What A Great Idea!

May 20 2013

By Rev. Tom Greene

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I’m not really sure when it happened. As a matter of fact, I didn’t realize when it happened. I just know that it did.

I’m speaking of the day that I was no longer the younger ‘Timothy’ observing and interacting with the older ‘Paul’. It seems that suddenly the pages of life have turned toward the back of the book and I find myself to be the older leader in the equation.

I am indebted to the men and women of God who willingly poured themselves into me as a young minister. It was rare that they actually sat me down for one on one teaching. It was a God ordained mixture of role model, occasional advisor, and generous availability. The Pauls in my life came in the form of lead pastors, administrative leaders and godly laymen that saw in me what I didn’t often see in myself and determined me to be a worthy investment.

For a number of years now, the role has been reversed. I now possess the opportunity and responsibility to be the Paul in the life of young Timothy. But only if and when Timothy is confident that this veteran has experience and knowledge that is worth receiving.

Please bear with me as I share a few principles (or perhaps pet peeves) that I have gained along the way for today’s versions of Paul and Timothy. I will let you decide if you are Timothy or Paul or in the transition stage of both. I am confident there is no magic number as to age or experience that determines it. I do know that I plan to keep a few heroes in my life to ensure that learning never ceases for me personally.

 

PAUL:

1. UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENT THAT YOU INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP.

I have been troubled for many years when I see lead pastors who hire staff to ‘do their job’ without seeing the opportunity to use those years with a younger leader to prepare them for a lifetime of service.

2. THE HARD TIMES OF OUR MINISTRY SHOULD BE A SEED FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW US TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE.

“It won’t hurt him to go through the same hardships I did”, said the lead pastor of his youth pastor. Personally, I would like to think that the challenging days that my grandfather endured are what paved the way for me. He preached in the days of brush arbor Pentecost so that I might preach in the finest churches in America. His family survived the ‘keep the preacher poor’ mentality so that I could be free to pursue my dreams without starving my children.

 3. STOP LOOKING FOR THE FINAL CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE.

“Well, I’ve just about done my time.” We speak of ministry as though it is a prison sentence…as though our age is a deal breaker. Paul ‘pressed toward the mark’ and didn’t declare himself useless to the ministry until his personal acknowledgement that the ‘the time of my departure is at hand’.

 

TIMOTHY:

 1. SEEK OUT THE HEROES THAT WILL PREPARE AND EQUIP YOU FOR GREATNESS.

As a young man, I developed an insatiable hunger to look to, learn from, and live in the shadow of those that were going before me. And thank the Lord I chose heroes whose lives raised the bar for me. I sat across the desk, the lunch table or in the passenger seat many times and received what could not be taught in a classroom. And yes, I would often learn what not to do from their mistakes. Nevertheless, I was still learning.

2. DON’T JUST CRITICIZE THE PAST, DO IT BETTER.

You will never offend me by taking what I have attempted and doing it more effectively. However, attacking and trashing the traditions of the past will never validate today’s leader. Believe it or not, what you determine as old school was actually edgy at the time. You may even be shocked to discover that what worked in the past may still have relevance when done well. ‘New and improved’ is often better than ‘never proven’.

3. YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU A PLACE OF LEADERSHIP.

I am convinced that my birth date does not disqualify me from being effective. I am as committed to relevancy as I have ever been. Perhaps my experience can even contribute to such. However, I have witnessed some of my peers that refuse to pursue what God is doing today. Likewise, Timothy, please know that your youth does not give you a pass. Take advantage of Pauline wisdom, today’s techniques, and the ever relevant Pentecostal power and be the best generation of leadership ever.

Today’s church cannot rest on its past. On the other hand, the church cannot assume that the best is yet to come. However, in a world where half the population is still waiting for an adequate presentation of Christ, we have no choice. With Holy Spirit direction and empowerment, we must pursue the greatest days of the Church. This might be a good time to read Paul’s letters to Timothy. Paul and Timothy working together. What a great idea!

 

Tom Greene is a founding partner of the ministry advancement group of Greene&Raley. He previously served in positions including National Director of Men’s Ministries, National Director of Youth Ministries and Oklahoma District Youth Director for the Assemblies of God in addition to several local churches. Greene may be reached at: tomgreene71@gmail.com.

 

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The Need for Time-Outs

May 13 2013

By Rev. John Maempa

Copy of JohnFromStaffSports enthusiasts are familiar with coaches and players calling for time-outs at strategic moments in the game. By definition, a time-out is a halt in the play. This allows the coaches of either team to communicate with their players to determine strategy or inspire morale. A time-out can also give players a much-needed break from intense physical activity. Time-outs are important to the success of the team.

 

We need time-outs in everyday life as well. The apostle Paul often employed the analogy of running a race to the life of a Christian. “If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me” he wrote in Acts 20:24. Toward the end of his journey, he said, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Then there are the familiar words by the writer of Hebrews in 12:1, “Let us throw off everything that hinders…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

 

Life often seems like a race. It’s fast-paced, intense, and demanding. That’s why time-outs are necessary. Jesus understood the need for those during His earthly ministry. In the Gospels we find references to Jesus going up onto a mountainside to pray. On one occasion, He went by boat to a “solitary place.”

 

Prayer and meditation are important ways to take time-outs. Like in the sports arena, it can be a time to get instructions from the Coach. It can be a time to be refreshed and encouraged by the presence of the Holy Spirit. And, sometimes, whether we pray or not, it’s good to just get away from the frenetic pace and take a walk in a peaceful place, enjoying the beauty of nature. These can be recharging and refreshing times. Be sure to set aside time on a regular basis for prayer and also take those moments for solitude. It’s not wasted time.

 

Prayer: O, Lord God, thank You for those times of refreshing that we can have in prayer and in our times of solitude. Help all of us to know when a time-out is needed. May we be careful to take those moments and allow Your presence to encourage and strengthen us. And may we also be careful to listen to Your instructions so that we’ll be better prepared to handle the tasks and opportunities before us. Amen.

 

Rev. John Maempa is director of the Office of Prayer & Spiritual Care for the General Council of the Assemblies of God. To learn more about the OPSC, visit www.prayer.ag.org.

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The Question of Competency

May 06 2013

By Steve McMichael

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In the ministry we sometimes find ourselves seeking self-esteem when our greatest need is God-awareness.

Have you thought about your job lately?  We are servants of the Most High God! As such, we present God’s word to His people.  We are supposed to be giving His council!   No wonder so many ministers struggle with self esteem. Have you ever felt completely inadequate? Today?

The reality of my inadequacy came crashing down on me recently. I had just completed a Bible study with a group of West African refugees when one of them, a tall gentleman, approached me for prayer.  His presence was a bit intimidating, as he loomed over six feet tall and wore a stoic expression.  He began:

“My father was killed.
My mother was killed.
My brothers were killed.
My sister was killed.
Life is hard.”

He said nothing else.  It was my turn. I was supposed to say or do something to help him, though I felt completely exposed and helpless. At last I drew up the courage to pray, and then he left.

I went to the Bible after that, bruised but seeking.  I found myself at 2 Corinthians 3.  Paul is defending his ministry, and he states that he is an able minister, graced with a competency that comes from God.   Here’s my takeaway from this passage:

Dependence
No matter where you are, or what you are doing in ministry, competency comes from the Spirit of God. Any other source is, at best, lacking. Study is commanded (2 Timothy 2:15) and experience is profitable, but nothing substitutes for the Spirit of God when we face the point of a need.  He must give us the words, ideas and strategies. How liberating to know that we do not have to produce life but only pass along the life He gives!

God’s Nature
We will never act as compassionately or relate so completely with people as God does. Fortunately, our job does not require us to convince God to do anything.  He is ever ready to yield His awesome power. We may ask boldly for divine intervention, not as a religious exercise, but as an expected reality.

Courage
Thus far this has been a great review of well-established truth, but the final ingredient requires action.  Competent ministers take courage and act on dearly-held truths. Because I need what only God provides, and because He is good and willing to help, I will act (pray, plan, say etc.).  We come back to the point of action, but equipped with far more than our resources, education or experience could provide. Courage is drawn from the same well as the rest of our spiritual life: God’s inexhaustible goodness.  When there is a need, it is time to act.

These are the ingredients for competency: a heart and attitude dependent on the Spirit, an awareness of God’s goodness, and the courage to believe He is willing to act here and now.

Allow me to return to the gentleman in my story earlier. He remained in the Bible study. His countenance has softened and he is excited to study the Bible.  Healing and peace are reworking His life after unimaginable hardship.

Allow God to take his place as the inexhaustible source of wisdom and power.  Act from that place of confidence and get ready to get busy, because His love for people is dynamic and untiring.

Rev. Steve McMichael is a Global University Alumnus from the Berean School of the Bible and the Undergraduate School of Bible and Theology. McMichael currently serves as an International Pastor.

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A Paradigm for Leadership Responsibility: Articulating the Knowledge of Christ

Apr 29 2013

By Dr. Randy Hedlun

Randy_HedlunPaul had never visited the church at Colosse, having only heard about the believers there from the founding evangelist, Epaphras. Epaphras was probably converted through Paul’s preaching in Ephesus during his third missionary campaign. Being full of the gospel’s power and zeal, he returned to his home region and planted a church. The cultural region around Colosse was characterized by the variety of religious and philosophical ideas and belief systems that competed for attention and allegiance. Located on the main trade route that connected the Euphrates with Rome, Colosse enjoyed an unending stream of the world’s ideas, values, and behaviors.

Within a few years, perhaps 3-5 years, the church was in trouble. The ideas and religious beliefs prevalent in the area were confusing and misleading the people. The Good News about Jesus that had powerfully changed believers’ lives was being inundated with corrupting and competing notions, superstitions, and lifestyles. The church was in trouble with the truth about Jesus being diluted and distorted by human systems of thought, cultural values and traditions, and alternative priorities.

The zeal of evangelism is not always equal to the responsibility of spiritual leadership. Epaphras’ zealous and effective role in declaring the gospel was not sufficient to shepherd the church through dangerous territory. It is believed that Epaphras went to find Paul to seek his assistance to bring correction, leadership, and instruction to the Colossian believers. In response to hearing of the Colossian believers’ plight, Paul wrote the letter we know as Colossians to bring correction, encouragement, and direction to this struggling body of Jesus followers.

It is important to note how Paul responds to the need for pastoral care and authoritative instruction. There seem to be two ways in which Paul responds to the problems in the Colossian church:

1.     Paul prays that the believers would know God’s will (spiritual wisdom and understanding) and have power for endurance to live a godly life.

There is no substitute for prayer! Spiritual leaders must know when to pray and must accept the responsibility to intercede for the people for those things that are granted supernaturally by God himself. Christians who have a praying leader will experience a greater knowledge of God’s will and have more power to endure than those without such a leader!

2.     Paul instructs them according to his own knowledge, wisdom, and skill. The church also has needs that can only be met by leaders who have developed the knowledge and skills to instruct, correct, and encourage in Truth.

Paul begins his pastoral correction of the errors and confusion in Colossians 1:15 by laying the foundation of who Christ is, what His role in creation is, and what He has to offer His followers.

Paul is presenting his superior understanding about Christ in clear, authoritative language. The truth about Christ must be the foundation of all teaching. The truth about Christ is the most sure vaccination against error and confusion in the church. The ability to explain Christ accurately and skillfully undergirds the authority of all spiritual leaders.

Paul would go on to address specific issues about the problems in Colosse, about Christian living, relationships, and holiness. But first he reestablished the foundation of truth about Christ upon which all other teaching must be based.

In our own experiences living in a confusing world with so many religious and philosophical voices competing for our attention, it is only the well-developed and well-articulated knowledge of Christ that will protect and guide us into Truth. And in our diverse opportunities to influence others, it must be prayer and the well-articulated truth about Jesus that dominates these relationships!

 

Dr. Randy Hedlun serves as Global University’s Vice Provost and as Dean of Global’s Berean School of the Bible. To learn more about Global University, please visit www.globaluniversity.edu.

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Aunt Flora’s Parlor

Apr 24 2013

By Carolyn Hittenberger

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Hebrews 12:1-2 …since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and the Finisher of our faith.                        

Who are the witnesses of Hebrews 12:1?   How are they witnesses?  Where are they?

In some profoundly mysterious way this passage indicates that the witness of those who have gone before us in the faith, surrounds us.  The issue is not whether or not they are peering at us over a celestial balcony.  The influence of their lives and in some cases their deaths, impacts our lives.

On many holidays of my childhood, Dad’s beat up panel truck carried us the 18 miles to Aunt Flora’s sprawling white farmhouse. Its wrap-around porch invited the adults to relax in over-sized wooden rockers. For us children, it was a fort or a ship or whatever we imagined it to be.  At dinner time the mahogany dining table groaned with home made everything.  My mouth still tingles at the memory of Aunt Flora’s apple pie accompanied by chunks of cheese.Following dinner everyone gathered to sing.  Mom’s petite hands caressed the yellowed keys and her small feet pumped air into the dusty reeds of the aged parlor organ.  Sitting beside the velvet-curtained sound box, my heartbeat became one with the rhythm of those hymns.

The scent of things past pricked my nose on those special occasions when Aunt Flora slid back the heavy wooden doors of her parlor.  Ornate gold frames hanging on faded wallpaper, embraced the “portrait people”: my grandmother as a bride, who died when my father was born; Aunt Flora, a beauty at 18 who was left responsible for the care of her baby brother; my father as a curly haired toddler standing beside a three-cornered chair; my grandfather who when 12 lied his age to join the army; and a dozen or so others.  Family history and my childish understanding of it exchanged glances.

Dad‘s gifted storytelling inscribed on my young mind the joys and pain of the portrait people.  I felt a bond with those who’d gone before me. A glimpse of those whose past formed the foundation for my life warmed me with a sense of belonging.  Aunt Flora’s braided rug left its imprint on my legs as I sat on the floor, listening, and the stories of those I had never known stamped my spirit with the security of family.

We do not walk this Christian life alone.  The witness of those who’ve preceded us proclaims God’s faithfulness.  They started the path, escaped the snares, and endured the race, looking to Jesus.  Through the golden frame of Biblical accounts and historical portraits we taste the sweetness and security of belonging.  Hymns and testimonies bind our hearts to those who persevered and laid for us a foundation of faith.  Though sometimes the rough places of this world would leave their mark on us, deeper, sweeter, and more lasting is the stamp of influence left by testimonies of His Life in others.  Exchange glances with those who surround us as witnesses.  Ours is a heritage of victory.  Rejoice!  We are surrounded by family!

Father, I thank You for providing me with witnesses whose lives encourage me to walk the path You have laid out for me.  Grant me the same power to, like them, persevere with joy.  Thank you that I do not walk alone.

Carolyn Hittenberger is Assistant for the Caribbean Regional Office at Global University and also works with University Communications. For more information about Global University, visit http://think.globaluniversity.edu.

 

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Stay off the treadmill!

Apr 15 2013

by Ron BontragerRonandDorene2012CROP

As a runner I have learned to stay off the treadmill. I love to run outdoors, especially on those cold, crisp mornings of winter. It’s so invigorating! Maybe it’s because I’m actually running for my life just to stay warm, but I think mostly it’s because of the beautiful outdoors. You never know what beauty you’re going to see. Yet for me the treadmill is totally the opposite. It is so monotonous. It feels like I’m not making any progress even though I actually am. It can actually make me want to quit running altogether.

 It occurred to me that’s exactly how it is with other areas of my life. I can easily get on the treadmill of ministry, family, pastoring, or whatever and lose my focus in the process. When that happens, I forget why I’m doing what I’m doing and I no longer see my progress.

 As we begin another year, I have a piece of advice: Stay off the treadmill!

 How can we make sure of this? First, we have to reassess. To reassess means to measure the value of something, to try and determine its actual worth. When I’m on the treadmill, I forget how important the people whom God has put into my life are. The treadmill causes me to underestimate how valuable my ministry is and, most importantly, how important my relationship with God is. The holidays are a gift, given so we can step back from the treadmill of life and reassess our relationships, our gifts and calling, and, most of all, our walk with God. The New Year’s song “Auld Lang Syne” comes from a Scottish poem and means “old times fondly remembered; old friendships tenderly rekindled.” When we reassess, we begin to rekindle the value of the life God has so generously given us.

 Second, we have to repent. The most important part of the reassessing process is telling ourselves the truth about the condition of our lives. If we have fallen into a mindset of drudgery, if we’re on the treadmill and have devalued some of what God has entrusted to us, it’s time to repent. We may need to repent to our family for robbing them of our best effort. We may need to repent to God for treating His gifts casually. The church of Ephesus was on the ministry treadmill. They were still doing all the right things; they were working hard; but they had lost something very precious. They no longer valued God or people the way they once had. Jesus said to them,

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works. (Revelation 2:2–5 NKJV)

Finally, we have to rest. There is a rest that transcends physical sleep. There is a rest we enter into by faith. This is a deep rest that strengthens the soul for the long journey. Jesus invited people to come unto Him and find rest for their souls. He said His yoke is easy and His burdens are light (Matthew 11:28–30). If life for you has become difficult and heavy, you may be on the treadmill. God promises a heaven-sent rest for your soul. I pray you find it!

 Ron Bontrager is Lead Pastor at Lakeview Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information about Lakeview, please visit www.lakeviewchurch.org

 

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What The Resurrection of Jesus Can Mean For You.

Apr 08 2013

by Michael Goldsmith

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 We’ve recently celebrated Easter weekend.  For millions of people it was about family gatherings.  It was loading up the car, traveling to mom’s house, spending the weekend with family and hiding brightly colored eggs for the children to hunt.  For others, it was a reminder that winter is over, spring has come, summer is not far away.  Their weekend may have been spent cleaning out the garage or airing out the house and catching up on a long list of “spring cleaning” chores.  For others it was a good excuse for new clothes and the annual pilgrimage to church.  But for millions and millions it was the day to be reminded of how incredible God’s love is for us (by coming to this world to die for us); and how mysterious God really is (His life began with a virgin birth and ended with being raised from the dead); and how much God wants to be involved in our lives.

Something about Easter and Spring just go together.  Both of them symbolize new life.  Both symbolize the passing of death and the entrance of life.  Occasionally, I ponder what my life would have been like had I never allowed Christ to become my Savior.  I’m very certain that I’ll never know what it would have turned into without Him.  I’m simply, and overwhelmingly, awed that I am what I am today because of the grace of God within me.

1 Corinthians 15:20 says, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead…”  After expounding on what life would mean without the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Paul, the writer of 1 Corinthians, tells us about the benefits of His resurrection.  In keeping with Easter, the Resurrection, and new life, I’d like to list four benefits of Jesus’ Resurrection.

1. Sin is forgivable.  Because Jesus is alive and was raised miraculously from death, we can be forgiven.  The stable is important because Jesus was born.  The cross is important because He died.  And the empty tomb is important because He is alive.  1 Cor. 15:17 tells us,

“if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.”  We’d have no forgiveness had He not come out of that grave.  But HE did!  His forgiveness is comprehensive and expansive.  It has the capacity to forgive anything and everything.

 2. Grace is available.  1 Cor. 15:10 reads, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain (or empty); but I labored even more than all of the them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.  Grace is a mystery.  It’s a power more wonderful than you can imagine.  It’s by grace that we are saved, given gifts and talents, given our place in the body of Christ, and made to know His will.  It’s by grace that we endure difficulty and challenges, stand up when we fall, overcome discouragement and defeat, and are made more than conquerors.  It’s by grace that we live, move and have our existence.  Grace is available in unmeasured quantities because of Jesus’ Resurrection.

3. Life is meaningful.  The power of the resurrection can not only take the worst of sinners and change him into sainthood; but it can also take the most miserable of lives and transform it into robust joy, purpose, significance and peace.  Bookstores are packed with buyers looking to find meaning in life, marriage, career, parenting, and the future.  Jesus offers all of that to each of us.  It is by His promise that we receive life to the full (John 10:10). 

 The Resurrection makes the future hopeful.  James 1:12 records, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  The emptiness of a Middle Eastern tomb makes life bright not because it’s empty but because of who left it empty.

 Just as surely as Spring is bringing new life, Jesus can bring new life to you.  If you would simply acknowledge your sins and failures; ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart; believe in your heart that He is Lord and Savior; and confess that with your mouth you can be saved.  Why don’t you give Him your life?  Why don’t you rededicate your life to Him?  Why don’t you take a moment and let His love pour over you? 

Michael Goldsmith has pastored congregations in North Little Rock, Conway, Pine Bluff and Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.   He now serves with Global University as Director of Advancement for a project in a sensitive country.  You can reach him at mgoldsmith@globaluniversity.edu 

 

 

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Holy Spirit

Apr 02 2013

by David Stoecker

David Profile Picture 2012

 Today I was thinking about the Holy Spirit. I have noticed the huge impact the Holy Spirit has had in my life, and I cannot help but think on it all the time. But today, I was thinking of how blessed we are in this day and age. When Jesus was here, He walked with the disciples. Can you believe actually getting to walk next to Jesus?

Some friends of mine visited the places Jesus walked when the disciples were with Him, and they always talk about how life-changing that experience was.

That sounds amazing—walking beside Jesus. Yet I would argue we now have something even more powerful than Christ walking beside us. Something that is more life-changing than walking the same paths Christ walked, and we do not have to go anywhere to experience it. I am talking about the Holy Spirit and the amazing power we are blessed with. It came when Christ left the earth and has been here ever since.

Jesus told the disciples He had to leave so the Holy Spirit could come:

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16–17, emphasis mine)

This means the Holy Spirit does not just walk beside us in our lives, as Jesus did with the disciples, but lives inside us. The Holy Spirit permeates our body and will guide us in all we do, and He can give us the power to do all God has planned for us in our lives.

Would you be a better basketball player if Michael Jordan coached you, or if he took over your body and played through you? The latter, of course. The same is true with the Holy Spirit. Jesus walked beside and coached, but the Holy Spirit lives inside us and guides!

Jesus speaks highly of the Holy Spirit. In John 16:7–8, He says,

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” (emphasis mine)

 I would say we can make absolutely no excuses when it comes to sin for one reason: Jesus took our ability to make excuses away from us. In John 14:26, He says,

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything that I have said to you.” (emphasis mine)

 We are not only taught by the words of Christ and His disciples, but we also have the Holy Spirit inside us to remind us of what is right. The Holy Spirit is like a moral compass. We will know right from wrong, and we will know our sin is sin before we do it. Christ does not give us a way out. Will we all sin? Of course we will; sadly it is in our nature. But the Holy Spirit will guide us away from doing wrong and toward doing right!

David Stoecker is Substance Abuse Counselor with Alternative Opportunities, Inc. You may reach David at david.stoecker@gmail.com

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Christian Maturity: A Change of Heart

Mar 26 2013

Inspired by GU’s Christian Service course, Christian Maturity.

by Kristy Teague

Teague,KristyDo you remember when you were a child and you wanted to have the best toy or the newest game? Or, you set a goal of trying all the flavors of sweet or sour candy, just to say you did? Adults had no time for that. And I remember thinking, “Why don’t they like it?” At some point, they outgrew childhood. They “put away childish things.”

Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me” (1 Corinthians 13:11 NIV)

From being a child to becoming an adult goes against what we want when we are young. We want to be forever young and to experience life at its fullest. To have to wait for any “need” or “want” to be met is intolerable. Patience is not fully understood. Not getting that new toy, game, or candy is unimaginable! Disappointing. Even embarrassing, in comparison to other kids who get what they want.

Yet for all the indulgence and impatience that children are often accused of, what DO they do right? Their inexperience on this earth causes them to be overly trusting, overly innocent, overly humble. They are by no means perfect, but they are teachable and they follow. Whether an adult guides them to good or to bad, they trust and obey. It is for this reason that Jesus commended little children. Not for their outward actions, but for the condition of their heart.

 In Matthew 18:2, Jesus called a little child over and said to the disciples, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Can an adult become a child again? Unfortunately, no. But an adult can have a change of heart. Despite his or her experiences on this earth, an adult can become trusting, innocent, and humble.

 The psalmist wrote: Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 NIV)

King Solomon advised: Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

And Paul encouraged the church members in Philippi by writing:

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NIV)

 Christian [adults] are often accused of being “other-worldly,” thinking more in terms of faith and heaven, rather than focusing on the “here and now.” The other extreme is to be overly “worldly,” focused on the temporal, often self-centered, or childish. The biblical ideal is to reach a balance—to have confidence in our faith and the reality of heaven, to fulfill our present-day purpose here on earth, and to be aware of our future reward in heaven.

Spiritual growth comes only after believing in God as Heavenly Father. To recognize  God as our spiritual Father would mean we are spiritual children. Thus, all believers become members of a spiritual family. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Does that mean we are literally “family”? No! But, we do have a not-of-this-world opportunity (dare I say, responsibility) to treat one another with kindness, compassion, and brotherly love out of a sincere heart.

 If we all were to treat one another with civility and spiritual maturity and “put away childish things” of this world, imagine what could be accomplished for good! The book of 1 John expresses this theme. If we say we believe in God and know God, but we do not love God or others, then we do not know God, for God is love.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son [Jesus] as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:9–11 NIV)

Kristy Teague is an editor at Global University in the University Materials Department (UMD). Tim and Kristy Teague are AGWM appointed missionaries at Global University. For more information about Global, visit www.globaluniversity.edu. For more information about the School for Evangelism and Discipleship courses visit www.globalreach.org

 

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The God of the Temple

Mar 18 2013

by Steve McMichael

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A recent devotional reading allowed me to revisit the dedication of Solomon’s temple. Those chapters in 1 Kings (as well as 2 Chronicles) recount a monumental event in the history of the Old Testament, but this time my heart took me in a different direction.

The temple’s dedication represented a convergence of significance and success for Solomon. As David’s son, Solomon completed his father’s charge. This day marked the completion of the project that required 183,600 workers and over 50 billion dollars. The nation had united, worked, and succeeded in constructing the most magnificent edifice in Israel’s history. And above all, God honored the effort with His visible presence and confirmed His covenant.

Each of these factors is exhilarating for a leader. In moments like this, one’s heart is revealed through words. Solomon’s words offer a challenge to leaders today. With all of Israel watching, with his father’s charge and dream fulfilled, with herds of animals sacrificed and the labors of so many shining as the backdrop, Solomon prayed:

 “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built.” (1 Kings 8:27)

For all that had been accomplished and all the success this day represented, in his heart, Solomon’s God was still bigger than Solomon’s temple.

While this perspective is theologically sound, it is difficult to remember in times of pressure and even more difficult to hold on to in times of success. Whether we are teaching a class, building a church, launching a ministry, or simply carrying out today’s duties, God must remain far bigger than our tasks. Here is a wonderful tool for balance.

 Sacred and motivational speakers alike challenge us as leaders to dream big. I believe God leads us to bold initiatives. Big dreams stir congregations, create momentum, and honor God. But big dreams require a bigger God. As long as our perspective sees our projects and service as smaller than the God we serve, we are in a great position to succeed and see His glory.

 As I have advanced in ministry, my dreams have grown. This visit to Solomon’s temple reminded me to guard my thinking and keep God, His desires, and His power bigger than the dreams I have in ministry.

 I pray that you are encouraged this week. Partake of motivational quotes, books and sermons. But in all the vision casting and dream building, keep the God of your temple bigger than the temple itself.

Rev. Steve McMichael is a Global University Alumnus from the Berean School of the Bible and the Undergraduate School of Bible and Theology. McMichael currently serves as an International Pastor.

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