Mission: Possible!

Colossians 4:6 – Mission: Possible

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to lead people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! Mission: Possible. Actually, if you are a Christian, you have already chosen to accept the mission. When you trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you surrendered your heart and life to Him. You pledged your obedience, and He has commanded you to MAKE DISCIPLES! The good news is that Paul just doesn’t tell us that we are supposed to lead people to Jesus. He tells us how: walk in wisdom (live your life wisely) so that lost people will see Jesus in you; speak graciously – or maybe just speak grace into the lives of people. Tell people why you are living this way – because Jesus rescued you from sin and an eternity in hell, and His love has forever transformed your life. There is no better way to win people for the Kingdom than to show them what God has done for you. But as Paul says in Romans 10, someone then has to tell them how to be saved. Speak GRACE! Tell them about God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense: the hope of Glory given to us by Jesus’ death as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Paul didn’t stop there. He throws in that very interesting phrase: our speech should also be seasoned with salt. If you are like me, you believe that a little salt makes everything taste better. But in Paul’s day, salt wasn’t just used to flavor food. It also preserved it. And yes, salt stings like crazy when it gets into an open wound. And I believe that Paul was referring to every one of these functions.

Our speech should be pleasing: comforting, not criticizing; holy, not hostile. Our speech should save lives: always pointing to Jesus. And our speech should sting a little as we hold people accountable for the way they live. As a preacher, I have discovered that if I am not making a few people mad along the way, I’m not doing my job. Truth is, as a Christian, if we aren’t upsetting a few folks, offending them in some way, then we are not letting our light shine. We aren’t being the salt that Jesus told us that we should be.

Walk Wisely!

Colossians 4:5 - Walk Wisely!

Paul is teaching. That’s what teachers do. He has told us how to live holy lives, how to live with our families, how to have good employer/employee relationships, and how to pray – at least what we need to pray for. Now he tells us how to relate to the lost people in our world. I think that very often Christians forget what it’s like to be lost, and that makes it very difficult to understand what lost people need. Sometimes, it makes us indifferent to their needs. But Paul says that the first thing we must do is to pray for open doors to share the gospel. I will admit that this is not usually the first thing I pray for every day, but at some point during the day I do ask God to give me an opportunity to witness for Him. The problem is that many times He provides the opportunity, and we ignore it – or reject it – because we are busy or afraid or just don’t care. And that, my friends, is sin. In all reality, we do not have a political problem in the United States of America. We have a sin problem, and the sin problem is the church’s problem. We will not resolve the issues that plague our country until we Christians get right with God. But I digress. First, we pray for opportunities, then we ask for God to give us the right words to say. I know that many Christians fear trying to witness because they are afraid they will say something that will drive people farther away from Christ, but the reality is that if we will simply share the good news of Christ’s love, the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.

Finally, Paul says that we are to live a life that will draw them to Christ. At least that is how I understand this verse. In Paul’s culture and language, often the phrase “to walk” means “to live our lives.” So in this verse, he tells us to walk in wisdom toward those who are outside the Kingdom. What does that mean? We are to act wisely. We are to do the right things because time is short. This apostle felt so strongly that Jesus could return at any moment that an urgency had developed within his heart. Every moment of every day had to be used for God’s glory – for bringing people to Christ. While Paul never told us to use any means necessary to get people saved, he did say that he becomes all things to all people in order to reach some. Here is the meaning: he changed his methods – never the message – so that he could relate to lost people. And in light of that urgency, we need to live holy, happy lives that will draw people to Christ. We need to speak with grace, and let our words be seasoned with salt. More on that tomorrow!

What If?

Special Guest Blogger – Sonya Hayes

Not every unwanted gift of Christmas should be returned or rejected -- even when it makes you uncomfortable. Opening gifts in front of the giver is most likely one of the most uncomfortable things a person can do. So for me, I have opted for the easy way to shop for Christmas: if it is not on an Amazon wish list, odds are my children will not be getting it. It has occurred to me, though, that there is danger and disappointment in not receiving gifts with grace and anticipation even if they make me uncomfortable. In the first Christmas story, Mary could have rejected many aspects of her uncomfortable Christmas gifts.  She had more than enough reasons that would have made sense to turn them down, but she didn’t -- and she had to open them in front of God.

Look at the story. After 400 years of silence, Holy God sends His voice to the ear of human-kind once again. What if Mary had been too preoccupied to listen? What if she had ignored her Heavenly messenger outright? She would have missed out on God acknowledging the value and trust He placed in women. He could have started with Joseph, after all. What if Mary had rejected or ignored the angel? What if she had preferred the comfort of her mother-in-law’s home? What if she refused the supernatural and chose to remain "normal?" Mary would have missed the Glory of God like none other. Mary would have missed the joy of being a servant, and Mary would have missed her Song of worship.

Look at the other side of the family. What if Joseph had rejected Mary? What if He had opted not to handle the pressure of society? What if he said the path would be too difficult to travel and had stayed behind? Joseph would have missed a life filled with awe in raising God in the flesh; he would have missed being the first to kneel before his Savior.

What if the stable had not been good enough? Surely they were not the first to ask for lodging in an already crowded inn. What if Mary and Joseph had demanded more from God than the lowly, stinky stable? They would have closed the door to shepherds. They would have missed out on those divine provisions. They would have missed out on God making the mundane Holy.

What if the shepherds had enjoyed the song but refused to pursue the message? What if they had said we are too tired, we have worked all day, and it is not convenient? And besides, we have an important job. We are guarding the sheep used in the temple for the sacrifice. They would have missed out on seeing Glory in the flesh. They would have missed out on being the first New Testament missionaries, and they would have missed out on seeing God fulfill His promise.

What if later the Wise men had said the star fascinates me, but I will stay and observe from my vantage point?  They would have missed the divine moment of placing the first offering before the feet of their Savior.

What if you opt to ignore the voice of God this Christmas? What if you are saying, “No, the path is too complicated?” What if you say, “The people will talk?” What if you say, “I am tired, and I am comfortable?” Or maybe you have already done this. Have you told the Father that the gift He is offering does not fall within your expectations of a good gift?

Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men all had options -- like we have options. We can hold on to traditions, to what proper society dictates, to our comfort zone in life. We can find excuses not to be in God’s house, not to worship in the hard times, and so on. In doing these things, we are telling the giver of all good things that we deserve better -- that His idea of a good gift is flawed, and that we would like a gift card option to buy our own, thank you very much.

As you celebrate this season, open your heart to the idea that God has a plan for you in the coming days and in the year ahead -- plans to use you in a way that will change the course of our church, your home, our community. A “yes” by those in the Christmas Story altered all that they had known and the lives of millions that came after them.

a journey, not one I would have picked, but one that is having profound effects and impact on my heart. I pray I never see my God and King through my old eyes.Unwanted gifts and ugly sweaters were given long before the stable and after the cross. When God chose Gideon to lead his small band of men into battle, He was showing that a small army empowered by God was more effective than the largest army. When empowered and equipped by God, there was no need for weapons of traditional warfare. They fought with shofars and lamps! They fought with weapons the world would consider ineffective, yet they triumphed.

Gideon was brave when he had an army of 30,000 but God gifted him with one of 300, and this meager gift God gave is much like what would happen on the night of Christ’s birth: heaven would burst forth with a loud song from the Glory which would forever proclaim victory over the enemy.

When Daniel was gifted with the Lion’s den, God was there. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in the midst of the fiery furnace, God was there. Yes, God could have gifted them with a life far away from the lions and from the fire, but it was in these gifts that God was there. He chose to show Himself in the midst of their trials. He chose to reveal His power through the journey much like He did for Mary and Joseph in their journey to Bethlehem.

He could have delivered Paul and Silas from the prison, but it was there that he gave the song of worship, much like the song he gave Mary. He could have rescued John from the isle of Patmos, but instead He gave him a glimpse of Glory. The same glimpse He gave each one that was touched by the first Christmas story.

He wants to join you in the unwanted gifts that touch your life today, too. Allow Him to be the beauty in Psalms 30:11 - God turns our mourning into dancing. Zephaniah 3:17 tells us that God will rejoice over us with singing. This year, when an unwanted gift is given, listen to the song of Heaven God wants to sing over you. 

It is a journey, not one I would have picked, but one that is having profound effects and impact on my heart. I pray I never see my God and King through my old eyes.They fought with weapons that the world would consider ineffective, yet triumphed mightily over their enemies. They shouted as loud as they could, sounded the shofar, and broke the vessels that held the fire so that their lamps burst through with brightnessThey fought with weapons that the world would consider ineffective, yet triumphed mightily over their enemies. They shouted as loud as they could, sounded the shofar, and broke the vessels that held the fire so that their lamps burst through with brightness army would normally use. They fought with shofars and lamps! They fought with weapons that the world would consider ineffective, yet triumphed mightily over their enemies. They shouted as loud as they could, sounded the shofar, and broke the vessels that held the fire so that their lamps burst through with brightness.

When Daniel was in the midst of the lion's den…God was with him. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in the midst of the fiery furnace…God was with them. It would have been perfectly easy for God and would have immediately transported these men of His out of their difficulties, but no, He chose instead to be with them in the midst of their trials. God chose to reveal His power through the trials instead of exercising His power to remove them.

A favorite promises in the Bible — that God turns mourning into dancing! (Psalms 30:11) He takes away the anguish of being clothed in sadness and replaces it with gladness. However, notice what God doesn't do — He does not simply stop your mourning and make it disappear. No, He transforms it…into joy!

It is a journey, not one I would have picked, but one that is having profound effects and impact on my heart. I pray I never see my God and King through my old eyes.

 

 

Keep on Praying!

Colossians 4:2 – Keep on Praying!

Continue earnestly in prayer!  What a thought. Even this morning as I began this quiet time, I dashed off a few words of prayer: “God, speak to me today.” Then I read this verse, and the Holy Spirit convicted me – this was not earnest prayer. No thought. No passion. Just what I was supposed to do. So I stopped right then and confessed my sin of passionless prayer. I begged God to speak to my heart during my quiet time and to give me a day filled with a heart-felt desire to continue earnestly in prayer. No more going through the motions because there are so many needs to pray about and so many things for which to be grateful.

And that’s how Paul continues – being vigilant in prayer with thanksgiving. Have you ever thought about being vigilant in prayer? I cannot say that I have ever gone through my day “looking for” things to pray about. Things that need my prayer. Most of the time I just let things come to me – people mention a need and I pray. I talk to someone who asks and I pray. Think of how it would change our lives if we were to be constantly on the lookout for people who need our prayer. NO more just praying when the thought hits you but aggressively, vigilantly watching for things that need prayer and then praying. And doing it all with a grateful heart: grateful for the privilege and power of prayer; grateful for the opportunities to pray; grateful for a God who hears and responds to our prayers; and yes, grateful for the very answers He sends our way.

 

Just yesterday I ran into a man that had come to our church on numerous occasions needing some financial assistance. He and his family had lost their home and were living in a motel room. He had no job and could find no help from the community agencies. As we ministered to him on each of these occasions, I encouraged him to pray and trust God. He came up to me and told me that he had remembered those words and kept on praying. Now he has a good job and is living in a house and his needs are being met. Praise the Lord! And thank you, God, for earnest prayer!

Remember Who You Work For!

Colossians 3:22-4:1 – Remember Who You Work For!

Bondservants? Masters? These words are not in our vocabulary – at least not in the sense of our current culture. So how do we apply this today? Most of us, at least for part of our lives find ourselves as employees. Some of us find ourselves as bosses. This is not quite the same thing, I know, and it is never good when the boss starts thinking of himself as the master. However, the principles are similar. Bondservant equals employee. Master equals boss. Got it?

So then, employees should do their best at their job. No pretending to be working when you are really surfing the Internet. No looking busy just when the boss is coming by. Paul says that as an employee, we should just give 100% effort to do the job we have been hired to do. But listen carefully to Paul’s words as you read them out loud. You are not to do this to gain acclaim but because it is the right thing to do. You are not to give great effort hoping to be noticed so that you can get a promotion or a pay raise. You made a commitment when you took the job, so Christian, honor that commitment. Do your job, and if you get noticed, that’s great. “Oh, my job is hard,” you say. “You just don’t know my boss!” Maybe not, but remember that Paul is talking to slaves who oftentimes had cruel masters. Besides, I may not know your boss, but I know our God, so instead of doing good for your boss, do it for the Big Boss! And do it with enthusiasm. “Sounds easy,” you say, “but it’s not.” Then remember this. Your paycheck may be dependent on your work ethic, but eternal rewards come from God. Imagine how He will honor a life of obedience and service, two of the character traits He values, and imagine hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” For me, that’s enough.

Oh, and boss, do the right thing. Be honest. Be fair. Treat your employee with love and compassion because while you may be their boss, He is your Boss. And with what measure you pour it out on others, He will pour it out on you!

Families Are Important!

Colossians 3:18-21 – Families are Important!

Families are important! Families are important to our society. As the family goes, so goes the nation. Families are important to God. It is through the family that we get our first taste of what church and heaven are supposed to be – but only if our families are ordered and guided by God’s word. Paul gives us those orders: wives submit, husbands love, children obey, fathers don’t provoke. That is great guidance.

As we look at these one at a time, remember this: it is all about love. It is about love for God. Because of our love for Him, we do everything that He commands us to do through His word, and without that love, we will not be obedient. Because of our love for Him, we can love our spouses and our children and our parents in the way that He tells us to love them, and without that love, we will always fall short.

So, wives, submit to your OWN husbands because it is fitting. It has always been God’s plan that the husband be the leader in his home. Adam was given that responsibility in the Garden, and he blew it. He stood by and watched Eve partake of the fruit without saying a word to her, knowing God had forbidden that very act. Then he ate. Then he blamed God. That isn’t what leaders do. Leaders lead, and when husbands love their wives as Christ loves the church (see Ephesians 5), then Christian wives willingly submit. But remember, this submission is based on love, not fear.

Husbands, as stated above, love your wives as Christ loves the church. Yes, Jesus is the undisputed head of the church. He is in control. He is the boss. But to love as He loves, we must be willing to die for our wives. If we love like that and our wives know that we are willing to give up everything for her, she will NOT have a problem with gracious submission.

Children, the very offspring of the kind of love referenced above, are to obey! It is the command of God. Now understand we are talking about Christian families, so parents will not be ordering their children to do anything they should not be doing. They will be following godly guidance that leads them to a closer walk with our Lord. God is pleased when our families follow His plan, and our families will follow His plan if husbands love their wives and wives submit to their husbands and children obey their parents. But remember this – my daughters’ favorite verse in the whole Bible: Fathers, do not exasperate your children!

I know about exasperation and discouragement caused by a father. It isn’t pretty. 34 years after leaving home, I am still “affected” by my father’s words to me, but I have learned that my Heavenly Father overcomes every negative word that our earthly fathers have ever uttered. I am loved. I am precious. I am HIS!

Is the Word at Home in Your Life?

Colossians 3:16-17 – Is the Word at Home in Your Life?

I’m back. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend – I know I did. We had all the family at our house for four days – what a blessing! The house is very quiet now, and I miss them. Thank you, God, for giving us this week. Now, on to our walk through Colossians.

Paul says that we are to put on love and peace; we become thankful, and then we let the Word of Christ dwell in us. Folks, this is the living Word as well as His spoken/written word. To dwell in us is exactly what it sounds like. We must allow Him/it to take up residence in us. The concept is that it must be “at home” with us. That reminds me of this past week. Our kids – who have never lived in Decatur, by the way – came home. This has never been their home in any technical sense, but when they come here, they are “at home.” They know that if it is in the house, it is for them to use as they wish. They kick their shoes off when they come in – and just like when the girls lived at home, they are left in the middle of the floor. Toys are strewn throughout the living room, and that’s okay. Because they are “at home” with us. The Word/word must become such a part of our lives that it is as natural as coming home. But this Word/word is to dwell in us RICHLY! This can only happen if we make an effort to fill our lives with the gospel – to fill our minds with the truth – and to fill our lives with the natural outflow of ministry. What does that entail? Teaching, encouraging one another (even correcting one another) through worship by the singing of songs to the Lord with grace in our hearts. By the way, that is what true worship IS, and when we do true worship, we are led to serve others and to minister to the Lord.

But, you say, I cannot teach or sing. Those aren’t my spiritual gifts, and they are not part of my natural abilities. So what! We are told we are to do it, so trusting in God’s grace and knowing that you are letting His Word dwell in you richly, do the best you can and do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then step back and watch what God can do with your best.