torch bearer

I'm Home

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

We were gone for a few days after Christmas. Headed to the wet side of Washington to see family and just to get away for a bit. In order to do that, we had to leave our beloved LC Valley behind; the beauty of the Snake River, the sun, the rugged rocks carved by water, and just the awesome people. We did have a wonderful time seeing our parents, siblings, cousins and grandparents. It's always good to spend time with them. But it is always good to head home too.

Before I go on, I must tell you about one factory here in the valley that helps make us very distinct. Those who grew up around Everett or Tacoma will know what I am talking about. In fact, growing up, I lovingly refered to it as the "aroma of Tacoma". Here, Lewiston is commonly called "Pewiston". That's right, we have a pulp and paper mill. But we love it! It's a huge employer and they are a very community oriented company. No matter how thankful we are for this company, it still has a very distinct odor. My kids say it smells like the valley is filled with broccoli. The funny thing is, you don't notice it after a while. It just is there and a part of life.

So, back to coming home.

As we dropped down the long 7% grade into the LC Valley we caught a wiff of the mill. Wow, had I forgotten what that smelled like! It had been a few days and my nose had completely cleared itself of the smell. But the funny thing is, everyone in my family excitedly said at the same time..."We are home!" The smell told us we were home.

It made me think of the times that I have strayed from the presence of God. How I had left and then decided to come back. I have, at times, almost forgotten what it was like to be in His presence. To have the aroma of God penetrate every part of me. (I'm glad his presence doesn't remind me of cooked broccoli, just saying). But evertime I have chosen to come back "home", I have been greeted with that distinctive aroma of God's presence. And everytime I tell myself..."I am home!"

I challenge you this year, if you are not at home with God right now, head home. Go toward that smell and presence of God. Most likely you know the road to take, most likely you know it well. Find your way back home. There is a great sense of relief when you can say..."I am home!"

Freedom in the Open Gate

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

No one likes to feel trapped. No one likes the feeling of being stuck and therefore controlled. Whether we are talking about being physically restrained, religion, or lifes circumstances.

In Jujitsu we are taught to go toward the open gate. Go toward the way of freedom. For example, if someone grabs your wrist with thier hand, you would move your wrist toward the open gate; the open space between their fingers and thumb. As you do this you are gaining freedom from thier grip. This move toward the open gate is true for all levels of this martial art. Whether your opponent has your wrist, arm, neck or whole body.

I remember having to use this when being held by Sensai Brian. The man was not tall, but strong like an ox. It was black belt (him) verses no belt (me). I figured that this little open gate move would only really work when I was evenly matched with someone of my limited ability. So this bear of a man grabs me and by instinct I moved toward the open gate, the place where there was freedom from this mans grip. I moved, as I had been taught, and in the next instance I actually had freedom! Freedom from an opponent who I was certain would be able to hold me no matter what I tried.

I know there are many who feel trapped today. You feel that grip becoming tighter and stronger. Maybe that grip is finances, a bad relationship, guilt and shame from past desicisions, or emotional trauma. Maybe you are feeling the grip of sin in your life and have tried to find the opening, the release from it, but have chosen false religions, alcohol, sex or other destructive means in which to find a release. Trust me, I know the allure of each of these false gates. However, I also know the end game of each of these...the feeling of being even more trapped. In fact, it's not just a feeling, you really are trapped even more.

But here is the truth. This tightening grip can be released from you once and for all. There is peace and freedom to be found even in this life. There is a way to freedom that will work, I guarentee it. This open gate is spoken of by Jesus in John 10:9-10. This is what he says:

"I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

You and I have a way to freedom, here on earth as well as eternity, through the open gate of following and trusting Jesus Christ.

How do you need to be set free today?

Jesus and Java

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:47:00 +0000

Little boys love to tear things apart just to see how they work. Some of them even grow into a place where they put them back together too. Well, I have the tearing them apart side down really well. That's why I have surrounded myself with guys who know how to put it all back together.

One of the thing that I love to do, is to take a Bible verse or 2 and really break them down. I don't mean pulling out the Greek manuscripts and finding the word meanings (although there is nothing wrong with that). My brain works on a much simpler plane. I just use everyday words that are easy for me to grasp. I pull it apart into usable pieces for me. I do have to put it all back together so it is functionable in my life.

I wanted to let you in on a peak of what I mean. So, welcome to my kitchen table. Grab your Bible. Here is a cup of coffee. (I know its strong, but that's the way I like it). I call this time of my day, Jesus and Java.

Revelation 7:10 ESV, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

Crying out in a loud voice = none of this wimpy worship of God! I must be vocal and heard in my proclaiming of He is.

Salvation = being rescued, saved, pulled from, taken care of, loved enough for it to happen (in this case salvation from death - physical, spiritual, emotional)

To our = personal

God = the creator

Sits on the throne = seated in a place of authority, honor. Someone who has been given power and deserves recognition and honor.

To the Lamb = Jesus! perfect, my sacrifice, the one who brought salvation to the earth, Emmanuel (God with us).

Well, there we go. Something to digest. Something to apply. Something to ponder.

Let me know some of your thoughts on this. What jumped out at you? What was meaningful? How are you going to apply this to your life?

Feel free to stick around for another cup of coffee too.

Unlikely people doing extreme things for God

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:23:00 +0000

Here is the link for the audio of today's teaching from Amos 1:1. Somehow thenlast few minutes were cut off. Here are the notes from that portion.
Here we can see 4 things about Amos that put him in a place to be used by God. 4 things we can apply as well.
1) He saw (1:1) - he had eyes to see what God was saying
2) He allowed the Lord to move him (7:15)
3) He responded in obedience to Gods calling (7:15)
4) He was available - the best ability is availabilityc
Click here for download link

Teaching from Sunday October 16, 2011 - Perseverance - Joel 2:28-32

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:01:00 +0000

Here is the teaching from the 16th. I pray you are blessed and challenged as the Word of God is spoken. If you have any questions or comments I would love to chat. Click here to go to the link.

October 23, 2011 Teaching - God Restores Joel 3

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 06:24:00 +0000

Check out today's teaching at this link. I didn't do any editing so bear with all the extras. I believe it is what is called 'organic'. Hope you are blessed. http://www.4shared.com/file/gfuTLxHS/recording-20111023113247.htmlhttp://www.4shared.com/file/gfuTLxHS/recording-20111023113247.html

Facebook and changes

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:41:00 +0000

Alright, I know I will sound pious and a bit self-righteous even, but here goes...

If we are really that concerned about the new Facebook changes I have to ask a few questions and make a few observations. And I actually do want to hear your responses. Good or bad.

Our collective American blood pressure has risen today to a new all time high. More so than trying to watch the Seahawks actually win a game. Facebook status updates have been abuzz about the new changes, and most of those updates have been on the hater side of things. There is even picket signs going up on peoples walls and threats to just quit Facebook altogether. There has been a slew of comments on each of those updates, each building on the last and working the masses into a frenzy. Mr. Zuckerberg, lock your doors and double the guards. You have pissed off the American people!

Now really people. Most of you are adults (or so your lied about age says so) that are making these hater updates. That's because the kids are still in school and haven't noticed yet. I would dare say let's act like adults about this! This is only Facebook after all, not real life! Now, don't get me wrong, I love Facebook as much as the next person. I use it for all kinds of reasons, from ministry to spying, from new friends to old. But I am not about to get all tensed up over the changes. I realize in my short adult years that there is more to raise my blood pressure over. Like real problems. Like real change.

Did you know that the national poverty level has risen around 10% over the last 10 years? Did you know that several million people, just in the USA, don't have an active relationship with Jesus Christ? Did you know that there are kids in Kenya (and other places, I just love Kenya) that die by the thousands EVERYDAY just because they don't have the simple necessity of clean drinking water? Did you know that in your very town/city there are people who don't know what true love is? When was the last time you shared Jesus with someone? Do you know your neighbors? I could go on, but I'll stop with the "did you knows".

My point is this, we have so much to be about in life, and especially if you are a Follower of Jesus, that these Facebook changes should roll off us and really matter very little. If we are this upset about these changes, no wonder there is Church division and family fights when needed change happens.

Change, for the sake of change is not always best, agreed. However, the changes that we have noticed on Facebook today don't really count as life change. They don't constitute getting mad and venting. If you need to get made about something and want to help advocate change, look toward politics. Look toward local town issues. Look toward human life issues (abortion, health care, elderly care, etc.). Look toward your neighbors well-being. Look toward the little kid who needs a coat or help with school work. Look, and please don't forget this one, toward your own family. These are changes we should rally toward.

Please use your passion, and even anger, for the things that really matter in life. For the changes of life that matter. The change from the old self to the new self. Get passionately angry about sin and the destruction it causes on a daily basis. Use your anger and frustration wisely!

By the way, personally, I like the changes.

If you need you can unfriend me. I believe that button is still in the same spot.

Remembering

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:58:00 +0000

I have the privilege to speak at a 9-11 Memorial and Procession tomorrow here in Asotin. I wanted to share what came from my heart. May we always remember...

Our American lives were forever changed on that fall Tuesday morning of September 11, 2001. Each of us have a story and memory of what we were doing that day. Many of us were at work or school, while others of us were still heading there. Maybe you were at home when you received the horrible news that 2 planes were flown into the World Trade Center, another into the Pentagon, and still another that was stopped by its passengers before it could cause more damage. The shocking news that America was under attack.

Other American citizens were expecting a normal day of work as firefighters, EMS, or police officers in NYC. At least as normal as these jobs allow. Little did they know that their lives, as well as their families lives, would be devastated that day. On that day 343 firefighters, 72 police officers and 42 EMS personnel didn’t come home from shift. On that day they gave the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate act of heroism. On that day they showed that the health and safety of others outweighed their own well-being.

They lived out the very words of the Fireman’s Prayer:

When I am called to duty, God
whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it's too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife

There were words once spoken in an ancient time that still hold the same power and truth today. The words of Jesus recorded in John 15:12, 13 say this, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

We are here today to give honor to those who laid down their life not only for their friends, but for those they did not know. Our tears, our actions and our words stand in such small comparison to the ultimate act of friendship that these heroes showed us that day. We, the American public, give honor where honor is due, even though it cannot fully express our gratitude to those heroes. We are proud of those rescue workers from that day.

We also salute our men and women who serve us today in the LC Valley. Who faithfully do a job that many are not able to do. To those who view other’s lives as more important than their own, we say thank you.

Lt. John B. Putnam Jr., a USAF pilot who was shot down and killed in 1944 at the age of 23, once said, “Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it”. As much as we are here to honor those who gave so much that day, and to those who continue to give, we are also called to look into the future. We are challenged today to not live in the fear of the past, but to be propelled into a better future by these very events. That day taught us not to be taken prisoner by other’s choices, but to be overcomers in the face of adversity. To find courage in the face of fear. There are those who have found a source of courage and those who still live in a place of fear. Let us resolve today, to be a people not overcome with fear, but a people who will overcome fear with courage. A people who, as the Apostle Paul said, will not be overcome with evil, but will overcome evil with good. Using the good of forgiveness to overcome the past and to live in a bright future. The good of forgiveness even to a people who seemingly don’t deserve it. Let us be the people that nations strive to be like and the people that our future generations will speak highly of.

So today, we honor those who gave everything on September 11, 2001 by saying thank you not only in words but in action and resolve. We honor you by being the generations that will never forget your sacrifice, continually give you honor, and live in a future that you have helped pave for us. We say thank you, and we will never forget!

Let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, we are here today in reflection on an event that is so solemn and so life changing. We are here to remember those who gave their life so that others would have life. Our hearts beat heavy for the loved ones left to grieve and our prayers are to You today that You would bring them comfort and peace. Teach us, the remaining ones, how to respond with courage while standing in the face of fear. Teach us, O LORD, how to forgive those who have done heinous deeds to us. To forgive them just as you have forgiven us. Let us learn from those who responded with many acts of courage so valiantly that day. May our actions today bring honor to those who gave all on September 11th. May we walk as a nation and as a people who have learned from those before us, so that our future may be bright in You. We pray protection over those men and women who continually put themselves in harm’s way each day. May your hand be upon them and upon their families. We ask these things today in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Furthering your Education

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:01:00 +0000

School's back in session!

Depending on the age you are, these words invoke different responses. Anywhere from a gag response to dancing in the streets and thanking Jesus! No matter our response, the truth is another school year has begun. Teachers, books, friends, bullies, smells of the mystery meat for lunch, the flavor of pastes as it crosses over your tongue. Ok, maybe not the last one. Students, of whatever age, go to school for one reason (or at least you should) and that is to learn. To grow mentally. The old saying goes "You never are too old to learn something." Hopefully this year our students will exceed even the teachers expectations in learning.

As I dropped off my kids for their first day of public school today (yes, we have homeschooled them until high school and now we have put them into public school) I got to thinking. You know, I hope that what they learn will not just stay within those walls of brick and mortar. I trust that what they learn will stay with them and continue to be the foundation pieces they use to build an even better education throughout life. To go and spend all that time behind a desk and not actually use it for later in life is such a waste. Maybe that's why my dad would say when I was screwing around with homework, "I buy you books, send you to school and all you do is chew the covers off!" Our education is not just for now, and not just to graduate, it's to use later on in life. To build upon.

You know, the greatest education we can gain in life is from the Bible. Whether it is us reading it or if it is by someone (pastor/teacher) explaining it to us. We have such a treasure in our hands as we hold the words that God has spoken to us. A treasure that is not to be only used on Sunday mornings as we sit in the chair and listen to someone talk. An education that is squandered if we have our devotional/Bible time just so we can say we did it. A resource of growth that is wasted if we hear the words and never act on them. Our time with Jesus is a time that is to be put to use. Put into action. Used as a foundation for later, as well as for now.

We were never called to be students of the Word just so we could say we are students. Not even so we can say we graduated. And certainly not so we could just be proud of how much we know and keep it to ourselves. We are students of the Word of God so that we might grow as followers of Christ, and so that we might go and make disciples (other followers of Jesus) with what we have learned.

Our challenges for today are this:

Start learning if you aren't already. Spend time with Jesus (read the Bible, pray, listen, worship) so that you will grow. Need some help of where to start, try this great resource .

THEN

Go and tell someone what you learned today. Live it out in our actions, emotions, responses and motives. Use the words that God has given us to use. Use the words that we just learned today in our time with Jesus.

What are the challenges that you may face in using your 'education'?

How are you already doing it? I would love to hear how it's going!

Thunder on the Snake River

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:10:00 +0000

One of my favorite things I get to do as a pastor is water baptism. Man, it doesn't get any better than seeing people who have made a commitment to Jesus in their heart take a bold step and publicly profess Jesus.

Yesterday we had water baptism in a very warm Snake River. How excited I was to be warm the whole time! There was a large crowd to witness what was going on, both from our church body as well as just people at the beach. We were blessed to have a jet boat race going on at the same time, so people from all over were there to watch boats do 100+ MPH up the river. Little did they know they were going to witness something even more powerful...4 people making a public confession of their faith in Jesus. Now that is a true meaning of Thunder on the Snake River!

Congratulations to those who were baptized yesterday. So very honored to be a part of this powerful moment in your life.

Do you remember your water baptism?

Do we go back and revisit it in your mind from time to time? We should!

Have you never been baptized and want to? Talk to me or your pastor. It is a great act of obedience in your walk with Jesus.

Learning is from the birds

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:26:00 +0000

I was sitting outside and enjoying my Java and Jesus time, (some may call that their devotion time, but I just have to be different) when I noticed something interesting going on at the neighbors.

No, the cops weren't involved nor was there anything really news worthy, I just noticed a bunch of birds. Little birds. Little birds who were sitting on the roof one second and then they would disappear into the gutter the next. I watched this for a while and was trying to figure out what they were doing. They would carry on in this manner and then fly off. The whole group of them were involved in this behavior. It finally came to me, they were getting seeds and such out of the gutters! They were at the Golden Coral for birds. Smart little critters, not having to go far for their food. Taking it where they can get it. But then also not staying in the feeding trough but leaving it to go do their little birdie work...whatever that is.

I believe that as followers of Jesus we need to grab a lesson from these little feathered friends. A couple things I want to point out. One is that we don't need to go far for good spiritual feeding. We don't need to go far to find good solid teaching. Every town and city has a Bible based group of believers in it. We don't need to get caught up in the flare of the next greatest teacher or movement when we are blessed to have spiritual food close by. Don't miss out on what God is doing through the local body of Christ. In the same manner, we are blessed to have this thing we call the Bible at our disposal. We are not bound by just one person hearing from God and telling us what they think, we have the ability to open the Bible up daily and read and apply it to our lives. Don't leave the responsibility of being spiritually feed to your pastor. Serve some food up yourself.

Secondly, just as the birds didn't stay in the gutter eating their food and getting fat, we are not made to sit in our spiritual feeding trough and get spiritually fat. We are to be daily fed, but then daily exercising. Our weekly gathering time (don't forsake this time!), our Bible studies (individual or as a group are key to growth), our camps and conventions (you should always try to be a part of one a year) are not designed for us to just learn from them so that we might have more knowledge. Instead, they are for us to be feed so that we might go use what we have learned to effect the world around us. Just as my bird friends got fed so then they could use that energy to go do their work, that is what our "feeding" time is for.

Third. These little fellers knew they had a job. I don't know what it was, but they did. They didn't bother telling me what their job was and they didn't bother trying to do someone else's job. They seemed content in doing what they needed to do.

So, let's get fed today. Find a devotional that you can easily read and that has you reading scripture with it. If you need some direction in this, let me know. Then after our feast of Jesus' power, let's get out the door and get to work. The world is dependent on you and I to tell and show them who Jesus is. And please, let's not fight among ourselves over our jobs within the Body of Christ. Let's just get out there and BE THE CHURCH!

Remember, Church starts NOW!

My God

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:13:00 +0000

I have a view of who God is. You have a view of who God is. Everyone has a view of who God is, even if they don't believe there is one. Each view may vary a bit from the other. Sometimes it's due to life circumstance.

Many years ago I was going through a rough time in life. My marriage was falling apart, I felt alone physically and spiritually, I was making life choices that were not God honoring. It was a mess! I went to a prayer meeting one night for the sole reason to get out of the house and not have to be around Amy. Get reason huh?

I was feeling alone and distant from God. Of course, it wasn't Him that had moved in our relationship, it was me. That night, a wonderful man of God showed me how close God still was to me and how much He loved me. The man never said a word, he just sat by me in my distress and placed his hand on my knee. As a loving father would to a wounded child when words cannot fix the pain. Through that gentle touch I saw a picture of who God is. He is a God who is close and faithful. Full of love for His children. Even when His children aren't close, faithful or even deserve love. He just wanted me back!

God is revealed in different ways to us throughout the Bible. He is the very Creator of heaven, earth and you. He is the same God that was then revealed to us as a precious baby in human form. He then is shown as a brilliant light of rainbow colors, flashes of lightening and rolls of thunder! (Revelation 4)

Maybe today you need the gentle touch of our God. Maybe you need to experience the strong right hand of our Warrior God. Maybe you just need to remember that He is near and not a distant God (one that wants a personal relationship with you). Wherever you may be in this, just remember... It is the same God. A God who is powerful, yet approachable. A God who wants relationship with you.

Confessions of a Follower

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 06:40:00 +0000

Sometimes its really hard to know how (or if you even want) to praise God.

Ok, I know that is an odd thing for a follower of Christ to say, but we all have our tough days. Sometimes you just don't feel worthy. Or sometimes its because words are just so inadequate to describe our Creator and God. Whether because it's hard for me to praise God or to come up with the right words, I am so grateful for Psalmist (as well as the other authors of the Bible). There are times that all I can do is read something like this over and over:

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD;

let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

For the LORD is a great God,

and a great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth;

the heights of the mountains are his also.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;

let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

For he is our God,

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand. (Psalm 95:1-7)

As I read this today, I came to the conclusion that no matter how I feel, I must praise God. If I am short of words, these can help.

Lord, I will praise you. As I do, I know the world around me will dim in comparison to You and your majesty! God, I love you!

Are you having a time of falling short on praising God adequately (or at all)?

Do these words from the Psalms help?

Love is shown through a plate of waffles

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:27:00 +0000

My wife showed me one of the simplest yet greatest snapshots of who Jesus is today.

The day started like this...

Today is her only day off.

She woke up an hour and a half before me.

I woke up very late.

Needless to say, she wasn't real impressed by my morning behavior, and rightly so. I saw she was on the east side of miffed and so I quickly apologized and got busy on the work that I needed to do today. An hour later, she very sweetly comes out and hands me a plate full of waffles with syrup! Without saying anything, she serves me and shows me that she loves me.

I saw such a glimpse of Jesus in this act. How often do we do something that causes our Savior (or Saviour if you are in Canada) to shake his head and not be overly pleased with our behavior and actions. We call this sin. The right step for us to take is to repent and turn towards our faith in Jesus, to get back to work. Jesus then does this amazing thing, he forgives us and gently shows his love for us. Like Amy serving me waffles and showing me that she loved me even though I had wronged her, Jesus (to a much greater extent) does the same with us.

Two thoughts on this today: First, is there something you need to repent (ask for forgiveness) for today? Don't delay, ask Jesus for forgiveness right now. Second, do you need to show love to someone who has wronged you? Even if they may not have asked for forgiveness, you need to show them the love of Jesus today. How are you going to do that?

Thank you Amy for showing the love of Jesus to me today and teaching me a very valuable lesson. You continue to amaze me.

God's greatness

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:23:00 +0000

I had the privilege to hear Pastor Brent Kimball rock the Word if God yesterday at Inspire Church of the Skagit Valley. He spoke in the greatness of God. Like he said starting out...where do you start, where do you go from there, and how do you ever end when talking about the greatness if God. Psalms 145:3 says that His greatness no one can fathom. So this is a big topic.

Pastor Brent used space as such an awesome illustration of God's vast greatness. How we know so little about so much. The fact of the enormity of space and that God spoke it into existence. God's greatness!

It struck me, and sadly I may not be the only one this is true of, that I can totally believe God spoke all if that into existence and yet fail to trust Him for the everyday stuff in my life.

I realized yesterday that I have fallen into the horrible trap of thinking that God is just a distant God. Still all powerful and full of greatness, but just not for my needs.

I have repented of that sin.

So I see again today that "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable." Even in the smallness of my life and its decisions.

Where do you need to grasp His greatness in your life?

Strange Obedience

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:25:00 +0000

Ever feel like God may ask you to do something that just doesn't really make sense? Something, that to us, may seem like it would go contrary to what would be best for His kingdom. What is our normal response to this request of strange obedience...yep, we go do what we think is best.

I started thinking this today after reading Mark 1:40-45. This leper comes up to Jesus and asks "If you will, you can make me clean." Jesus is moved with pity, stretches out his hand, touches and heals the man. Of course the man is excited. His life has just been given back to him. Not just his physical life but his social life. Lepers were not high on the social invite list. They had nothing and were viewed as nothing. Jesus restored everything to this guy.

Now we are faced with the strange obedience request. Jesus tells him to go and present himself to the priests and offer his cleansing as Moses commanded, as proof to the priests. Ok, that's not so odd.

But the part that Jesus said just prior to this is the interesting part. Jesus tells the man "See that you say nothing to anyone..."

"What? Seriously? Say nothing about what just happened? You just gave me back my life and You want me to say nothing about it? Jesus, I'm not sure that is really what you meant. I will be helping your cause if I tell people." Maybe these were the thoughts that were rolling around in his head. Maybe he was overrun by the excitement of what just happened and didn't hear what Jesus said not to do. Whatever the case was he went and told everyone and this really made troubles for Jesus.

Mark tells us that at this point Jesus could no longer openly enter a town. He had to stay out in desolate places. Sure, people still came to Him by the thousands and extraordinary things were done, but this man still did not walk in this request for strange obedience. God is still in charge and this didn't shock Him, but who knows how this may have changed history. Maybe there was just that one person who didn't make it out to the desolate places to see Jesus. Maybe they missed that face to face encounter with the very Son of God. Just because of one mans actions.

What are you being asked to do that looks like strange obedience? What is God asking of you that just doesn't seem to fit when we view it with our earthly minds?

Let's discuss this. I'd love to hear from you.

What could have happened had this man obeyed?

What is holding you back from strange obedience?

What may happen if you do or don't do this obedience?

The revealing of Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:02:00 +0000

As we looked at Ephesians 3:8-13 on Sunday, we had a great group discussion. So much wisdom was presented and God was really working on our lives.

We were given two questions to talk about around our tables. "How does the church reveal Jesus? and How do I reveal Jesus?"

There was a lot said about how the church is revealing Jesus and much about how it isn't. Agreed, there is work to be done in how the church reveals Jesus, but I believe that all hope is not lost. We can become the church that Jesus envisioned when He created us. There were many practical ways given that we can be the church and reveal Jesus to the world. Giving of our time, loving people like no one else can, taking care of our neighbors and actually speaking the name of Jesus not just living the life.

But there was one answer that I really thought summed it up. It was said that the answer of the first question is truly answered by the second. As a whole, we will be ineffective if we are not individually revealing Jesus. It has to start with me and you as a person before we can expect to come together as a whole and really reveal Jesus to the world.

I want to hear your thoughts. Throw them in the comment section below.

How can the church reveal Jesus if the individual is not willing to reveal Jesus?

How can YOU reveal Jesus to the world?

How was Jesus revealed to you?

Stewarding your revelation

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Originally posted at New Hope's blog

Are you stewarding your revelation? This was our topic on Sunday as we looked at Ephesians 3:1-3.

The apostle Paul had a couple revelations (Acts 9:1-7 and Acts 22:17-21).

He had a moment there in Acts 22 that he tried to convince God that he was too bad a man and therefore couldn't steward the revelation that he was given. I love it...He tries to convince God that the redemption of sins through Jesus wasn't enough! How tragic that many of us sit, without acting on our revelation, because we doubt the power of Jesus' blood.

In the story of Saul in Acts 9 we see another man, Ananias. He was given a revelation as well. His was to go to Damascus and pray for this brute of a man named Saul. Ananias does a great job of trying to jog God's memory about who Saul is. Hit man, hater of Jesus' disciples, and all around bad man. As if God forgets! As followers of Christ is it not our job to remind God of the possible hardships that our revelation may bring, our job is obedience.

But the beauty of both of these men's story was this: they obeyed God!

In fact, Paul knew that what was revealed to him by God was important enough to let it consume his life. He let it become who he was. He became a good steward of that revelation.

The keys of being a good steward of your revelation is this:

Listen

Obey

Act

What has God spoken to you to be about? What was the word God gave you? What is YOUR revelation? We all have one.

Maybe it was the booming voice experience like Saul had or maybe it was the quiet voice like Ananias experienced.

Maybe it was to do something large and in the public or maybe it was to grasp (and live out) the truth that you are a child of God.

Whatever it is are you being a good steward?

What is your revelation? In what ways are you being a good steward? In what areas do you need to improve? Leave a comment, let's talk.

Straying

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:45:00 +0000

Came across and interesting piece out of the Bible tonight.

Paul is standing before King Agrippa and giving testimony to his own life and how Jesus intersected it. He is telling the story of Jesus meeting him face to face in a brilliant and blinding light on the road to Damascus. Jesus gave him specifics of what he was to do with this new found truth. We pick up the story in Act 26:18 as Jesus is speaking to Saul (later he becomes Paul) "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'"

Paul was given specific instructions FROM
Jesus on what he was to be doing.

As we pick up the story in verse 19, we see that Paul followed through with Jesus' plan for him. "Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance."

Paul did not stray from the word that Jesus gave to him. I'm sure he had plenty of opportunity in his ministry to listen to the voices of so many others. Maybe even good voices, maybe even godly voices, but yet he kept fast to the word JESUS gave him!

Staying firm to the word that Jesus gives you can be unpopular, especially when it has to do with preaching repentance, turning to God AND performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. That is evidenced in verse 21 when Paul says, "For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me."

The Church, as well as the world, is full of voices. Good voices and not so good voices. Voices of reason and voices of distraction. As a follower of Jesus you must remember the word (job, mission, purpose, etc.) that Jesus gave to YOU. Not what the voices are wanting you to do.

Before he stood in this position in front of King Agrippa, Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:4, " but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." Not to please man…but to please God. Paul knew, long before his speech in Acts, that pleasing God was his only desire. He knew that the word of Jesus was powerful enough that it was all he needed.

I'm NOT saying that taking in the godly advice of godly people should be dismissed. Not at all. I am saying, however, that straying from the word that JESUS has given you will only lead to disaster and heartache. For a great example of this, please see the story of Jonah.

So how do we guard against falling into this trap?

First, stay in the presence of God. The end of Jonah 1:3 says "So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord." In contrast to that, Acts 9:11, "and
at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying."

Second, never forget the word of God. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 puts it this way, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." In other words, REMEMBER!

Third, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. When we love someone that much, we could never walk away from what they ask. A great source to study this more is a book by Mark Batterson titled Primal.

What are a few other things you can think of that keep us from falling into this trap?

Lessons from the lake

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 01:25:00 +0000

Spent day one of several days on the lake today. Just a chance to reconnect with Jesus and a chance to harvest a few of the fish He created. And actually I did both today.

On the fish side of things I got 2 keepers and played a couple others. Fishing is much more fun when you are catching.

As I'm sitting in my kayak in the middle of the lake I noticed something. Paul, the Maddog fisherman, was anchored in his kayak. Happily fishing and also doing quite well. I started out close to him but very slowly I was drifting away. Not noticeable at first, but soon I realized the scenery was changing. So I would paddle back over to him and start over. Oops, same result.

Wow, in life it is so the same way. Without being anchored we just drift however the world may blow us. Not fast, not obvious but still drifting away. And it may not big huge sin issues. Could be just the way we do church, or more often...not being the church, the hands and feet of Jesus.

We are encouraged in John 14 to stay attached to the vine. Then, and only then, are we able to stay in the place God wants us to be.

Attach yourself to the Vine today. Set aside time to get to know Him. To hear Him. To learn to love Him deeper and find out how much He loves you.

How do you stay attached to the Vine?

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2 Little Nuggets

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:40:00 +0000

I love the little things that the Holy Spirit drops my way in hopes that I hear them and then respond. That has happened twice in the last couple days.

I was watching a documentary about a wheat farmer and the relation it had to the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). The elderly farmer was going through the whole process from picking the seed, sowing the seed, watching it grow and finally to the fruit bearing stage and harvest. He made a comment, almost in passing, which just struck me, "To see the fruit you can't weary and give up." Yep, in a half-hour worth of watching him talk about wheat, those few words hit me like a brick.

I know I fall into that trap of wanting to see the fruit NOW! The fruit of my own life as well as the fruit of those that I lead. I have to realize that it takes time, it's a process. That doesn't mean that the wheat seed can sit in the ground for 20 years and continue trying to convince those around it that "it's a process. It takes longer for some people." No, there is a natural life cycle of growth. The fruit doesn't come overnight, but there still has to be constant growth taking place. Otherwise, I believe that is called death. I came to realize from that farmers statement that I can't give up tilling and planting, fertilizing and praying, watering and weeding. To see fruit, however long it takes, I can't grow weary.

I am blessed to be surrounded by a great group of leaders at New Hope. Last night we were praying together and one of our men was praying for me and mentioned the story of David trying to wear Saul's armor (1 Samuel 17). He asked God to show me that I didn't need to try to wear someone else's armor for the battle that I'm in, just be comfortable with the armor that God has chosen for me to wear.

Do you know how many times I have heard this similar prayer or comment? At some point you would think I would get it. I can't be anyone else, I have to be me. The man God created. He made me the way He made me and for a specific reason. I need to be content with the armor that was designed for me. I can't move as well in someone else's and I won't be as protected either. God has designed each of us for a very specific reason, and we are the only ones that can do it.

I'd love to hear from you.

Are you becoming weary in the waiting? Have you been planted for way too long and it is time to grow?

How comfortable are you in the armor (the calling) that God has chosen for you?

God of this City: Baptism in the Holy Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:56:00 +0000

I look at my childhood, and as much as my parents drove me nuts sometimes and I think my dad was so wrong in much of what he did, I still had parents that loved me. They truly wanted the best for me and continued to guide me in what they thought was best. They never abandoned me and made me figure out life on my own. I am so grateful for them for this gift of love they gave me. This empowering they gave me for my future. And now it is my turn to do the same with my kids.

How wonderful it is to know that God, as the perfect Father, has done the same for us. Knowing that we needed a Savior He sent His only Son to die for us. Then, still thinking ahead for us, knowing that we weren't going to make it on our own when Jesus was physically not on earth with us anymore, He left us the Holy Spirit. The very Spirit of Jesus left for us; to guide us and empower us in life.

Jesus tells us that he won't leave us as orphans but will send us a helper.

Jesus' final words on earth were that he wanted us to be his witness in this world and that he would give us the power to do it. To give us the power to live the life that he commanded us to live.

John 15, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, tells us the secret to living this Spirit filled life. Jesus tells us to abide in him and he will abide in us! Oh, yeah! Not only does he want us to live a Spirit filled life, he also gives us the way to do it! Now that's good parenting.

See ya Sunday at 10am for week three in the God of this City series. This week: Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

How have you needed or relied upon the power of the Holy Spirit during your life?

God of this City: Divine Healing

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:25:00 +0000

We are continuing our 4 week journey through some of the foundations that we must understand about ourselves as the Church and also how that relates to the world around us. As Jesus said in Mark 2:15-17, He didn't come for the righteous or for the well, He came for the unrighteous and the sick. In other words, Jesus didn't come just for the Church to get fat and sassy, He came that the world might know Him. Part of that process is that He wants to partner with us, His Church, and work through us so that the world would come to Him. His manifest power seen in us by this world will change this world forever!

This Sunday we are talking about Divine Healing.

It is interesting how the world tries to respond with its false version of healing. The ancient Eastern religious practices as well as the newer New Age practices are all in direct contradiction to the authority of God. Interestingly enough is how so many of these practices have slid into the church completely unseen or at least uncared about. I think it's time to point some of this out and call false gods false gods!

We are going to see that Jesus was well established as the Healer. How the prophecies of the Old Testament point to Jesus as the healer, and how through His ministry He proves that to be true. And that His healing was not just for then, but for now as well.

Some tough questions always arise when we talk about healing. The "why" questions. Why does God heal some and not others? Why are some healings instant while others take a long time and even need doctors? Why should I keep praying even if God doesn't seem to listen? Why…

We are going to try and answer these questions with a story from my cousin Jennifer and her husband Mark. Mark was diagnosed with MS when he was 9 and has such a great story that needs to be shared. The healing that took place in his life is mind blowing!

We are believing that God is going to do a work in us on Sunday. We are going to come to Jesus for healings. If you are in need of healing (and don't just think physically) or someone you know is needing Jesus to heal them, maybe New Hope is the place to be for you. We aren't going to have a special speaker who is gifted in healings. We aren't going to have special mood music. We aren't going to try and pray the right words. We are just coming to Jesus with faith!

I can't wait for Sunday! See you at 10 am.

God of this City: Salvation

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:44:00 +0000

We are starting a new series this Sunday, God of this City.

We will be looking at 4 important values to us as a church. Salvation, Divine Healing, Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Second Coming of Christ.

As important as these are TO the church (universally speaking) these are also important for the world around us. As Jesus spoke in Mark 2:15-17, He said that the healthy, or the righteous, don't need the doctor it's the sick, or the unrighteous that do. These are truths that need to be shared with a world who is desperately seeking truth. Desperately seeking healing. Desperately seeking power. Desperately seeking hope. What Jesus has to offer is not just for the church to feel warm and fuzzy, it is for those who are dying without what we have.

We believe that God is not done here in Northport (or whatever city you may live in). We continue to believe that God is still the God of this city.

This week we are looking at salvation.

I have found that every person falls into one of these 3 categories regarding salvation:

Those who should know the truth but don't
Those who don't know the truth but should
Those who do know the truth and need to grow

Do you have all the Biblical knowledge crammed into your mind, but no revelation of who Jesus truly is?

Have you only heard a little of Jesus, or maybe nothing at all, and are waiting to be presented that truth?

Have you accepted that truth but have just stagnated in blissful assurance of your salvation?

Let's talk about this on Sunday. In fact I would love to hear your thoughts here in the comment section of this blog.

The Joy of the Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Eldon Kelley) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 01:50:00 +0000

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. – Apostle Paul (1 Cor 15:14-19)

Not being ones that are called to a futile faith, but ones who are called to life and life to the fullest (John 10:10), we as Christ followers often seem confused between the two.

Galatians 5:22-23 talks about the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, what our lives as Christ followers are to look like, and one of those is joy. Cheerfulness as the Greek word truly means. Something that is not determined by external forces or circumstances, but determined by internal forces…the power of the Holy Spirit. Determined by the fact that we have a living God who resides inside us!

With this in mind, we need to respond to the mission of God with joy.

The mission comes out of the joy of Jesus' resurrection, and our joy comes from fulfilling the mission

The mission is to "go and make disciples" and the joy is that we serve a risen savior.

What has your response been to the mission?

Is your joy dependent on external forces?