As each of my three children were born into the world I thought, “Lord, what am I going to do now?” “You mean these little things are entrusted to me to train up in all your ways?” While it was incredibly exciting to have new babies to hold, it was a bit unnerving to realize the amount of planning and effort and patience and faith it was going to take in order to help them develop into all their Father in heaven had created them to be. Thus, we began a journey together that included a lot of winding turns with some very high highs, some incredibly low lows, and a lot of places in between. The goal in sight was to introduce our children to their true Father in a manner that produced trust in Him and a level of intimacy that led them to surrender their wills to Him in a bond of covenant love.
Our task is by no means over, but imagine the joy Deeann and I felt as we witnessed the spiritual birth of the third of our three children. I was brought back into focus in my own faith walk with God when two minutes out of the waters of baptism Whitney said to her mother in an expression of pure joy and relief, “Now I don’t have to worry if Jesus returns tomorrow!” Have I been living with this kind of anticipation? Have you?
One of the greatest dangers to our spiritual walk is the slow hardening of our hearts. If we are not careful we can become so caught up in the things of this world that we forget to focus on the things of the world beyond this one. The author of Hebrews warns about this four times in chapters 3 & 4 of his book, three times quoting the same verse found in Psalm 95:7—“Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts . . .” He also quotes Psalm 95:11 twice which warns, “As I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest.” Isn’t it interesting that this warning comes a mere ten verses after the author of Psalm 95 says this, “Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving; and extol Him with music and song.” How do you move from praise and worship to a threat of not entering His rest?
This morning we are going to look at having a heart of flesh rather than a heart of stone. We have an enemy who is trying to harden us so that we lose the awe of a God who is working daily in our midst; an enemy who would rather me worry about some temporary problem of this world rather than rejoice in the victory I have for eternity; an enemy who would strip away the joy of my salvation and my contentment in each day because he gets me focused on the wrong things. When he is successful, my faith walk and the kingdom of God suffer. Consider the benefits of being soft hearted this morning and throughout this week so that we soar like eagles (as God has created us to do) and enjoy the activity of our God as He works among us to mold us and give us a heart of flesh!
To listen to sermon, click Developing a Heart Like God's.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Image of Christianity
And they’ll know we are Christians by our . . . LOVE?!?!? Unfortunately, the image of Christianity in the media and beyond is often times not very positive. For instance, in the cartoon series called The Simpsons, there are characters named Ned & Maude Flanders who live next door to Homer and his family. They are born-again Christians who constantly espouse a cheerful disposition and offer platitudes of faith that are often irrelevant to the everyday living of Homer and his family. In one particular episode, Homer has not seen Maude for a while and speaks to her when he sees her in her backyard. He says, “I haven’t seen you in a couple weeks. Where have you been?” Maude replies in a cheery voice, “Oh, I’ve been away at a Bible camp—learning how to be more judgmental.” OUCH! So, this is what America finds to be humorous? Is this what people see when they gaze upon Christianity? It would not have comic value if people could not relate to its basic truth.
Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (READ Matthew 5:13-16). These are distinct qualities that should draw people to God (Did you catch the end of V. 16?) Salt can certainly induce more thirst, and light illuminates and attracts. However, how often do we carry out our mission too well? Have you ever had salt in an open wound? Have you ever had to close your eyes to the light or turn away because it was so bright it hurt?
What do people see when they look at your life? Would you say they get a clear picture of Jesus, or is the image distorted? One of the main things Jesus says demonstrates we are His disciples is our love for one another (John 13:35). Will we be a body that goes beyond mere words and puts our faith into practice by putting the love of Jesus into action? It is really not that hard if we will just make time for it. How long does it take to call up someone on the prayer list to give them some personal encouragement? Would a 20-minute visit to the hospital be difficult to fit into this next week? How about spending some time singing at the Nursing Home? Do you have a neighbor who is dealing with a loss or significant struggle? A plate of cookies and a hug sure go a long way in providing relief.
Instead of getting mad about the media portrayal of Christianity, perhaps we should change the image so the world finds no humor in it! This morning as we consider the attire of the priest and what it says about the ministry we have, may we always bathe all we do in tender, compassionate love so that men may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven!
To listen to sermon click Garments of a Preist
Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (READ Matthew 5:13-16). These are distinct qualities that should draw people to God (Did you catch the end of V. 16?) Salt can certainly induce more thirst, and light illuminates and attracts. However, how often do we carry out our mission too well? Have you ever had salt in an open wound? Have you ever had to close your eyes to the light or turn away because it was so bright it hurt?
What do people see when they look at your life? Would you say they get a clear picture of Jesus, or is the image distorted? One of the main things Jesus says demonstrates we are His disciples is our love for one another (John 13:35). Will we be a body that goes beyond mere words and puts our faith into practice by putting the love of Jesus into action? It is really not that hard if we will just make time for it. How long does it take to call up someone on the prayer list to give them some personal encouragement? Would a 20-minute visit to the hospital be difficult to fit into this next week? How about spending some time singing at the Nursing Home? Do you have a neighbor who is dealing with a loss or significant struggle? A plate of cookies and a hug sure go a long way in providing relief.
Instead of getting mad about the media portrayal of Christianity, perhaps we should change the image so the world finds no humor in it! This morning as we consider the attire of the priest and what it says about the ministry we have, may we always bathe all we do in tender, compassionate love so that men may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven!
To listen to sermon click Garments of a Preist
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Are We All Talk
Isn’t it great that we all have value? Paul puts it this way in the book of Ephesians: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” To be God’s workmanship is one thing; to actually fulfill the things He has called us to be and do is another. Take the election and inauguration of the ninth president of the United States, for example.
William Henry Harrison prepared a tremendously long inaugural address and, even though the weather was sub-freezing, he stubbornly spent close to two hours reciting every word of his address. The most prominent result of Harrison sharing his presidential philosophy was to catch pneumonia. Within thirty days Harrison was dead.
William Henry Harrison holds two records in America: one for the longest inaugural address and another for the shortest presidential term. Sadly, as a result of this, it has been said that Harrison talked more and did less than any other President throughout history.
How sad it would be if that was the analysis of the ministry accomplished by the Garden Ridge family. This morning we will see that God has called us to something special as His people. God will walk with us; work with us; even fight for us in order to empower us as tools, ministers and ambassadors in His hands. Are we prepared to fulfill His desire for our lives this week? You have been created for good works which were prepared beforehand by God Himself—AND THAT IS NOT JUST TALK!!! Will we commit to accomplishing His will as we serve as priests in His service?
Who Is God And What Does He Want?
Be praying about the Sunday sermon series we will begin in September that has a two-fold intention: (1) To reach the lost with an introduction of God according to the way God is introduced in the book of Genesis, and (2) To help those who are not comfortable with sharing the Good News of who God is recognize how easy it is to follow the Bible and show the reality, the power, and the relevance of God and His ways for our world today. This might just be the most important series of sermons I have an opportunity to preach here at Garden Ridge, so make plans to attend and start inviting your friends, family and neighbors to come hear these messages.
Click to listen to sermon, Where Are We Going?
William Henry Harrison prepared a tremendously long inaugural address and, even though the weather was sub-freezing, he stubbornly spent close to two hours reciting every word of his address. The most prominent result of Harrison sharing his presidential philosophy was to catch pneumonia. Within thirty days Harrison was dead.
William Henry Harrison holds two records in America: one for the longest inaugural address and another for the shortest presidential term. Sadly, as a result of this, it has been said that Harrison talked more and did less than any other President throughout history.
How sad it would be if that was the analysis of the ministry accomplished by the Garden Ridge family. This morning we will see that God has called us to something special as His people. God will walk with us; work with us; even fight for us in order to empower us as tools, ministers and ambassadors in His hands. Are we prepared to fulfill His desire for our lives this week? You have been created for good works which were prepared beforehand by God Himself—AND THAT IS NOT JUST TALK!!! Will we commit to accomplishing His will as we serve as priests in His service?
Who Is God And What Does He Want?
Be praying about the Sunday sermon series we will begin in September that has a two-fold intention: (1) To reach the lost with an introduction of God according to the way God is introduced in the book of Genesis, and (2) To help those who are not comfortable with sharing the Good News of who God is recognize how easy it is to follow the Bible and show the reality, the power, and the relevance of God and His ways for our world today. This might just be the most important series of sermons I have an opportunity to preach here at Garden Ridge, so make plans to attend and start inviting your friends, family and neighbors to come hear these messages.
Click to listen to sermon, Where Are We Going?
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The Gift of Discipline
Do you want to see a war? Would you like to witness a power struggle to define all power struggles? Whose will was going to win? This is what you might ask if you were able to use a time machine and venture back to the Jarvis dinner table when my mom was serving vegetables. If it didn’t moo, cluck, oink, or possibly bark (Hot Dogs—hey I was young; what did I know?), it couldn’t be good for you! About the only thing peas and Lima beans were good for was . . . I am still trying to figure that one out.
Anyway, you could depend on a skirmish of World War proportions when vegetables were the battlefield. I would normally try to hide them under some other food, but this often times didn’t work. Upon being discovered, my mom would instigate her patented discipline package which started off with grazing fire and moved steadily towards the large caliber artillery. The 1st step sounded something like this, “Think of all those poor, starving children in India who would give anything to have these vegetables to eat.” I wasn’t sure how my eating these vegetables would help those in India feel any better, but it was alright with me if she wanted to box them up and send them there.
If this step was unsuccessful (and it almost always was), she would move to the scare treatment. It sounded something like this: “If you don’t eat your vegetables you will get rickets or scurvy.” Now, I didn’t know what those were, and they sure sounded bad, but none of my friends had ever had rickets or scurvy and I knew they hated vegetables also. I guess I was willing to take my chances. Unless you were a pilgrim on the Mayflower, who ever heard of someone dying from rickets or scurvy?
Finally, we would reach the 3rd step which was the threat (and ultimate fulfillment) of punishment. (Why did it always come to this?) It took me years to figure out that my mom was not into abuse and torture, but that she really wanted what was good for me. She loves me and wanted to see me grow up to be strong and healthy!
Could it be that God operates in much the same way? I do not always realize what He is trying to do through the discipline and guidance He provides, but I see more and more clearly as I mature how His purpose is to help me develop into more of what he created me to be. This morning, as we look at the mystery of His guidance in our lives, may we develop more appreciation for where He is leading us, and why! -Scott-
Click to listen to sermon, Where Are We Going?
Anyway, you could depend on a skirmish of World War proportions when vegetables were the battlefield. I would normally try to hide them under some other food, but this often times didn’t work. Upon being discovered, my mom would instigate her patented discipline package which started off with grazing fire and moved steadily towards the large caliber artillery. The 1st step sounded something like this, “Think of all those poor, starving children in India who would give anything to have these vegetables to eat.” I wasn’t sure how my eating these vegetables would help those in India feel any better, but it was alright with me if she wanted to box them up and send them there.
If this step was unsuccessful (and it almost always was), she would move to the scare treatment. It sounded something like this: “If you don’t eat your vegetables you will get rickets or scurvy.” Now, I didn’t know what those were, and they sure sounded bad, but none of my friends had ever had rickets or scurvy and I knew they hated vegetables also. I guess I was willing to take my chances. Unless you were a pilgrim on the Mayflower, who ever heard of someone dying from rickets or scurvy?
Finally, we would reach the 3rd step which was the threat (and ultimate fulfillment) of punishment. (Why did it always come to this?) It took me years to figure out that my mom was not into abuse and torture, but that she really wanted what was good for me. She loves me and wanted to see me grow up to be strong and healthy!
Could it be that God operates in much the same way? I do not always realize what He is trying to do through the discipline and guidance He provides, but I see more and more clearly as I mature how His purpose is to help me develop into more of what he created me to be. This morning, as we look at the mystery of His guidance in our lives, may we develop more appreciation for where He is leading us, and why! -Scott-
Click to listen to sermon, Where Are We Going?
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Making a First Impression
Ahhhh—Jenny Caan! She was the prettiest girl in high school and all the guys wanted to go out with her! It took a lot of building up the courage to even talk with her, let alone ask her out on a date. But one day I finally got enough nerve and asked her out and she actually said, “YES”! Was I dreaming? A date with Jenny Caan was like the highlight of life! This couldn’t be any ordinary date. It had to be one for the annals of history!
I planned a special dinner—very romantic and high quality. After dinner, we went for a walk at the park as this was a great time to talk and share who we were. Things were going great! We were laughing and having a good time until we left the park and started walking in the parking lot to my car. I decided to pick her up in my arms and carry her (to show her how well conditioned I was), and even began running with her. (Can you see the doom rising on the horizon?) One small misstep later and what was an evening to never forget (positively) became an evening to never forget (unfortunately, not so positively). (Can anyone here say “road rash”?) Needless to say, it was a short relationship that Jenny and I shared. My 1st impression on a date was not so favorable!
Why do thoughts like this even come into my mind as I prepare to preach my first sermon here with the family at Garden Ridge? Let’s just say that I am hoping not to crash and burn like that poor date experience. How many opportunities does a person get to make a first impression?
It is my prayer that this will be the beginning of a beautiful relationship together as we strive to sharpen one another in our faith walks with the Lord! I pray we will build a bond of trust and fellowship with one another that allows each of us to truly be ourselves and not feel we have to posture with each other so we feel accepted or special or more than what we are.
Our Lord loves us for who we are, but wants to change us to become all He has created us to be. This is not done through casual acquaintance or fancy dates that are meant to impress, but through committed love. It is my promise to you, beginning with the sermon this morning and down through the years to come, to speak the truth of God in love as best as I understand how it fits with His nature and will along with our circumstances so that we will be better equipped to handle the pressures and trials of this life, even if they are as intimidating as one Jenny Caan.
Click to Listen to the sermon, What Did We Hire Him For?
I planned a special dinner—very romantic and high quality. After dinner, we went for a walk at the park as this was a great time to talk and share who we were. Things were going great! We were laughing and having a good time until we left the park and started walking in the parking lot to my car. I decided to pick her up in my arms and carry her (to show her how well conditioned I was), and even began running with her. (Can you see the doom rising on the horizon?) One small misstep later and what was an evening to never forget (positively) became an evening to never forget (unfortunately, not so positively). (Can anyone here say “road rash”?) Needless to say, it was a short relationship that Jenny and I shared. My 1st impression on a date was not so favorable!
Why do thoughts like this even come into my mind as I prepare to preach my first sermon here with the family at Garden Ridge? Let’s just say that I am hoping not to crash and burn like that poor date experience. How many opportunities does a person get to make a first impression?
It is my prayer that this will be the beginning of a beautiful relationship together as we strive to sharpen one another in our faith walks with the Lord! I pray we will build a bond of trust and fellowship with one another that allows each of us to truly be ourselves and not feel we have to posture with each other so we feel accepted or special or more than what we are.
Our Lord loves us for who we are, but wants to change us to become all He has created us to be. This is not done through casual acquaintance or fancy dates that are meant to impress, but through committed love. It is my promise to you, beginning with the sermon this morning and down through the years to come, to speak the truth of God in love as best as I understand how it fits with His nature and will along with our circumstances so that we will be better equipped to handle the pressures and trials of this life, even if they are as intimidating as one Jenny Caan.
Click to Listen to the sermon, What Did We Hire Him For?
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