by Pastor Blake Cromwell
August 2003
Too often I meet people who doubt that God is on their side. Deep inside is a pocket of sad memories of personal failure or sins for which they have never been able to forgive themselves. They either don’t know or have forgotten that Christ was nailed to the cross so that they can stop constantly nailing themselves for mistakes and sins.
For all who struggle with personal condemnation, please help yourself by reading and re-reading Romans chapter eight in your Bible. This chapter starts with the wonderful proclamation, “Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” and ends with, “nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ.”
On the cross Jesus said, “It is finished.” This means the debt for ALL sin was paid in full. Every other world religion is based on what you do to please God, but Christianity is based on what Christ has already done for you.
Towards the end of Romans chapter eight the writer ask the question, “Who would dare even to point a finger?” He is talking about the tendency we all have to feel guilty, condemned and accused even if we believe that Christ forgave our sin. This is because we haven’t dealt with the voice of accusation that is inspired against us.
Our inner critic agrees more with what the evil one says about us than what the Holy One of Israel says about us. Churches, Christians and even family members are too ready to condemn when someone has failed rather than being God’s instrument of acceptance and forgiveness.
Years ago Woody Hayes, the Ohio state football coach, was fired for striking an opposing player on the sidelines during a game. The press had a field day with his firing and really tarred and feathered the former Buckeye. Few people in America could have felt lower than Woody at that time. He not only lost control in a game and did a foolish thing, but he lost his job and the respect of the country.
At the end of that season, a professional athlete’s banquet was held for the top players and coaches in the league. Of course, Tom Landry, the famous coach of the Dallas Cowboys, was invited. Guess who Tom Landry invited as his honored guest? Woody Hayes, the man everyone was being encouraged to hate and criticize. Landry knew that although Hayes had made a mistake, it was not the end of the world.
My hope for everyone in the Kings County is that they could find a Tom Landry to help them in their time of need. Let me assure you that as you place your faith in Christ, He promises to take you as His special guest to a banquet in Heaven. Until that special day comes, why not visit one of the pre-celebration parties being held in the local churches in the Kings County.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Healing the Past
by Pastor Blake Cromwell
April 2003
Recently I finished a series of teachings about God’s desire to heal us from the wounds of the past. My premise was that we all carry around memories that rob us of joy and sour our disposition. People are affected by hurtful memories of ridicule, of severe criticism or of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. These memories cause oppression that drains us of the abundant life that Christ desires for us.
Where do these hurtful memories come from? Many times they come from those nearest to us—our family members, our siblings, and even from our past playgrounds. In a moment of cruelty, someone near to us unleashed an assault of wounding words or physical blows. After pastoring for more then twenty-five years, I have discovered that everyone has hidden emotional wounds and they take longer to heal then physical ones. The good news is that Jesus desires to heal us of all the bruises of yesterday.
For all those who have gone through a war or lived in a home that was a war zone, God says, “I heals the brokenhearted and bandage their wounds.” For those who are brokenhearted over the death of a loved one or over someone walking out, this verse says God wants to heal your heart. Let me share with you four steps God uses to heal our emotional scars.
First, bring your hurts into the light. The worst thing you can do is to shut down, retreat, and rehearse the offense over and over. This mistaken strategy only amplifies the emotional wound and enlarges the problem. Psalms 32:3 says, “When I kept things to myself, I felt weak deep inside me, I moaned all day long.” Constant fatigue can be a sign of an unhealed emotional wound. If you find yourself moaning and sighing throughout your day you might need to deal with suppressed emotional wounds. Find someone you can confide in and begin bringing these hurts into the open. It’s the only way you’ll truly find freedom.
Second, let go of the right to get even. You only have a limited amount of emotional energy and if you are consumed with hate and revenge you become unable to maintain a healthy emotional balance. The question is, Do I want to get even or do I want to be healed? You can’t have both. Romans 12:17 and 19 tells us, “Never pay back evil for evil…never avenge yourself. Leave that to God, for He has said, ‘He will repay those who deserve it.’” Don’t forget that Father God saw the injustice done to you and He will even the score perfectly. You can spend the rest of your life seeking revenge or get on with your life and allow God to deal with those who hurt you.
Third, reprogram your thinking. Your brain is like a computer’s hard drive. Everything people have said and done is stored in your brain. Too often we operate on faulty data, believing the lies spoken against us. You must choose to replace negative memories with the truth of God’s Word. The Bible says in Proverbs, “As a man thinks so He is.” Those who are assaulted by persistent negative memories must refuse to rehash them and begin to meditate on positive words from the Bible.
Lastly, redeem your pain by becoming a wounded healer. The most effective blow against your emotional hurt is to take what has happened and make it into a life-giving tool. God’s promise in 2 Corinthians 1:4 is that God will comfort us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble we can comfort them in the same way. As you take your emotional wounds to Christ and begin these healing steps, there will be healing. Those who have walked through this process can help others. All of Koinonia Christian Fellowship’s recovery support groups are based upon this concept. All of them are facilitated by people in the process of recovery.
The healing ministry of Jesus is powerful and effective. If you would like to begin your healing process why not speak with your pastor and allow him to guide you through these steps? If you aren’t connected to a church, just pick up a phone and call one of the churches in Kings County. These churches are all full of wounded healers eager to help you find what they have discovered.
April 2003
Recently I finished a series of teachings about God’s desire to heal us from the wounds of the past. My premise was that we all carry around memories that rob us of joy and sour our disposition. People are affected by hurtful memories of ridicule, of severe criticism or of emotional, physical or sexual abuse. These memories cause oppression that drains us of the abundant life that Christ desires for us.
Where do these hurtful memories come from? Many times they come from those nearest to us—our family members, our siblings, and even from our past playgrounds. In a moment of cruelty, someone near to us unleashed an assault of wounding words or physical blows. After pastoring for more then twenty-five years, I have discovered that everyone has hidden emotional wounds and they take longer to heal then physical ones. The good news is that Jesus desires to heal us of all the bruises of yesterday.
For all those who have gone through a war or lived in a home that was a war zone, God says, “I heals the brokenhearted and bandage their wounds.” For those who are brokenhearted over the death of a loved one or over someone walking out, this verse says God wants to heal your heart. Let me share with you four steps God uses to heal our emotional scars.
First, bring your hurts into the light. The worst thing you can do is to shut down, retreat, and rehearse the offense over and over. This mistaken strategy only amplifies the emotional wound and enlarges the problem. Psalms 32:3 says, “When I kept things to myself, I felt weak deep inside me, I moaned all day long.” Constant fatigue can be a sign of an unhealed emotional wound. If you find yourself moaning and sighing throughout your day you might need to deal with suppressed emotional wounds. Find someone you can confide in and begin bringing these hurts into the open. It’s the only way you’ll truly find freedom.
Second, let go of the right to get even. You only have a limited amount of emotional energy and if you are consumed with hate and revenge you become unable to maintain a healthy emotional balance. The question is, Do I want to get even or do I want to be healed? You can’t have both. Romans 12:17 and 19 tells us, “Never pay back evil for evil…never avenge yourself. Leave that to God, for He has said, ‘He will repay those who deserve it.’” Don’t forget that Father God saw the injustice done to you and He will even the score perfectly. You can spend the rest of your life seeking revenge or get on with your life and allow God to deal with those who hurt you.
Third, reprogram your thinking. Your brain is like a computer’s hard drive. Everything people have said and done is stored in your brain. Too often we operate on faulty data, believing the lies spoken against us. You must choose to replace negative memories with the truth of God’s Word. The Bible says in Proverbs, “As a man thinks so He is.” Those who are assaulted by persistent negative memories must refuse to rehash them and begin to meditate on positive words from the Bible.
Lastly, redeem your pain by becoming a wounded healer. The most effective blow against your emotional hurt is to take what has happened and make it into a life-giving tool. God’s promise in 2 Corinthians 1:4 is that God will comfort us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble we can comfort them in the same way. As you take your emotional wounds to Christ and begin these healing steps, there will be healing. Those who have walked through this process can help others. All of Koinonia Christian Fellowship’s recovery support groups are based upon this concept. All of them are facilitated by people in the process of recovery.
The healing ministry of Jesus is powerful and effective. If you would like to begin your healing process why not speak with your pastor and allow him to guide you through these steps? If you aren’t connected to a church, just pick up a phone and call one of the churches in Kings County. These churches are all full of wounded healers eager to help you find what they have discovered.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thanks, But No Thanks
Pastor Tim Howard
November 21, 2009
Do you remember the movie entitled “Pollyanna” that was filmed by Disney Studios in 1960 and stared Hayley Mills? The title character is Pollyanna Whittier, a young orphan who goes to live with her wealthy but stern Aunt Polly in Beldingsville, Vermont. Pollyanna's philosophy of life centers on what she calls "The Glad Game," an optimistic attitude she learned from her father. She consistently finds something to be glad about in every situation regardless of how difficult things become. The game originated one Christmas when Pollyanna, was hoping to receive a doll for her present. When she opened her gift, however, she found only a pair of crutches inside. At that moment, Pollyanna's father taught her to look at the good side of things—in this case, to be glad about the crutches because "she didn’t need them." Her gratitude and thankful spirit influenced this small New England town and transformed it into a place of joy and thanksgiving.
A grumpy attitude or a grateful heart is a matter of choice. Do you want to influence people in a positive way? Does the atmosphere at your job need to be refreshed? Would you like to cheer people up rather than bring them down? Then choose to be grateful in this season of thanksgiving.
The Bible reveals that Paul the apostle went through many ups and downs in his life. He was beaten, shipwrecked, hungry, deserted, and even stoned to the point of death. If anyone had a right to complain he did! But listen to his words from 2 Corinthians, chapter 4:1-18. “Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small in comparison to the big picture and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” NLB
To be grateful, you need a new focus, a reason to speak and a willingness to share. Therefore open your eyes and focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t. It will bring peace! Open you mouth and express thanks to God. It will create joy! Open your hands and share your blessings. It will show love!
Thanksgiving will put an end to jealousy, envy and covetousness. It will guard you from a spirit of entitlement and help you to stop taking things for granted. Giving thanks will cause a demanding spirit to leave and a grateful heart will help people see life with a new perspective.
Our country has set aside one day a year to remind us of the importance of thanksgiving. I personally think we should be thankful 365 days a year but THANK GOD we at least have one day still on the calendar as a reminder. I can’t speak for you but as for my family and me, we are going to choose thankfulness over complaining, gratitude over grumpiness and play the Glad Game rather than the Sad Game. If anyone comes to you this season and invites you to focus on the miserable-ness of things, why don’t you simply say: Thanks but no thanks!
Allow November 26 to establish a foundation and pattern for your future.
November 21, 2009
Do you remember the movie entitled “Pollyanna” that was filmed by Disney Studios in 1960 and stared Hayley Mills? The title character is Pollyanna Whittier, a young orphan who goes to live with her wealthy but stern Aunt Polly in Beldingsville, Vermont. Pollyanna's philosophy of life centers on what she calls "The Glad Game," an optimistic attitude she learned from her father. She consistently finds something to be glad about in every situation regardless of how difficult things become. The game originated one Christmas when Pollyanna, was hoping to receive a doll for her present. When she opened her gift, however, she found only a pair of crutches inside. At that moment, Pollyanna's father taught her to look at the good side of things—in this case, to be glad about the crutches because "she didn’t need them." Her gratitude and thankful spirit influenced this small New England town and transformed it into a place of joy and thanksgiving.
A grumpy attitude or a grateful heart is a matter of choice. Do you want to influence people in a positive way? Does the atmosphere at your job need to be refreshed? Would you like to cheer people up rather than bring them down? Then choose to be grateful in this season of thanksgiving.
The Bible reveals that Paul the apostle went through many ups and downs in his life. He was beaten, shipwrecked, hungry, deserted, and even stoned to the point of death. If anyone had a right to complain he did! But listen to his words from 2 Corinthians, chapter 4:1-18. “Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small in comparison to the big picture and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” NLB
To be grateful, you need a new focus, a reason to speak and a willingness to share. Therefore open your eyes and focus on what you have rather than on what you don’t. It will bring peace! Open you mouth and express thanks to God. It will create joy! Open your hands and share your blessings. It will show love!
Thanksgiving will put an end to jealousy, envy and covetousness. It will guard you from a spirit of entitlement and help you to stop taking things for granted. Giving thanks will cause a demanding spirit to leave and a grateful heart will help people see life with a new perspective.
Our country has set aside one day a year to remind us of the importance of thanksgiving. I personally think we should be thankful 365 days a year but THANK GOD we at least have one day still on the calendar as a reminder. I can’t speak for you but as for my family and me, we are going to choose thankfulness over complaining, gratitude over grumpiness and play the Glad Game rather than the Sad Game. If anyone comes to you this season and invites you to focus on the miserable-ness of things, why don’t you simply say: Thanks but no thanks!
Allow November 26 to establish a foundation and pattern for your future.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Bloom Where You Are Planted
Pastor Tim Howard
October 17, 2009
When I moved from Gardiner, Maine to the Los Angeles area in 1970, I experienced a great deal of shock. Many people love this area yet for me it was a nice place to visit but not a great place to live. Let me explain!
The area is very fast-paced; a whole lot of people, and the stress level can be very, very high. Some call it exciting, some call it challenging and others call it sheer craziness. For a boy like me who was raised in a city with the total population numbering 6000, it was a whirlwind and overload to my small city mind set.
Shortly after my relocation, I was confronted with a choice. Would I return home to the comfort of the past and things familiar to my youth or embrace the new environment and learn to adapt? Returning to the familiar is very tempting when you feel like a fish out of water, but it inevitably retards the growth process and adventures that lie ahead. During that season of time, someone made a comment that helped me make the decision, which was right for me. He simply said, ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted’
When you find yourself planted in an environment that is unfamiliar and a location that is not to your liking, how do you respond? Do you react? Do you retreat to the comfort of yesterday? Do you think the grass is greener on the other side or have you learned that the grass is greener where you water it?
Paul the apostle found himself in some unpleasant situations and locations that were very unappealing. He was imprisoned on several occasions, not for doing wrong but for proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. He didn’t allow his location or circumstances, to determine his attitude or outlook on life. He bloomed where he was planted.
In prison Paul wrote some of the most encouraging books in the Bible. Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, to name a few. In Philippians 4:11, we read these words: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." His secret was God! That’s why he tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.”
You may not like the situation you're in right now, your location, your job, your church or your marriage but you still have a choice! You can choose to react to the circumstances, retreat from the present and return to the past or reach for what God has in store for you. You can choose to bloom where you are planted or die on the vine. Don’t let your circumstances determine the level of joy you experience. Invite God to give you strength to do everything that needs to be done in any situation, at any time and in any location. It worked for Paul and it will work for you.
October 17, 2009
When I moved from Gardiner, Maine to the Los Angeles area in 1970, I experienced a great deal of shock. Many people love this area yet for me it was a nice place to visit but not a great place to live. Let me explain!
The area is very fast-paced; a whole lot of people, and the stress level can be very, very high. Some call it exciting, some call it challenging and others call it sheer craziness. For a boy like me who was raised in a city with the total population numbering 6000, it was a whirlwind and overload to my small city mind set.
Shortly after my relocation, I was confronted with a choice. Would I return home to the comfort of the past and things familiar to my youth or embrace the new environment and learn to adapt? Returning to the familiar is very tempting when you feel like a fish out of water, but it inevitably retards the growth process and adventures that lie ahead. During that season of time, someone made a comment that helped me make the decision, which was right for me. He simply said, ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted’
When you find yourself planted in an environment that is unfamiliar and a location that is not to your liking, how do you respond? Do you react? Do you retreat to the comfort of yesterday? Do you think the grass is greener on the other side or have you learned that the grass is greener where you water it?
Paul the apostle found himself in some unpleasant situations and locations that were very unappealing. He was imprisoned on several occasions, not for doing wrong but for proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. He didn’t allow his location or circumstances, to determine his attitude or outlook on life. He bloomed where he was planted.
In prison Paul wrote some of the most encouraging books in the Bible. Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, to name a few. In Philippians 4:11, we read these words: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." His secret was God! That’s why he tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice.”
You may not like the situation you're in right now, your location, your job, your church or your marriage but you still have a choice! You can choose to react to the circumstances, retreat from the present and return to the past or reach for what God has in store for you. You can choose to bloom where you are planted or die on the vine. Don’t let your circumstances determine the level of joy you experience. Invite God to give you strength to do everything that needs to be done in any situation, at any time and in any location. It worked for Paul and it will work for you.
Friday, September 25, 2009
John 3:16
Pastor Tim Howard
September 25, 2009
If you have ever watched professional sports, especially football you have probably noticed from time to time the camera person focusing on someone who is holding up a sign that reads: John 3:16. For those familiar with the Bible it is recognized as a scripture from the New Testament but for those unfamiliar with scripture, it must be an enigma.
John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Bible and has been called the most famous Bible verse by some. It has also been called the "Gospel in a nutshell" because it is considered a summary of some of the most central doctrines of traditional Christianity. It’s a verse that ‘In-N-Out Burger’ chain prints it on the bottom rim of their paper cups and the clothing chain ‘Forever 21’ prints it on the bottom of their shopping bags.
This verse reveals five very important truths about God and is proof that the God of creation wants you and me to know him. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV
The first truth revolves around love. “For God so loved…” Love is God’s motivation for doing what he does. Behind every act there is a motive and the motivating factor behind every act determines the results that will ensue. When you do things out of anger, bitterness, pressure, guilt or duty, you reap one kind of result and when you do things out of love, kindness, mercy, grace and compassion you produce a totally different effect. Motives are very important! If we give all our possessions to the poor and do many humanitarian acts but don’t have love, we don’t gain anything. That’s what Paul tells us in first Corinthians 13:3.
God’s love is focused primarily on the whole world and this is His mission. He is not a respecter of persons and does not show favoritism. He loves all mankind and has a desire to relate to each and every individual. This second truth is vital for us to understand, if we are to escape the Me, Myself and I, mentality.
“God so loved mankind that He gave”… Thirdly, giving gifts is God’s method for reaching you and me and is the prescribed way for us to help others. He didn’t give us a CD, DVD or send us an e-mail but came Himself. Jesus came as God’s greatest gift and message of love, hope and forgiveness, which is good news. Knowing that God himself came to us in Jesus Christ is not only the forth truth in this passage of scripture but reveals the identity of the true God in a world filled with many gods.
Last but not least, this Bible verse reveals God’s purpose for doing what he does. He wants us to live with him forever. All of us have been given a certain amount of days to live on this earth. We will all face death at some point. Then what? John 3:16 answers that question. Our future is yet to be written. We are today where our choices have brought us and will be tomorrow where our choices take us. True life awaits those who pick up on these five truths about God.
Love is God’s motive. The world is his mission. Giving is his method. Jesus is his message and Life is the miracle we get to experience when we put our trust, faith and confidence in Him. John 3:16 may be a short verse in the Bible but it packs a powerful punch to those who believe.
September 25, 2009
If you have ever watched professional sports, especially football you have probably noticed from time to time the camera person focusing on someone who is holding up a sign that reads: John 3:16. For those familiar with the Bible it is recognized as a scripture from the New Testament but for those unfamiliar with scripture, it must be an enigma.
John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Bible and has been called the most famous Bible verse by some. It has also been called the "Gospel in a nutshell" because it is considered a summary of some of the most central doctrines of traditional Christianity. It’s a verse that ‘In-N-Out Burger’ chain prints it on the bottom rim of their paper cups and the clothing chain ‘Forever 21’ prints it on the bottom of their shopping bags.
This verse reveals five very important truths about God and is proof that the God of creation wants you and me to know him. John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV
The first truth revolves around love. “For God so loved…” Love is God’s motivation for doing what he does. Behind every act there is a motive and the motivating factor behind every act determines the results that will ensue. When you do things out of anger, bitterness, pressure, guilt or duty, you reap one kind of result and when you do things out of love, kindness, mercy, grace and compassion you produce a totally different effect. Motives are very important! If we give all our possessions to the poor and do many humanitarian acts but don’t have love, we don’t gain anything. That’s what Paul tells us in first Corinthians 13:3.
God’s love is focused primarily on the whole world and this is His mission. He is not a respecter of persons and does not show favoritism. He loves all mankind and has a desire to relate to each and every individual. This second truth is vital for us to understand, if we are to escape the Me, Myself and I, mentality.
“God so loved mankind that He gave”… Thirdly, giving gifts is God’s method for reaching you and me and is the prescribed way for us to help others. He didn’t give us a CD, DVD or send us an e-mail but came Himself. Jesus came as God’s greatest gift and message of love, hope and forgiveness, which is good news. Knowing that God himself came to us in Jesus Christ is not only the forth truth in this passage of scripture but reveals the identity of the true God in a world filled with many gods.
Last but not least, this Bible verse reveals God’s purpose for doing what he does. He wants us to live with him forever. All of us have been given a certain amount of days to live on this earth. We will all face death at some point. Then what? John 3:16 answers that question. Our future is yet to be written. We are today where our choices have brought us and will be tomorrow where our choices take us. True life awaits those who pick up on these five truths about God.
Love is God’s motive. The world is his mission. Giving is his method. Jesus is his message and Life is the miracle we get to experience when we put our trust, faith and confidence in Him. John 3:16 may be a short verse in the Bible but it packs a powerful punch to those who believe.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Games People Play
Pastor Tim Howard
September 19, 2009
Back in the day, we didn’t have Nintendo, Wii, PlayStation or Xbox 360 electronic games. Even if they had been available, most of us wouldn’t have been able to afford them. We had games like tag, king of the mountain, ring-around-the-rosy, jump rope, dodge ball, capture the flag, red-rover red-rover, hop-scotch and tic-tac-toe. For those who were older and didn’t want to participate, they could always watch the television game shows like Password, Let’s Make a Deal, Beat the Clock, The Price is Right, I’ve Got a Secret, To Tell the Truth, Wheel of Fortune, The Gong Show and Hollywood Squares. Games have always been a part of life since creation but some games can cause problems when played in the wrong arena.
When I play Hide and Seek with my grandson, a whole lot of joy and laughter fills our home but when Adam and Eve played the game of Hide and Seek with God, things began to breakdown. You may remember the historical record that is recorded in Genesis chapter 3. God had given this couple everything they could possibly need. They were in a beautiful garden with full access to everything except one tree. That seems more than fair but for some reason Adam followed Eve’s lead and went contrary to God’s advice. After deciding to set up self-rule and function with an independent spirit, they became aware of their failure, sin and self-centeredness. That was bad enough but they complicated things even further because they decided to play the game of hide and seek.
Before you criticize this biblical couple for their usurping of authority, disobedience and stupidity, check out 2 Peter 1:3! We are told that Jesus has given you and me everything we need for living a godly and fruitful life. Even though this is true, we also have decided to do our own thing and live independently of the living God. In other words: we have sinned just like Adam and Eve.
The Bible tells us that every man has sinned and gone astray. He likens us to sheep that are notorious for wandering after things, which aren’t beneficial. We shouldn’t ask who has sinned because we all stand guilty. The real question is: What do we do with our sin? I’m glad the Bible is not silent on this issue. In John 1: 9 we are told these words: “If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean break from them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.”
Then, the next time you make a decision that hurts or violates another person; the next time you find yourself doing things that aren’t proper or right; the next time you are awakened to the fact that you are in the wrong or have sinned, I encourage you to play a different game. Rather than playing Hide and Seek like Adam and Eve, try the game called Show and Tell.
When you TELL the truth, God will SHOW you his love and forgiveness. Show and Tell is more than a game, however; it is a biblical principle that works. When you build a family on honesty and a marriage on transparency, you’re building something that lasts. I’m going to be selective in the games I choose to play. Games that bring lots of joy, life, love and peace, those are games that people should play.
September 19, 2009
Back in the day, we didn’t have Nintendo, Wii, PlayStation or Xbox 360 electronic games. Even if they had been available, most of us wouldn’t have been able to afford them. We had games like tag, king of the mountain, ring-around-the-rosy, jump rope, dodge ball, capture the flag, red-rover red-rover, hop-scotch and tic-tac-toe. For those who were older and didn’t want to participate, they could always watch the television game shows like Password, Let’s Make a Deal, Beat the Clock, The Price is Right, I’ve Got a Secret, To Tell the Truth, Wheel of Fortune, The Gong Show and Hollywood Squares. Games have always been a part of life since creation but some games can cause problems when played in the wrong arena.
When I play Hide and Seek with my grandson, a whole lot of joy and laughter fills our home but when Adam and Eve played the game of Hide and Seek with God, things began to breakdown. You may remember the historical record that is recorded in Genesis chapter 3. God had given this couple everything they could possibly need. They were in a beautiful garden with full access to everything except one tree. That seems more than fair but for some reason Adam followed Eve’s lead and went contrary to God’s advice. After deciding to set up self-rule and function with an independent spirit, they became aware of their failure, sin and self-centeredness. That was bad enough but they complicated things even further because they decided to play the game of hide and seek.
Before you criticize this biblical couple for their usurping of authority, disobedience and stupidity, check out 2 Peter 1:3! We are told that Jesus has given you and me everything we need for living a godly and fruitful life. Even though this is true, we also have decided to do our own thing and live independently of the living God. In other words: we have sinned just like Adam and Eve.
The Bible tells us that every man has sinned and gone astray. He likens us to sheep that are notorious for wandering after things, which aren’t beneficial. We shouldn’t ask who has sinned because we all stand guilty. The real question is: What do we do with our sin? I’m glad the Bible is not silent on this issue. In John 1: 9 we are told these words: “If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean break from them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.”
Then, the next time you make a decision that hurts or violates another person; the next time you find yourself doing things that aren’t proper or right; the next time you are awakened to the fact that you are in the wrong or have sinned, I encourage you to play a different game. Rather than playing Hide and Seek like Adam and Eve, try the game called Show and Tell.
When you TELL the truth, God will SHOW you his love and forgiveness. Show and Tell is more than a game, however; it is a biblical principle that works. When you build a family on honesty and a marriage on transparency, you’re building something that lasts. I’m going to be selective in the games I choose to play. Games that bring lots of joy, life, love and peace, those are games that people should play.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Knock Knock
Pastor Tim Howard
August 22, 2009
It was 9:15 at night when I heard a knock at the door. As I sat in my chair and put my book down, I began to wonder who would possibly be knocking this late in the evening. I must admit, my first thought was to pretend I wasn’t there in hopes they would give up and go away, but the knocking continued in spite of my wish fullness. Was it someone selling magazines, was it someone wanting to steam clean my carpets for a really great deal or maybe a young child trying to sell candy bars for a school project? The only way to find out for sure was to open the door and invite them in.
In the Bible, John the apostle wrote the book of Revelation and in Chapter 3, verse 20, he uses figurative language to tell us what God says. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
I can understand why a person would not want to answer the door when someone comes knocking late at night or early in the morning. More often than not, those who are doing the knocking aren’t there for your benefit but seeking to solicit something from you. They want to take and not give. But what if the person who is knocking has your best interest in mind? Maybe he’s knocking to say the windows in your car are down and it’s raining. Possibly it’s a neighbor who wants to tell you he gave away his dog that constantly barks. What if it was the Reader’s Digest and you are the grand prize winner of the sweepstakes? Wouldn’t you run to the door and open it?
God doesn’t come to take anything from you because He already has everything. Col. 1:16 tells us this truth, “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” He doesn’t need what you have! He knocks on your door because you need what he has! He knocks because He wants to develop a relationship and share His wealth with you. When you open the door to Jesus, you begin a two-way relationship. It’s not a monologue but a dialogue. He eats with you and you get to eat with him.
In 1973 a song called, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, was written and performed by Bob Dylan for the soundtrack of the 1973 film Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. It was about a sheriff who had been fatally shot and as darkness set in he began to knock on heaven’s door. The good news from the Bible is that you don’t need to die in order to have a relationship with God. He’s reaching out to you right now. You do, however, have to open the door and invite Him in.
Even though it was 9:15 p.m., I did open the door and invite those who were on the outside to come inside. They declined the offer because it was late but wanted to give me a delicious Apple Pie in case I wanted something sweet to eat before I retired for the night. Great Neighbors! What I would have missed if I hadn’t opened the door? Don’t miss what God has in store for you. Open the door to Jesus and invite Him in. You won’t be disappointed!
August 22, 2009
It was 9:15 at night when I heard a knock at the door. As I sat in my chair and put my book down, I began to wonder who would possibly be knocking this late in the evening. I must admit, my first thought was to pretend I wasn’t there in hopes they would give up and go away, but the knocking continued in spite of my wish fullness. Was it someone selling magazines, was it someone wanting to steam clean my carpets for a really great deal or maybe a young child trying to sell candy bars for a school project? The only way to find out for sure was to open the door and invite them in.
In the Bible, John the apostle wrote the book of Revelation and in Chapter 3, verse 20, he uses figurative language to tell us what God says. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
I can understand why a person would not want to answer the door when someone comes knocking late at night or early in the morning. More often than not, those who are doing the knocking aren’t there for your benefit but seeking to solicit something from you. They want to take and not give. But what if the person who is knocking has your best interest in mind? Maybe he’s knocking to say the windows in your car are down and it’s raining. Possibly it’s a neighbor who wants to tell you he gave away his dog that constantly barks. What if it was the Reader’s Digest and you are the grand prize winner of the sweepstakes? Wouldn’t you run to the door and open it?
God doesn’t come to take anything from you because He already has everything. Col. 1:16 tells us this truth, “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” He doesn’t need what you have! He knocks on your door because you need what he has! He knocks because He wants to develop a relationship and share His wealth with you. When you open the door to Jesus, you begin a two-way relationship. It’s not a monologue but a dialogue. He eats with you and you get to eat with him.
In 1973 a song called, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, was written and performed by Bob Dylan for the soundtrack of the 1973 film Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. It was about a sheriff who had been fatally shot and as darkness set in he began to knock on heaven’s door. The good news from the Bible is that you don’t need to die in order to have a relationship with God. He’s reaching out to you right now. You do, however, have to open the door and invite Him in.
Even though it was 9:15 p.m., I did open the door and invite those who were on the outside to come inside. They declined the offer because it was late but wanted to give me a delicious Apple Pie in case I wanted something sweet to eat before I retired for the night. Great Neighbors! What I would have missed if I hadn’t opened the door? Don’t miss what God has in store for you. Open the door to Jesus and invite Him in. You won’t be disappointed!
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