The Extra Piece

Standing away from the table, anyone would notice the puzzle was finally done. Looking at its finished form, anyone could see the landscape was complete. Off to the side, sitting all alone, the piece without a place — A piece without a home.

The puzzle did not need it, nor could it fit the piece in, because if the piece did find a place to fit, the completion would be undone.

The extra piece could not do anything to change its state, and others could not help. Where could it find a puzzle with Whom it had a place? No puzzles near or far away could find a place for it. There was no place for that piece to fit!

As this situation continued, the piece began to feel worthless. It felt that all was lost. And having nothing left to do, it sought the Puzzle Maker to offer His counsel.

"Oh, GREAT PUZZLE MAKER, please tell me what to do? There is no place for me to fit, no space that I can fill."

The extra piece was the only piece to hear the Puzzle Maker's answer because it was unique and belonged only to him.

YOU, LIKE THE EXTRA PIECE, WILL ONLY FIND THE ANSWER IF YOU ASK THE QUESTION FOR YOURSELF. NO ONE CAN FIND IT FOR YOU!

         Being set apart to do something for the Lord is not always an easy task. Even though you are given the gifts necessary to accomplish the task, at times you may not understand fully what is going to happen. In the early years of my ministry I really thought I had it all together. Everything should have fallen into place. After all I was raised in the church, attended the “right” college and understood what I wanted out of life. I even followed the advice of older, wiser ministers and had a “fallback position” just incase ministry didn’t pay the bills. To my surprise, things did not go as planned. The Lord most often needs to bring us to a point of trusting Him completely before His plan is brought about in our lives. At least that is what has happened with me thus far. And, I believe that it is what happened in Joseph's life. (Genesis 37:5-9)

         Joseph had dreams, and he was sure he understood them. We should all be able to relate dreams and visions of what life will hold for us. But, I don't think we are ever made aware of all that transpires on the way to what God had planned. We like Joseph have no idea what is around the next bend. (Genesis 37:23 -27)

         These same types of injustice still happen to those who attempt to listen to the Lord. People laugh at you! They seem to do everything in their power to stop you from doing what you know is right, and at times they will try to get you to give up your vision to join them in accomplishing what God has called them to do. Isn't that in some way selling us into bondage? How often have we as Christians heard the goals of another and not really listened to them? Or, how many times have we attempted to share our dreams and visions with others only to have them misunderstand and mistreat us for believing God would consider working through us?

         We all know the outcome of the story of Joseph. Everything the Lord promised came to pass in his life. But, before that final outcome, he was accused of doing wrong, thrown into prison, and was kept there for about three years. In every situation, he did his best to be a blessing to those he came in contact with and he never doubted that the Lord understood everything. From what we are given in Scripture Joseph never suffered discouragement. I wish the same were true of me. The truth is when we are doing the wrong thing even though it is for the right reason, it feels as if we are in a prison. There are lesions we learn in those places that we cannot learn anywhere else, but that does not make the journey any more comfortable.

         I can't speak for you, but I must say, for myself, I need more of the assurance Joseph had. If that is true for you also, don't give up. God is still on the throne. Everything will work out according to His will, and He lovingly leads all who will follow Him into a life of righteousness. No one can understand all that we go through in life, and for several of our life events there seems to be no good reason or adequate explanation. Some things happen in our lives just to demonstrate how lost we are without God. We just need to distinguish between what should be forgotten, and what should be memorialized. (Isaiah 46:9-11)

         If you feel like an extra piece to God's puzzle, understand this: You are not alone. Simply ask Him for something you can do now. Begin taking steps of faith and rely completely upon Him for the outcome. Ministry is meeting individual needs in situations that refresh you, but they are most often not glamorous jobs. God will bring you out in His time. For help in finding where you fit into the ministry of your local church see your Pastor, Associate Pastor, Youth Director, or Christian Education Director. Talk to them about your calling and the gifts that God has given you. There is a place for everyone in the ministry of the church. Any good shepherd will understand his flock and allow them the freedom to experience the joy of ministry. Any good sheep will follow the direction of the shepherd and both will accomplish great things in God's service.

         The important elements in any ministry are trust, security, and open communication. All of those are mutually dependent activities. We must first trust to be trusted, offer security to be secure, and communicate freely to be communicated with freely. Whatever you do, and whomever you seek advice from, do not leave God out of the process of finding your place in His body! At times, He is the only One Who really understands and can direct you to your proper place. God will honor any commitment you make to serve Him, so don't let your past get in your way. None of us are as faithful to doing the Lord's will as we should be. I'm not sure this will be understood: But, don't be afraid to make mistakes as you walk by faith; God will stop you before you blow it completely. God is not calling the equipped. He is equipping those He calls. Recently I have been considering Matthew chapter 22. Jesus teaching by a parable compares the Kingdom of God to a wedding feast. In verse fourteen we find the very curious statement, “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

         Have you ever wondered what makes the difference between “being called” and “being chosen?” Writing this, I am reminded of an evening service from my youth. The Pastor stood at the pulpit expounding on a “new revelation” he had received. Once he got to his point, I thought: “That isn't new. It is expressly stated in the text.” So, I can only hope this is not my moment of “new revelation” that is in actuality an “old truth”, but here is my answer to the previous question. The difference between “being called” and “being chosen” is in the timing. Correctly responding to “the call” with a sense of “Divine Timing” transforms you from “being called” and empowers you to act with the assurance of “being chosen!” Now is the right time for me to step out. Is God also speaking to you? We are not extra pieces. God has a place for each of us. If we will answer the call, we will see God working in amazing ways to meet needs.

Beware of Greed

Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (KJV)

Beware of Greed – It will Kill your Witness!

The human appetite for comfort, wealth, and security can infect each of us with the slightest hint of success. The world we live in feeds on success at any cost. “It’s okay just don’t get caught!” is the driving philosophy today.  We see this clearly in every strata of our culture – From the games we play all the way through the highest levels of government – Has it also pierced the hearts of the church?

That question is not in any way suggesting Christians should live a life of poverty. Neither is it suggesting Christians should live in the lap of luxury. The gift of life we have been given is not defined, nor is it restrained by our net worth. If we are faithfully serving God, He will supply whatever we need. Christians are caretakers of the blessings we have been given. In the story of the unfaithful steward Jesus gives us strange instructions. Look at Luke chapter 16 verse 9.   

Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations…

            Can our Lord and Savior really be telling us, “Expect to fail and make sure you have plenty of corrupt friends to take care of you through eternity?” – WHAT that can’t be right!

            The story is about trust and integrity. God has given us a task, and all the tools as well as the resources to accomplish it. Continue reading verses 10 and 11.

Luke 16:10-11 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

            The TRUTH of God’s Word, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the transformation of souls, these are the true riches. God is the Only One able to in trust them to us. Our integrity, honesty, and faithfulness as we “the priesthood of all believers” care for what belongs to Him will secure His promises for us. Consider verse 12 from Luke 16.

Luke 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? (KJV)

            None of us is immune to the influence of temptation. Satan is still looking for those he can devour. The devil delights in spoiling the testimonies of Christians. He will use whatever means is available to him.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV)

            We can only protect ourselves by reflecting the nature of Christ. Finding brothers and sisters in Christ who will ask us the difficult questions of accountability and not accept trite, self-serving answers. We must not open ourselves up to false praise, or the vain philosophies of the world around us. We are complete in Christ – He is all we need.

Colossians 2:6-10 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV)

Political End-Fighting Really?

John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (NIV)

Political End-Fighting Really?

            The prayer posted yesterday on my Facebook page may be an indication of the message God is currently fanning into a flame in my heart. Michele asked this morning on the way to work, “What particular political unrest had you revved up last night?”

            Answering her question sparked the thought: “There may be others with the same question.” Here for anyone interested is my answer. The world we live in is rapidly achieving critical mass. We will see politics explode into War, Famine, Death, and many Martyrs. These are the thing spoken of in Revelation, but we, the church, seem to be attempting to solve SPIRITUAL problems by POLITICAL means. Yes – Those who know me will, know I listen to Talk Radio – Yet, real eternal answers only come from scripture. The interpretation of His Word belongs to God. We seek His will and serve Him. His will is not revolution but restoration.

Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (KJV)

            The message that matters is the message of salvation. Love, Justice, Mercy and Grace will positively impact lives more completely than any political doctrine. Christ called us to make disciples in His name. That action requires SPIRITUAL WARFARE. Just as Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, neither is the war we fight won or lost physically. Get out of the political picket lines and onto the evangelistic hot lines.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (KJV)

            The world will follow the path God has laid out for it. The question before us is will the church? Too often we have spent more time collecting signatures on petitions than we have insuring people have an opportunity to get their names into “The Lamb’s Book of Life.” We are fighting an uphill battle, but we have powerful weapons to accomplish the task.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (KJV)

            Talk Radio, PACs, Republicans, Democrats, or Independents cannot stem the tide of darkness sweeping through the world. Christians can make a difference one life at a time. The evil wins if we remain distracted, fractured, and engaged in the sudden death round of political end-fighting. Pull down the enemy strongholds – Don’t rip each other to shreds! 

Communion

Those symbols that you're holdin'; well, are they only tokens?

Can they change others? Have they changed you?

Those symbols that you're holdin’; well, are they only tokens?

Do they represent something deeper to you? Do they represent Someone steadfast and true?

Those symbols that you're holdin’; well, are they only tokens?

Can you explain their meaning to somebody new? What is it that those symbols do for you?

Those symbols that you're holdin’; well, are they only tokens? Is there substance to what you believe?

"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"  1 Corinthians 10:16 (KJV)

         What I am about to say is a personal reflection. My statement is not to be heard in a judgmental tone at all. If anything, it is a sad commentary on my Christian walk. Over the years I've seen many people make a confession of faith (myself included), but I have known very few to show real lifestyle changes (myself leading the pack). Please listen with a broken and contrite heart. And, if your experience matches my own, resolve to be part of the solution — not part of the problem. Today many people know about Christ, but few develop a relationship with Him by living according to His teachings. We pick and choose our churches, bible translations, doctrines and associations. We approach our faith the way we order a hamburger — you know — the “Have it Your Way” approach. In all honesty I struggle with the Christian faith and practices, as we know them.  I feel like I’m looking for balance with blinders on.

         Frankly, I am confused by what I see. We have two “Christian Camps” like some kind of holy political affiliation reflected in the Church today and each takes an unrelenting stand against the other. Please realize, I am over simplifying this to make a point; but we have either “Anything Goes” or “All Things Forbidden”.  I am not talking about going back through time and recreating a society that does not make use of technology or denying science (except in the cases of evolution, and abortion). I am not talking about making every issue either so weighty or so frivolous that everything and nothing is of consequence. I am talking about taking the principles from God's Word and applying them to every day life. I am talking about being informed and relevant in our cultural context. I am talking about finding balance and agreement, being a Christian is not being closed off from society. It is being aware of the needs of society and working with the help of the Holy Spirit to meet the needs represented in society. How has knowing Christ changed us? How will knowing Christ change our world? (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

         Experiences change our lives. I've been thinking about Holy Communion and what it actually means to me. For a along time, as a teen and young adult, it was just something the church practiced once a month. I grew up in a church with very little formal liturgy. There was always an order of service, and a sense of order within the congregation but no programmed prayers, or religious rites. Therefore, communion had no deep meaning, for me, and I had no special interest in attempting to understand the symbolism of the activity. However, in the last few years, I have come to understand that we need symbols in order to call to mind all that was done in our behalf. What changed? I experienced “The Stations Of The Cross”, and one extremely powerful spiritual retreat presented from another denominational perspective. At first, all the ritual and clerical robes took me aback, but as the weekend progressed I truly experienced the Grace and Love of God in a fresh way.

(1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

            Liturgy is not bad if we go beyond the symbols and find their meaning. Too often,

Christians do not search for the meaning; they idolize the symbols. Putting the symbols proudly on display does not constitute a life changing experience. What we should be doing is building up our faith in Christ Jesus, and encouraging those who follow after us in the next generation. But, what I have seen is more along the lines of displaying Christian knickknacks than building a true and living faith. (I Peter 1:3-5)

         God has promised to write His laws on the hearts and minds of His people. He has further promised not to remember our corrupt and lawless deeds. This is all accomplished through our acceptance of the substitutionary work of Christ on the cross. If we choose not to follow or accept this sacrifice we will not be found guiltless. Once we have made a declaration of faith we are bound to become the agents of change in our generation. (Hebrews 10:18-23)

         It is only through remembering what has been done for us, and through stepping out into what God has called us to do for Him that we can experience the joy of salvation. I am not talking about a salvation based on works, but one built on sharing the grace of God with others. I think about the symbols of Christianity and how they are displayed often. I must examine my walk daily to be sure I do not idolize the symbolism and place it above the faith it represents. My faith must be Christ centered. My life must reflect the Savior to whom I belong.

            I challenge you to also examine your walk. Please join me in building on the foundation of faith that is our heritage. We have received a great faith; let's exercise the faith and not merely display the symbols. To Whom do you give glory? What is your situation and Who is Lord of it? Allow the God experiences in your life to touch the lives of others. 

One of Those Days

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)

One of Those Days

That ominous feeling: “Nothing is going to go my way today!” How often have you felt it? Getting out of bed, changing into appropriate attire, and getting out the door on the way to that really bad, horribly offal, dreadful day is the exact opposite of my natural reaction. My flesh wants to stay in bed, cover up my head and wait until the fates give me a better outlook…Okay, I don’t believe in fate. So, that option is off the table!

            Spilled my tea on the way out the door. It covered my computer and book bag. Went through the drive thru for breakfast – My sandwich exploded flinging eggs EVERYWHERE as it was opened. Arrived at my work site for the day an hour ahead of schedule. I decided to use the time to reset my day by taking a NAP – No less than three people “checked” on me to see if I was alive. What’s the use? Just get up and get started.

Lamentations 3:22-24 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (KJV)

            We all face the same struggles. No matter how bad things get in our lives, God’s promise is: We will not be consumed. If we put our trust completely in Him we will be successful in overcoming the world. God’s LOVE for us is so overwhelming that our problems pale in comparison. Whatever you are facing right now – STOP direct your mind and heart to focus upon the LORD.  Consider His faithfulness and ALL the mighty works He has accomplished getting you to where you are – He will not abandon you!

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV)

            Allowing the annoyances of “One of Those Days” to get the best of our time and attention is not honoring to God. I’m guilty – Are you? When we find ourselves in the midst of a flood of problems, disease, stress, financial hardship, feelings of unworthiness, whatever, we can call upon God and He will answer.

Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me? (AMP)

            When we feel “One of Those Days” coming on – Turn it from a defeat into a victory by declaring:

Psalm 118:23-25 This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. (KJV)

            This is the day God has given us to choose His best – Be glad and rejoice – Be thankful and recognize His hand at work. Every day is the day of deliverance for those who trust in God. It's not just "One of Those Days."

Go With The Flow – NOT!

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)

Go With The Flow – NOT!

It is completely surprising how songs we learned as children have shaped our society. They are so engrained in us they influence our thoughts on a subconscious level. “Row, row, row your boat…” what are those next words? “Gently down the stream…” Right now you may be thinking, “Pastor, you’ve just lost your mind.” But, I challenge you to look around and notice the level of complacency in the world today. Is it because we have a deeply seated acceptance of the status quo?

How many times have you been told, “Look – Just don’t make waves?” Or perhaps you’ve heard, “Just go with the flow!” Either of these is telling us in no uncertain terms, “Row our boats with as little effort as possible, gently DOWN the stream.” The sad reality, “Life is NOT a Dream” comes crashing in around us as we rush over the waterfall and collide with the rocks and churning tempest below.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (KJV)

            The promises of God’s blessing are not given to those who choose to “go with the flow.” The blessings God lavishes upon His people are for those who travel the path of righteousness. Every day of our lives we make choices that draw us closer to God or drive us farther from Him. We do not have to be born a genius to recognize the downward spiral this world is taking. All we need to do is wake up, open our eyes, and change direction.

            Stop rowing gently down the stream – Start pressing on the upward way! “Lord plant my feet on higher ground” should be our prayer. It is time to put childish patterns of thought behind us. It is time to realize life is not a dream it is a gift from God. All God’s gifts, life included, are to be cherished and used for His glory.

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV)

Romans 15:2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. (NIV)

            Please don’t choose the easy path. Keep rowing against the current. Remember we will be rewarded if we do not give up. The end is vastly more important than the beginning.

Revelation 3:5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (NASB)

            The “golden rule” will always point us onto the path of righteousness. So, there are some good things we learned in childhood. Exercise discernment and allow God to determine which things to keep and which to release as we travel Heavenward.

Reality or Pipe Dream

Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me. (NASB)

Can you hear

it in the silence?

Do you feel it

in the stillness?

Can you see it

through the  darkness?

Change is coming…Transformation…Life Abundant!

Life Eternal…Different…Moving…Life Renewed!

REVIVED…ALIVE…NEVERENDING…Christ in us,

Our hope of glory!

Sound and fury,

Silence ended!

Intense motion,

Stillness banished!

Blinding brightness,

Light unrestrained!

Darkness vanquished!

Holy Spirit fire all consuming,

Signifies… God is continually creating!

Those who follow risen with Him!

“The way of the cross leads home.” Listening to the radio, watching the T.V. news, even reading the newspaper, or examining everything on-line, each can be extremely depressing. Riots in the streets! Abortion on demand! Marriage redefined and sacred TRUTH now unacceptable! Political hot buttons ready to launch!

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come afalling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (KJV)

The coming of the Lord is close at hand. Some will say, “That is an out dated promise…He’s not coming.” The Bible tells us to hold on to that promise no matter who says, “It’s not happening.” Repent and be revived. The rapture is a reality. Two things are happening spiritually in the world today. People are in record numbers abandoning their faith. The “falling away” has begun.

Luke 18:8 I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (NASB)

When Christ returns will he find faith? The minds of unbelievers are becoming more and more darkened. The equal and opposite truth is believers are being more and more enlightened. The Spirit of God is leading us into ALL TTRUTH. The darkness will surrender to the light. We will see the salvation promised.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (KJV)

 The message is Christ! The resurrection is Christ! The life is Christ! It’s ALL about Christ! Preach Christ!

Romans 13:11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. (NASB)

We will be revived and the Holy Spirit will break through the darkness. Make the right decision and follow Jesus. Revival is on the way. Keep the faith. Love, justice, mercy and grace. The things that are right – Do them! God will use you.