 18:30, 19:2-4, 19:10, 19:12, 19:14, 19:25, 19:31-32, 19:34, 19:36, 20:7, 20:24, 21:8, 21:12, 22:33, 23:22, 23:43, 24:22, 25:17, 25:38, 25:55, 26:1, 26:12-13, 26:44-45. Thirty-three times in the midst of the exact details of these laws is this phrase (or one similar): "for I am the Lord".

Do you see? When Paul wrote in Romans 3:20 that "by the law is the knowledge of sin", he was referring to the exact, succinctly detailed law which includes the book of Leviticus. The Old Testament law was not meant to turn man inward, but upward: "for I am the Lord"; and as man turns upward, he sees his own sin in view of the light of the Throne!

When was the last time that we faced the decision to follow or reject the "law" (most often called rules, guidelines, expectations, or standards) of an instituion, camp, college, church, or even our own home...and instead of looking at ourselves and determining that we would not concede, we instead looked upward and remembered that He indeed is the Lord! And then...instead of throwing out the term "legalist", have we considered our own rebellious nature that keeps us looking at ourself instead of looking up! Thirty-three times is certainly enough times to express a point: it is all about HIM, and little to do with us!

The Remedy For High Blood Pressure And Other Anxiety Concerns

2008-02-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

Unprepared deadlines...an over-demanding boss...unexpected bills: what do we do when these concerns enter the course of our daily activity? If you are the average human, your response will contain one or more of these responses: anxiety, ringing hands, pacing, insomnia, increased blood pressure, and an entire encyclopedia of other health issues.

Exodus 14 describes perhaps one of the most anxious moments in the history of the children of Israel. They have finally been given their freedom from slavery...only to now be sitting on the river bank and watching the rapid approach of the Egyptian army! God spares them and divides the sea...but again, those Egyptians simply follow their same path. Imagine seeing the highly trained army approaching from behind with very little but desert in frontof them. Certainly they were in a no-possibility-of-winning situation! How many descendents of Abraham would have been suffering one or more of the list above?

Exodus 14:13 "And Moses said unto the people, Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew you today..." If Moses were addressing us today, the verse would say: put away your anxiety medications, stop pacing back and forth, cease from ringing your hands, take a shower and stop your excessive sweating; because in the midst of this seemingly no-win situation, you are going to see God work!

How often do we limit the working of God in our life because we refuse to "fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord..." Instead of becoming anxious and upset in the next trial, we should get excited to watch the Lord do His work!

The Easy Way Is Not Always The Best Way!

2008-02-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

How often do we seek the EASIEST way in an attempt to find the BEST way? If you are considering your own life, let me give you some avenues to mentally travel: how did you determine to accept your current job - how often have we given up or slowed down because the path was getting too difficult - how do you determine the best route between two locations?

Exodus 13:17-18 gives us a very interesting look into the work of God in our life. The Bible states that God led the children of Israel the long way between two paths, as opposed to leading them the most direct route. Step into their shoes: have you ever gotten lost on a journey, traveled for an extensive amount of time, only later to realize that you have not actually commuted a great distance in relation to the time spent. Imagine the children of Israel as they realized that they were not going the most direct route. We call it: "waisting our time".

We can read in verse 17 that the reason was based on the fact that God knew that if they traveled the EASY route, they would have faced certain trials, specifically war, causing them to want to return to Egypt! In essence they were not waisting their time by going the long way; God was actually keeping them in the path that He desired for them. The next time we have the impulse to seek the easy route - remember the children of Israel - what if they sought the easy route - they would have returned to bondage!

Lookin' Back

2008-01-29T17:43:00.000-08:00

In beginning the task of reading through the Old Testament, I reached the passage in Exodus 12 where God instructs Moses to instruct the people to remember the monumental exodus from Egypt. Later, in Deuteronomy 6, fathers are instructed to teach their children about the past history of the children of Israel. A seeming paradox is introduced when we reach the New Testament: Philippians 3:13 states: "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." In Luke 9:62, Christ states, "no man having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."; within the same book, we are told to "remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32).

As we begin a new year, two natural events take place: (1) we look forward to the events and goals of the new year, and (2) we look back on the successes and failures of the previous year. As I consider 2007, I am reminded of a few events that I would prefer to not repeat in the new year. It almost seems natural to think that this seeming biblical paradox of looking back and not looking back corresponds to the "good times" and the "bad times". Remember the good times, and forget the bad times. However, as I consider the backgrounds of the "paradoxes", I discover a most interesting explanation. The past to remember regarded the history of the children of Israel; the past to forget regarded the past of Saul/Paul. To put those two separate incidents into the context of our day, the past of Israel involved struggles, leaving home, thirst, hunger, uncertainty, wilderness, and slavery; the past of Paul involved success, financial security, popularity among the religious elite, position and prestige. It would seem that it was the "non-desireable" times that we are to remember; and the "desirable" times that Paul seems to be say we should forget.

In actual interpretation, the difference has nothing to do with the "goodness" or "undesireableness" of a situation, but instead the focus is on the acknowledgment and power of God in the life of those involved. This year, "success" is not defined by the "good" outweighing the "not-so-good"; but the realization that God works throught both scenarios. In fact, as the nation of Israel discovered, it is during those not-so-good times that we see God's power first hand to bring glory to Himself; and to those times, let us not forget! And, during the course of this year, when through our pride we forget God at work, let us press forward from those instances and continue pressing on!

2008-01-05T17:49:00.001-08:00

My goal with this endeavor is to have a running "journal" of what the Lord is doing in my life...through His Word and through daily life. I will encourage you to add your comments...once I figure out how to allow that!

Starting Out

2008-01-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

I am taking a big jump into the ocean of the internet...and hoping that I can make my way out before I run out of air! :)

I welcome you to the blog portion of this website! Please come back later!