When God opens doors for people to advance in their Christian walk, satan is always right there to try to close the door. He is a master of deception and diversions. He clouds up the issues God has just made clear.
The secret is to keep your eyes on Jesus and your heart in tune with the Word. We become confused and discouraged because we believe satan’s lies. We doubt when we should advance. We worry when we should rejoice. We panic when we should pray, and the result is that opportunities pass us by because of fear, not faith.
The church will never be the victorious battle-winning people here on earth until we turn loose of fear. The timid and fearful never advance the kingdom of God. Those who advance the kingdom are movers and shakers, who are risk-takers. They are driven by a consuming desire to be faithful and obedient to God’s Word. They are compelled by God’s love, and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Churches talk all the time about growing in number and spiritually. But it doesn’t happen. Why? Because, to grow, you must move out of tradition and the comfort zones. Growing churches are different and exciting. They are not man-driven, but God-called, directed and empowered.
We go to church growth seminars and visit growing churches, but we stay the same. Why? Because we learn how to grow, but not why we need to grow. When the why is not learned, the growth never comes. We learn and advocate programs but don’t motivate the people. People who are not spiritually motivated will never completely obey God.
Our heroes of the Bible were motivated. Paul, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, Peter, etc. They were able to do the impossible because they believed God. They believed God’s word, they believed God’s promises, and they believed in God’s timing.
The churches today do not need more programs, we need more motivation. Motivated to act on God’s Word, not just learn it. Motivated to pray and ask God for big assignments. Motivated to reach the unreachable with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not entertain people but convict people of sin. Motivated people are unstoppable, not easily discouraged, not selfish, nor are they worried what people will think. They are doers of the Word.
What could God do in our community with 100 committed God-fearing men and women who refuse to believe negative things about our opportunities?
The world will step aside for people who are like that. Motivated, inspired, God-fearing people are on a mission. How long must we keep God waiting for this group of people to step up and say “here am I Lord, send me”?
That’s the church I dream about.
See ya in church,
Bud
As I look out my window today, it is raining. It is raining hard and has been all day. In fact, water is standing everywhere and it’s a mess.
As I look at this messy day, my mind begins to think of a world without water. A dry thirsty land. It’s called a desert. And, a land with too much water is called a swamp. Too little is bad, but too much is also bad.
We are so blessed to have rain to provide the very nourishment we need for life. We live where we have four beautiful seasons, with rain and snow. How we are blessed by God to provide in such a generous, loving way.
Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with everything of nature a person could want. There are animals to be hunted and harvested by those who like to hunt. These wild animals also provide interesting scenes to see them in the wild. There are lakes and streams for those who love to fish. What a great pastime for those who love the outdoors and this sport. Yes, Pennsylvania is a sportsman's paradise and many people just take it for granted.
We have the rivers for summer activities that provide boating and family outings. We have the snow in winter for those who ski or snowmobile. We have many trails for hiking and camping. All of this natural beauty is provided by God. It is for our enjoyment and pleasure. But, also it is our responsibility to be good stewards of what God provides. If neglected and abused, it will be destroyed, but if it is cared for, will provide joy for generations to come.
God said to Adam at creation, “be fruitful and multiply and be good stewards of the land.” That command is still enforced today. Nature should not have to be protected from man, but man should always protect nature.
As I look out the window today I think of the wonderful things in life that are free. Free air to breathe and water to drink. The sun to warm us and help grow our crops. The darkness comes so we can rest from our daily labors. Money can’t buy a beautiful sunset or sunrise. No amount of money can buy the beauty of the mountains in the fall when the leaves change colors. All of this is from God, yet people still say there is no God. How foolish with all the proof around us.
Take time in the next week to observe the beauty God has given us. Take time to stop and pause and be thankful for life, the seasons, the animals, the people, the rain and sun, the rivers and streams, and most of all for life to enjoy them.
Take a ride in the mountains and observe the animals preparing for the next season. Take a walk and just listen to sounds and observe people around you.
To be fulfilled means: you are made full of life. You are content and happy with your lot in life. How sad, so many people live so long and are never fulfilled. God never intended it to be that way. Take time to think on these things.
Chaplain Bud
Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
When we were born, it was our parents who made choices for us. As we grew up and entered school we learned to make choices. We also learned that with our choices came consequences.
Life seems to unfold for many of us in ways that are hard to understand, but that is life. Changes come and changes go, nothing ever stays the same. Most changes will not suit everyone or make all involved happy. But again, that is life.
Some have said, “everyone is for change unless it affects them.” How true that is. But, change will come. We get older, towns change, jobs change, people change, prices change, styles change, technology change, nothing stays the same.
All this is called seasons in our life. Those who do not make the adjustment will be constantly unhappy. I don’t mean change our convictions or character but apply them to the times in a positive way. Here is where a good attitude is always in season. People with the right attitude can overcome anything.
During the seasons of life we see many things both good and bad. Wars, tragedies, accidents, diseases, successes, failures, happy times, unhappy times, but that is life. That is why God gave us family and friends. These people support us during these seasons of life. We were not meant to be alone or to be without a good support base. To have friends, you must be one.
As the seasons of life are inevitable, many people fail to plan for the changes that come. We will not always be young and healthy. We will not always have all the money we need to meet our needs. So, a wise person plans to live this life. Again someone said “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” How true it is.
I don’t believe in luck. It’s called cause and affect. Things and people cause things to happen. The result is some kind of affect. We can determine the quality of our seasons by our actions and decisions.
Those who live life to the fullest are those who understand this principle. They are fulfilled because they live every day to the fullest and don’t waste life.
Everyday is a 24 hour block of time. Every week is 168 hours, block of time. Every year is 365 days, block of time. Time is something we cannot get back nor do we have the promise for it to come in the future. So, each minute, each day, each year, is part of your seasons in life. Value them, enjoy them, don’t waste them, but use them wisely.
The truth is that each day we plant seeds and prepare for tomorrow. Again, someone said, “live today like it is your last and plan like you are going to live forever.” That’s good.
Take a good look at your life today and ask “am I satisfied? The future is up to you.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station