Monthly Archive for June, 2006

Surrender to God

Published on June 30, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

I don’t have an answer for how one gets their heart to surrender to God.

One of those many verses that seems simple and yet isn’t, is found in Psalms 37:4. It makes so much sense and yet you can twist and turn with it like Chubby Checker and still now land in a place of understanding. I see so many people who are unchurched (in the good sense) that follow an ethical code much higher than many that are church-attending Christians, by definition. I’m reminded of Simone Weil who fits that category. Those that knew her personally said that she was a “great lover of Christ” and yet she never darkened the doors of a church.
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Significance

Published on June 28, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

Where do you get your significance?

Since I am driving this bus, let me narrow down the topic to two nations: America and Africa. You know where America gets it’s significance. It’s written all over the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. A common thread that runs throughout American history is the RIGHT of the INDIVIDUAL! Add to that the fact that America is primarily a PROTESTANT nation and you have a formula for disaster.

Disaster? How can that be?
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Redemptive Listening

Published on June 27, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

The Bible has to be the most amazing book in the world. It’s by far the most sold, most read, and yes, the most misunderstood. As I have journeyed through life, my understanding(s) of the Bible have changed. I have basically gone from thinking I had all the ANSWERS to realizing I have more QUESTIONS than ever before. The more I study, by the Spirit, the less I know, but the more exciting life becomes.

God birthed this work called LRC in a totally unexpected way. For the first three years I spent most of my life in counseling (25%) and deliverance (75%) ministry. Little did I know what the Spirit was doing in and through me in those days. It had to be Him because I had no experience in either. As I look back I now see what God was preparing me for.

Redemptive LISTENING!
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False Motivation

Published on June 26, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

Let me again venture into shark-infested waters where I am not comfortable but called.

Few people understand how little the Old Testament has to say about hell. In fact, even today, the emphasis for Jews is more about living NOW than being pre-occupied with what perks come after physical life is extinguished. There is no clearly defined theology of eternal life in the Old Testament: that had to wait for the teaching of Jesus.

And here’s the serious question to which I doubt we could answer honesty, knowingly. If there was no after life, if there was no heaven or hell, if it all ended with our physical death, would we be kind, loving, caring, or virtuous? Why would we read the Bible? Would there be any reason at all to come to church?

Does our belief in heaven and hell motivate us wrongly?
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Hot Tears or Hot Tubs?

Published on June 25, 2006 in Sermon Podcasts. 0 Comments

June 25, 2006 – There are two symbols that represent the great divide in our society. There are the hot tears of the poor and marginalized segment of our society that are hurting. There are also the hot tubs of the well-to-do. The poor know the price of everything in a grocery store while the wealthy just buy. It’s not an “either-or” but an “and-also”. However, it is a wake-up call for those in power around the world. The Kingdom is about many things, but minimally it is about sharing and being compassionate.

 
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Religious Platitudes

Published on June 25, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

Some days aren’t good, but then you know that, don’t you?

I used to live in denial. I was good at it too. Every day was GREAT! It was my psyche, my disposition, my desire, my false self! It’s been a long journey; however, I think I’m getting much closer to the reality of life- Matthew 5:45.

I don’t know what it takes to convey to someone that being or becoming a Christian doesn’t mean life is a bowl of cherries (however good they might be). It’s a bummer to find out that what the pastor or priest conveyed to lure many into a confession of faith might not be true. I can’t tell you how many messages I have heard from those who handle the word for a living say in closing, “Come to Jesus and everything will be great”.
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Jesus Is Our Savior

Published on June 23, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

There’s what I think and then there’s what I do.

A friend of mine used to tell me that a long time ago, especially right after he’d made some dumb blunder. I’m not sure how that matches up with Paul in Romans 7:15, but I think there is some similarity. And then there is Phil Mickelson who said, “I’m still in shock. I still can’t believe I did that” referring to his snatching defeat from the jaws of victory at the U.S. Open.

I know. There are some things that I just don’t want to do. We all have a little rebellion (if not a lot) in us. Then there are things we really are not aware. But, I’m talking about those things that are a bit more subtle.
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Fear and Doubt

Published on June 22, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

When nobody else will He will: GUIDE you through life.

I’ve learned that there are some very special people in this world. I can’t begin to compare to what they do, let alone who they are. And I find it a good reality check when I think my elevator goes to the top floor, to pay a visit to such people. And yet along the way, I’ve found another to whom even they cannot compare. God!

Sure, I’ve known (about) Him since I was a kid; before first grade. I have a few memories that go back that far. He was right up there with my six teddy bears: three on each side of me for that perfect protection. For some reason, nights used to bother me. As I grew older, it was the light, the days, that took over in the area of fear and doubt.
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Church on the Cross

Published on June 21, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

People who glance at the cross see differing images. I was taken aback many years ago when visiting a church in Ireland. It was Catholic of course. There were pictures and monuments everywhere; and everywhere Jesus was on the cross. So, I ws not shocked when a Catholic friend of mine visited me from Baton Rouge a few years later and and was upset that we had no Jesus on a cross. Besides, it didn’t look like a cross anyway.

I personally don’t see Jesus on the cross.

I see me, us, the church, on the cross.
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Skip the Trip

Published on June 20, 2006 in Daily Commentary. 0 Comments

Why would anyone want to SKIP THE TRIP?

When the Spirit begins to move upon a person, in an area, why is it that some either choose to sit it out or run from it? I was in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela some years back where real live REVIVAL broke out in the mid 50’s of last century. The pastor I spoke with was actually depressed, having lived during those times, and then living in normal times after that.

The stories about no crime for 18 months, the jails being empty, and no sickness is almost unbelievable. But, just as hard to believe were his stories about those who resisted the move in it’s early stages. Some actually left town: leaving one church for another wouldn’t help!
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