What Direction Are You Moving?

by Andrew Cromwell

A very common question I hear is “How do I get closer to God?” I believe this is a universal question that everyone — teenager or adult, new to faith in Christ or long-time Christ-follower —  asks from time to time.

How do we get to know the God of the universe? How do we learn to hear His voice? How do we grow into the people He created us to be? All of these questions are simply versions of the central one. The good news is the answer is very straightforward. There are no secret handshakes you must learn, no special antennas you need to put on your roof and no codes you need to break.

The Bible lays it out very simply in James 4:8, it says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” It sounds pretty simple and in many ways it is very simple, but then again, sometimes the simplest things in life can be the most challenging.

I believe it helps to think about this in terms of a relationship because, after all, we are talking about a relationship with God—not a set of religious rules and regulations that, if followed, make everything wonderful. Any relationship, if it is going to grow, requires time, communication and commitment. If you don’t give the relationship these three things, then you cannot expect it to grow.

When it comes to a relationship with God, we need to spend time with Him, talk to Him and be committed to His purposes. When we do these three things, He promises to do the same with us!

Anyone who is married or in a long-term relationship can pretty much tell you this list, but actually DOING the list is something entirely different. The question is not one of KNOWING what we should do when it comes to getting closer to our Father in heaven, it is one of PRACTICING what we already know.

If you are anything like me, I get distracted or lazy or busy or complacent, and before I know it the relationships in my life grow stale. I have to pick myself up, get back on the wagon and go back to doing the things that build my relationships.

The same thing goes for my relationship with God. At the beginning of the year, I’m excited and I rededicate myself to spending time with Him, reading His Word and getting around people that encourage me to do these things. But before I know it, I get busy and lazy and I find it has been several days since I last talked with Him and gave Him time to talk with me. So it’s time to get busy again doing the things that I need to do so I can get closer to God.

What do you need to do? How long has it been since you gave God a chance to get close to you by getting close to Him? This weekend, the pastors in Kings County would love to encourage you to keep your relationship with your Heavenly Father growing and strong. Why don’t you take your family to church? I bet you’ll find that God takes a step towards you the moment you do.

Happy, Happy, Happy!

by Tim Howard

Are you happy? We hear the word frequently. Happy New Year, Happy Holidays, Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary. But are you happy?

For many of us the answer to that question would vary because our happiness is deeply connected to external situations and circumstances. The weather can change your mood and we all know how frequently the weather changes. News about receiving a surprise financial gift can create elation and euphoria while a surprise bill requiring prompt payment can rob you of whatever joy you had.

Jesus talked about happiness but not in the same way as our culture does. When we use the term, ‘happy’ we think about being cheerful, merry, jovial, untroubled, delighted, smiling, in a good mood, lighthearted, ecstatic, euphoric… That’s how the dictionary defines it. Jesus however, talks about a happiness that’s connected to something more solid and less changeable.

In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus uses the term ‘Blessed’ nine times as he speaks to those who gathered on a mountainside. It means to be happy, fortunate or supreme bliss. He says: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…”

Happy is the one who’s broke, poor as all get out - They can’t afford anything!

Happy is the one who cry’s all the time and has nothing to laugh about.

Happy is the one who get picked on all the time and people lie about them.

Sounds crazy doesn’t it!

In May of 2011 while tying to help some struggling people in Ethiopia, I noticed thousands and thousands of people who had nothing except the clothes on their back and a hut to live in. Food was scarce, conditions were difficult and life was hard. Yet, there was great laughter, singing and happiness all around. Their mourning had been transformed into rejoicing because Jesus gave them a different way of viewing life.

Jesus talked about a type of happiness that doesn’t have to elude a person just because they may be poor. You may be going through a season of difficulty but the light still shines beyond the clouds of darkness. Even though things may look as though they are falling apart, Jesus is able to work all things together for your good as you put your trust in Him. He gives people eyes to see beyond the visible and experience the eternal. He calls it “Eternal Life.”

Someone said God is more interested in your holiness than your happiness. I disagree! I think happiness is the byproduct of committing yourself ‘wholly’ (holy) to God. The most miserable people seem to be those who are trying to be happy. They don’t realize happiness is connected to something. For those in Ethiopia, their happiness is connected to Jesus. It lasts in the good times and the bad. The happiness Jesus talks about doesn’t change like the weather. You can be happy, no matter what, if you are connected to Him. 

Procrastination

by Andrew Cromwell

It has been said that the busiest day in people’s lives is “tomorrow.” To one degree or another, we all have a problem with procrastination.

Recently, I put off taking my car to get smogged. I kept telling myself I would do it, but I just didn’t. When the last day came before the late registration penalties kicked in, I started up my car to drive down to the smog shop. Wouldn’t you know it, the check engine light popped on as if to teach me a lesson. Needless to say, it was a challenging day and all because I procrastinated.

For some of us, procrastination is an art. We have become so good at waiting to the last minute, we don’t even know how to do life any other way. But even for those who would not consider themselves to be chronic procrastinators, there are always some things we keep delaying and putting off. Maybe we do it because we just don’t know how to begin, we are afraid of failing, we are stubborn or we are just plain lazy.

In and of itself, procrastination is not the worst thing in the world. The real question is are we procrastinating about the wrong things? The truth is, some things can wait. Whether or not I wax my car this week or next month is probably not that big of a deal. On the other hand, the conversation I need to have with my spouse or my kids is vitally important.

Some things need to be done now. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey My commands.” He didn’t say, “If you love me, obey me when you get around to it!”

I believe there are three things we need to do now and not delay. First, we need to get right with God. No one is guaranteed tomorrow and no one knows how long his or her life is going to be. The most important and vital thing for us to do is get right with our Creator.

Second, we need to get right with others. In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us it is more important to go and fix broken relationships then it is to go to church! If you have offended someone, go and ask forgiveness — stop delaying. Broken relationships do not fix themselves.

Third, we need to get busy serving others. We have this constant tendency to think our life is about making us happy. It’s not. Jesus said that the way to get life is to give up yours. True life is found when we invest our lives in serving others. James, the brother of Jesus, said, “true religion is to visit the orphan and widow.”

Sometimes we are so busy doing things that are unimportant, we fail to do the things that are really important. Maybe you need to change your life around so that you can do the stuff that really matters. I know I do.

The pastors in Kings County would love the opportunity to encourage you to get focused on the right stuff this weekend.  Why don’t you stop putting off what you need to do?

Your Words Matter

by Tim Howard

How many of you know somebody who seems to complain all of the time? Are you that person? Admit it, all of us complain about some things but some people seem to complain about everything.

The weather's too hot, the weather’s too cold, the service at the local fast food restaurant is too slow. These stop lights take forever; for crying out loud this person is driving 10 mph below the speed limit! I’m sure you have heard them.

Some people complain about their jobs while others complain about not having a job. Some complain about not having enough time to do all that needs to be done while some complain about having nothing to do at all. There is ALWAYS something to complain about.

If there's one group of people who were known for complaining more than any other in the Bible, it has to be the Israelites in the Old Testament. If you know their story, it's an interesting one. They were slaves, in bondage to the Egyptians and they had one prayer: 'God, get us out.' And God answered their prayer, raised up a leader named Moses and did what they asked. Within three days, however, they were complaining. Here’s the record.

Ex. 15:22-24  “Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and came to a place named Marah… but they could not drink the waters of Marah for they were bitter… So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” This account started a pattern of complaining that went on and on and on…

What they didn’t know and what many of us don’t realize is just how significant our words can be. What you put on your lips can open doors or close them.

God’s disposition changed toward the Israelites when they constantly complained. They closed the door on his favor and opened the door for his chastisement. His love for them remained the same but His propensity to bless them was altered. Just like a parent who wants to bless their child with gifts but because of his or her incessant complaining the parent decides to withhold the blessing in order to train the child in thankfulness.

Words put on our tongues are powerful. St. James tells us they are like a fire, which can heat things up in a positive way or set things on fire from hell. Solomon said death and life are in the power of the tongue…

In 2012 I’ve committed myself to living out Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without complaining or arguing…” How can this become a reality?

1. Ask God to purify your heart because the fruit of what you say is connected to the root, which is in your heart attitude.

2. Stop comparing yourself to others because it is often the source for your complaints.

3. Focus on the things that really matter in life. Much of what we complain about won’t matter down the road. The material world will fade away but relationships with God and others will outlast time.

4. Ask God to help you become aware of it when you do it. Often it is so ingrained into our subconscious that we often complain without realizing it.

Here’s a truth. There is ALWAYS something to complain about. Yet, there is also ALWAYS something for which you can give praise. Choose to fill your mouth with praise. You will make a positive difference in those around you!

Bring Back the Joy

by Andrew Cromwell

I am constantly reminded of how unnatural Jesus’ words sound when I compare them to my life.  In the book of John, Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you.”  When I read that statement and look at my life, the reality is that I often do not feel joyful.  Anxious, fearful, frustrated, impatient, fatigued — these are the feelings that seem most natural to me. 

So how do we experience His joy in our lives? 

I believe the key to living joyfully, is to stay connected to Jesus.  If He is the source of joy, then it would make sense that we need to stay plugged into the source!  Just as we don’t expect a lamp to give any light unless it is plugged into an outlet carrying electric current, we shouldn’t expect joy to bubble up in our lives unless we are connected to Him.

One of the reasons we don’t stay connected to Jesus is because we don’t trust Him.  Either we don’t believe that He could really forgive us for all we’ve done or we’re afraid that He is going to ask us to do something that we don’t want to do!  Either way, we keep ourselves from giving ourselves fully to Him and we unplug.  We must remind ourselves of is that Jesus is all about lavishing His love upon us!  He looks for ways to have a relationship with us and to express His love to us.  His plan for our life is more wonderful then anything we could ever even imagine. 

Another reason we don’t stay connected to Him is that we don’t know how.  We tend to overcomplicate things.  The best way to stay connected with Jesus is to read His Word, talk to Him and get around people that are doing the same thing.  If we do these things regularly and with a heart that desires to know Him, then it’s hard to miss.

Now, it is important to know that you can stay connected to Jesus, but still not experience joy.  This is because joy is not a feeling, it is a choice. We have all seen people choose to be angry.  You know how it goes.  Something happens that is negative and that person decides to focus on it.  They think about it, they talk about it, they brood on it.  Soon they are consumed with anger.  They decided to be angry. 

In the same way, you must decide to be joyful.  You do this by putting your mind in the right place.  You refuse to take up offenses.  You recall who God is and His wonderful plan for you.  You put a smile on your face.  Before you know it, you are filled with joy.

The pastors of Kings County would love to help you live joyfully.  Why don’t you visit one of the many wonderful churches available in our community this week?  It’ll help fill you with joy.     

Secrets

by Tim Howard

When I was in grammar school my sisters found it amusing to speak with each other in some unknown language. I later learned it was called Pig Latin, which is a language game of alterations played in English. It was a secret way of talking and they used it because they didn’t want me to know what they were discussing. They wanted to be secretive.

The Bible talks about both good and bad secrets. Kind of like a good cholesterol and a bad cholesterol.  A good secret is something positive you do and wonder if anyone notices. Jesus alluded to this type in Matthew chapter 6 when he talked about some religious people who liked doing things for human recognition. He explains the value of not emulating this approach to good works. God sees every good thing we do in secret and rewards us for them.  Every good secret will be rewarded.

Bad secrets, however, are things we want no one to discover. Keeping a dark secret can consume you. Dark secrets lurk in the back of our souls, in the shadows, and gnaw at us. We are burdened by our secrets. And when you least expect it, they often come to light, and the fallout can be catastrophic.

The Bible gives us 4 reasons we shouldn’t keep bad secrets and David the second King of Israel reveals all four.

David was a great man but he had a weakness for women. He committed adultery with a woman name Bathsheba and after discovering she was pregnant with their child, he tried to cover his tracks.

His attempts failed, however, and adultery led to murder, then chaos and ultimately the death of their child.

David thought his secret was safe but soon learned 4 lessons.

Lesson 1:  You can’t fool God! 2 Samuel 11:17 “But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.” David might have kept his secret from everyone else—he might have fooled those around him—but he didn’t fool God. God knew. God always knows. He knows your secrets and my secrets too. 

So really, there are no secrets with God. You can’t fool Him—He knows everything.  Don’t fool yourself!  Stop fooling yourself by thinking that you’ve got a secret, or that you’ve got away with it.

Lesson 2: Your secrets will be revealed. Luke 12:1-3 makes this abundantly clear. We all know about David. It is no secret to anyone who has read the Bible!

Lesson 3. Bad secrets, when kept inside, cost dearly. Listen to how David puts it: Psalms 32:3-4 “When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable; I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.” Bad secrets grow in power when we refuse to confess them but confession brings us a fourth lesson. 

                                  

Lesson 4. Living in the light brings the greatest dividends of all.

When a man named Nathan confronted David about his secret sin, he finally came clean. He came to the light. He exposed the evil that lurked inside. He did what John recommends in the New. Testament. 1John 1:9 “…if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” The result? Forgiveness! Freedom!

As you begin 2012, be encouraged to walk in the light. Make a decision to live out loud, in the open, holding no bad secrets. It will be one of your best decisions for the New Year.

New Year, New Chance

by Andrew Cromwell

As the calendar turns, we once again wrestle with the realization of how little we’ve changed over the last twelve months. The year passed so quickly. Resolutions that we made with dedicated resolve at the beginning of the year were quickly discarded as we found the rut of our routine too comfortable and familiar. 

And now we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year and we are tempted to give up even before we have started. We wonder, is there really any point? Can I, in fact, change? Or will 2012, simply be a repeat of 2011? 

Let me encourage you not to give up too soon! Change isn't easy and quitters never win. Just because you have failed in the past, does not mean you must fail in the future. I love the Bible verse in Proverbs that says, "the godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again" (Prov. 24:16). The difference between failure and success is often simply the decision to get up one more time and try again. 

The best news of all is that you do not have to undertake your New Year's resolutions all by yourself, if you will simply invite our Heavenly Father to be involved in the process. After all, He wants you to grow and change! He knows what great things are possible in and through you because He created you for greatness in the first place.
 
So what resolutions do you need to invite Him to be a part of this year? Maybe you have some dirty laundry you need to give up to Him instead of carrying it forward. Perhaps you need to make a few phone calls, ask forgiveness and mend those broken relationships. Or maybe you need to change some old routines and exchange them for new ones. Sometimes we have done things for so long, we just assume that we must do them, but maybe it’s time to give up some of the old patterns of behavior.

One of the best things you can do is be around people who have resolved to grow and change. If all your friends are resolved to stay the same and to keep you there too, it might just be time to get some new friends! The pastors in Kings County would love to encourage you and help you get a fresh start for the New Year. Maybe one of the best decisions you could make would be to get right with God, get in His house and start looking at yourself through His eyes. You’ll be amazed at the wonderful things He has in store for you!