Wet Paint

I have about a dozen of my students here to paint the exterior of our 2 youth buildings.  You know what excites me about this?  They are not here because they love to paint.  They are not here because they love working in 89 degrees with 150,000% humidity.  They are here for a couple very important reasons. 
1. They love Jesus and hence they are willing to serve in the kingdom even if it means painting in the heat.
          Ephesians 6:7 tells us to, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people"

2. They love being together.  They truly cherish their brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoy the                     fellowship.     
             1 John 1:7 " But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."

3. They want to be good stewards with the resources God has given us.                                                              
          1 Peter 4:10 (B)¹⁰ "as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms"

On top of this, the youth rooms are going to look awesome and allow us to show our kids that we value them enough to make sure they have a suitable place to assemble.  I love Grace Community Church!

What a privilege to see the hand of God forming and fashioning our next generation into Men and Women of God. 
God thank you for allowing us to see you at work in the lives of young people.  Help us not to be a stumbling block to them but rather empower and equip us to pour into them and to be a Godly example for them.  Selfishly, I thank you for allowing me to be in ministry and have a front row seat.  I am living a dream!  Amen.
Waiting on Him,
ML

OH GOODY- More trials!!

James 1 verse 2 tells us to "consider it great joy whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance"  Ok, so it's not enough to consider it joy, we have to consider it GREAT joy?  Really?!!  Well, I seem to struggle with this.  Anyone else?  Who like to have trials?  I much prefer smooth sailing.  I want everything to go my way the first time.  I want traffic to cooperate, the check-out line at Wal-Mart to move faster, peace and harmony in my home, enough money to pay bills and still have fun on the weekends.  You know, just the basics.  Is that too much to ask?  Seems like there might be a little bit too much, I, ME, MINE in this list of wants.

As I read through James 1 this morning I am again reminded that it is NOT about ME! (or you, I hate to be alone!)  We sure want it to be about us don't we?  I felt relieved when I continued on past the great joy part and got to the part about the long term benefits of trials.  See, in verse 1 it did not say "IF" you have various trials but rather "WHENEVER" you have various trials.  The implication here is that trials WILL indeed come. 

We have to decide whether we will allow those trials to mold and shape us into the men and women God desires for us to be or will we allow them to derail us and cause us to be seperated from our Lord and Savior?  James 1 goes on to give some wise counsel about dealing with these trials and promises wisdom if we will only ask and then beleive in faith.  Are you ready to face the next challenge?  Are you ready to grow through it?  Are you ready to be joyful in the midst of it? 

God, thank you for your word.  Thank you that you make provision for us and that you help us to grow closer to you during difficult times when surrender ourselves to you.  Help us to count it joy when you refine our faith with trials and help us to ask in faith for your wisdom.  Make us a bright light in a dark world.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,

ML

Resurrection plus 3 days

I am back from a short get away with my family.  We celebrated my oldest daughter's 16th birthday with a trip to Florida.  While there we toured Kennedy Space Center and the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne.  I am so glad to be back in the office and am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for the remainder fo this week.  It is amazing how a couple of days away from the office can seem like weeks.  I feel very disconnected and kind of like I may have missed something!

I am also feeling somewhat deflated because I did not make time with my Jesus a priority while we were away.  I have missed our quiet times in the morning and our talks about His Word.  I am missing that still small voice.  How are things with you?  Has the excitement of the Easter celebration worn off like a new toy at Christmas?  I am so thankful that Jesus does not put me aside like I do to Him some times.  He never stops paying attention to us.  He never stops being excited about seeing us live lives that are pleasing to Him.  He is always right there by our sides.  I have (re)learned valuable lesson this week.  Jesus is on vacation with us.  We do not leave Him at home like the pet fish and dogs and cats.  He tells us as much is Matthew 28:20b- "And lo I am with you always, even until the end of the age" 

God I pray that you will help me to remember to take you with me wherever I go.  Thank you that you do not leave.  I am so thankful that when I came to you this morning, you were waiting, patiently, lovingly and willingly.  Help us to continue to celebrate your resurrection until we see you again!  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

The tomb is Empty!

<sup>Never before and never again will there be a need for a savior.  Never again will we celebrate the resurrection of another because the King of the Universe is surely alive.  Death nor the grave could contain Him.  Because of His great love for us, He came to earth as a man, died on a cross for the payment of our sin and arose on the third day as only He could do.  Thank God for your Son Jesus, for His work on the cross and for His payment for our sin.  Thank you that as we celebrate the empty tomb today, we also await your return and the promise of eternity together.  Come soon Lord, we love you.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Matthew 28:
1</sup> After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
 ² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
 ⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 

Happy Resurrection Day,
ML

The whole earth shook

The earth shook, the curtain to the temple was torn in two, the rocks split and Jesus yielded up His spirit, fulfilling what He was sent to earth to do.  Indeed, He carried your sin and mine to the cross that day and endured horrific things.  As we remember Good Friday today and continue the celebration of Holy Week let's be mindful of the pain and suffering that occurred on our behalf.

There will be many people who attend church on Sunday because of social norms and expectations.  Many will include church on the list of things to do along with family meals, Easter egg hunts and eating of jelly beans.  It is our responsibility, as those who understand, to show others.  We must be a reflection of the love of Christ.  In our speech, in our actions and in our hearts, let us love our neighbors as ourselves. 

God, thank you again for sending your only son to die for us.  Thank you for loving us that much.  Help us to love in such a way that others would be drawn to you.  Help us to worship in spirit and in truth and be an example for others.  We love you and thank you.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

Up and down and side to side

Matthew 22:37 reminds us that we are to love God with all of our heart, soul and mind.  And we are to love our neighbors as ourselves.  I have been recently teaching my students about the various relationships we have in our lives. 

This passage which is comparable to passages in other gospel accounts as well as in Deuteronomy 6 and  is essentially telling us a couple of things.  The first thing is our relationship with Christ.  This is our vertical relationship.  Picture the upright of a cross.  As Christians we are called to be in right relationship with Jesus, our savior.  This requires effort on our part.  Relationships take time, effort, willingness, devotion, trust, transparency, intimacy.  Sometimes we forget that Jesus is a living savior.  He longs to be with us.  He desires that closeness with us.  I would not have been able to stay married to Ame for 18 years if we did not spend time investing in our relationship.  This vertical relationship must be intact in order for the other relationships in our lives to be healthy.

Those other relationships are our horizontal relationships.  Picture the horizontal rail on a cross.  See in our passage we are admonished to love our neighbors.  The implication is that we are to love each other, period.  We will disappoint each other, hurt each other yet we must love each other.  Guess how to do that?  Have your vertical relationship intact.  That is why Jesus said this was the greatest commandment, if we get this right, our relationship with Him... Other things in life have a way of coming together. 

Are you trusting Him with your life?  Are you trusting Him with your eternity?  Tomorrow marks the day that He was marched to a place called The Skull and was nailed on a cross to atone for the sins of  mankind.  I would love an opportunity to share more about this with you if you have questions.  Just know this, Jesus loves us so much, He died for us. 

God, help us to continue to be mindful of the pain you suffered on our behalf.  Help us to celebrate your resurrection as we keep in mind the death that had to occur first.  Help us to love you with our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbors.  We can only accomplish these things because of your great love for us.  In your name... Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

2 days left

On Friday we will remember what Jesus did for us on the cross.  Can you imagine what His last few days were like? Joy from knowing He was fulfilling the will of His Father?  Fear from knowing how He would die?  Sadness in knowing He was leaving behind those He loved?  Hurt in knowing he He was betrayed?  How do we feel knowing that He did all of that out of His great love for us?  And of course it is the sin in our lives that perpetuated a need for a savior in the first place.  See, it was us that crucified Him.  He endured that pain and suffering on our behalf, so we did not have to.  How awesome is that?  There is nobody on the face of this planet that would endure what He did for us. 

How will we spend the next 2 days?  This is a great time of celebration with family and friends.  Sunday will be one of the highest attendance days in churches everywhere.  Families will come together, food will be cooked, we will all wear our new Easter best and take pictures, and worship and sing to the King.  We will celebrate the risen Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Let's not forget that before He rose, He willingly died, hanging on a cross, with us on His mind.

Jesus, thank you for the cross.  Thank you for loving us.  Help us to be ever mindful of your sacrificial love for us as is evidenced by your suffering.  Help us to tell others today so that all may know. Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

Behold He comes, riding on a mule!

As I am praying this morning and reading in Matthew I have mixed feelings while thinking about Jesus riding in on a donkey.  My first thought is, why is the king of the universe forced to ride on a mule, (sorry donkey, you are kind of a beast of burden creature)  It seems that He should be on some huge powerful steed befitting the power and might of a KING.  Then I am reminded about what we read in Matthew 20 about the first being last.  What an amazing God we serve!  I am glad that He is in charge.  How do you see Him today?

As we continue to celebrate through this Holy Week, where does the Risen King of the Universe fit into your life?  Have you taken time to consider what He did for us on the cross?  See, He once rode in on a donkey but when He returns He will return on that white horse. Revelation 19:11 tells us that the one sitting on that white horse is called "faithful and true".  Are you ready? 

God as we celebrate Easter this week, help us to understand the magnitude of your suffering on our behalf.  Help us Jesus to be mindful of the life promised to us because of that suffering.  Would you give us the opportunity and the courage to tell others of this great love and invite them to worship with us on Sunday as we celebrate the Risen Savior.  Thank you for the cross.  Thank you for loving us even when we don't deserve it.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,

ML

He is Risen!

As we continue through this Holy Week, people in general are arguably the most open to spiritual things than any other time during the year.  As followers of Christ we have an incredible opportunity (and responsibility) to introduce people to the gospel of Jesus Christ and what His work on the cross means in eternity. 

Our service to Jesus is our obedience in how we live our lives.  We learn in Matthew 20:28 that "even the Son of Man did not come not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many"  You and I are part of that "many".  Because of His payment for our sin on the cross, we celebrate Easter this week.  Will you join me in praying about who God will have us invite to church this Easter Sunday?  If we are faithful in asking, He will be faithful in answering. 

Jesus, thank you for Easter and what that means for us today and what it means in eternity.  Will you lead us to people and lead people to us this week that need a relationship with you?  Will you help us live lives that point to You so that people may ask, "why are you different?" and we may respond by proclaiming your name as our life changer!  Help us Lord to fill seats in church not so we can boast about numbers, but so that we can boast about how awesome you are, and so others may hear the true Easter story, about our RISEN SAVIOR!  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

Sold!

What if we were to do an inventory of all material possessions that we own?  This would have to include big items, small items, bank accounts...everything.  First of all it would take a while and likely change pretty regularly.  But let's just imagine for a moment.  Now, let's separate our list into three columns.  Column A would include the things we own that have no impact (neutral) on our relationship with Christ.  The next column will contain a list of things that enhance or perpetuate spending time pursuing our relationship with Christ.  And finally, (you know where this is gong!) the last column is the list of things that we allow to prevent us from spending time investing in our relationship with our savior.

Now, what kinds of things are on your lists?  In Matthew 19:21 Jesus told a man to sell his possessions and to follow Him.  The implication here is that this man loved his wealth and his "stuff" more than he loved God.  Do you find that at times you have the same problem?  I sure do.  The idea is not to have a liquidation sale of everything on column C.  We just need to learn how to put Him first, always.  It is OK to have nice, fun, exciting, expensive, entertaining, cool stuff.  We just have to remember where it came from and where our hearts should be, in HIM.  So cancel the yard sale, remove your listings from Craig's List and end your auctions on E-Bay.  Keep your stuff, (All three columns) and glorify God.  Matthew 6:33 reminds us to Seek first the kingdom of God and the rest of these things will be given to us. (Mike's paraphrase)
God, help us to know that every good and perfect gift comes from you.  Help us to be fully surrendered to you so that you can use us to bring honor and glory to yourself and that others might see You live through us.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

Test

Testing mobile blog settings

Michael P. Lane
Livewire GCC Youth Ministry
Grace Community Church
912.661.0548

For Better and For Worse

You know when God created man in the and woman in the Garden and determined that the two should be together, He knew what He was doing. (DUH!)  There were some very clear instructions given as well something along the lines of leaving their home and becoming one flesh.  There is some discussion about what God has joined together, let nobody tear apart.  God intended marriage to be for real.  With a divorce rate that is nearly 50%, it seems that we as a society missed some of that.  Now, I do not intend to sound as if I am condemning those who are divorced, I am a product of divorced parents.  What I would like to do is encourage others to begin praying today for your marriage.  If you are married, pray for your spouse, that there will be a hedge of protection placed around it.  Eliminate the words divorce and separation from your vocabulary.  If you maintain the mindset that your marriage is a forever marriage, you will be hard pressed to work it out!  If you are not married, pray for the one who you will marry.  God has the perfect mate for you if you are willing to wait on Him.  And finally, if you are a parent, pray for the one your kids will marry.  God already knows who that will be.  It is never to soon to begin praying for that relationship.

See, God wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives.  He wants us to be fully dependent on Him... For everything.  Marriage and all that comes with it is a gift, let us embrace it and reap the intended benefits. The key to a successful marriage relationship is to have a successful relationship with Jesus.  When the vertical relationship is intact the horizontal relationships are as well.

God, I pray for the marriages represented here.  Would you put your hedge of protection around them.  Would you remind us that you created us and you created our mate and you allowed us to be together as one.  Help us to love each other the way you love us. Help our marriage relationships be a reflection of our relationship with You.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

70 times 7?

In Matthew 18 Jesus tells Peter to forgive a person 70 times 7 times.  Peter was fairly proud of himself for coming to terms with the possibility of forgiving 7 times.  Where would we be today if Jesus only forgave us 7 times?  I think we all know the answer to that!  The teaching in the bible on the subject of forgiveness is very clear.  In the Lord's prayer we see where Jesus taught us to pray "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us"  The implication here is that in order for us to receive the gift of forgiveness from Jesus, we must forgive others. 

I had done a lot of teaching on this topic.  One thing I always emphasize is that forgiveness is for the benefit of the forgiver not the other way around.  The person who you are forgiving may not even know they have hurt you or maybe they do not even care.  Holding someone in unforgiveness ensures that you are held captive by it, it eventually turns into bitterness and before you know it there is a stronghold in your life that threatens your relationship with Christ. 

By the way, holding ourselves in unforgivenss is sinful as well.  If we ask Jesus to forgive us and he does, how is it that we can hold ourselves in unforgiveness?  Are we greater than Him?  We must not allow the devil to use unforgiveness as a tool to hinder our walk with Jesus.

Lord, help us to truly submit to you today.  If there is bitterness and unforgiveness in our hearts will you please let us remember the work you did on the cross.  Help us to turn these things loose and trust you with them.  We know that it is your will for us to live in peace and harmony and love like you love.  we can only do that with your help Lord.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

95, 96, 97, 98, 99 Sheep

No, I am not trying to put you to sleep by having you count sheep. (That rhymed!)  Remember when you used to sing "Jesus loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so".  Well, I was saved at 23 so I did not really learn that song until I was an adult, however I have wondered how many children have looked for the passage of scripture that says... "Johhny, (Insert your name here) I love you.  Sincerely, Jesus.  Well, the song says that the bible tells us that right? 

I am finding that the more I read God's word and the more I spend time with Him, the more I find passages of scripture that say, "Hey you, with the big bald head and bushy gray beard- I love you.  Always have, always will.  Sincerely, Jesus."  As I was continuing my study in Matthew today I found myself in chapter 18.  After having the back of my cranium rearranged on the topic of pride I read on to verse 10 about the lost sheep.  I was reminded that Jesus loves me so much that He would leave behind 99 others to come after me.  Doesn't that scream, "I love you!"  We serve an awesome God. 

God, will you help us to rejoice in your love today, knowing that if we were the only one, you would have still died for us.  Thank you for the work you did on the cross and for your expression of love through your word.  Help us to live in humility today as we seek you.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

Stop, Drop & Roll, er… Worship

Shortly after Peter confessed his belief that Jesus was Lord, Jesus took him and a couple of their buddies on a walk.  It was likely more of a hike since there was a mountain involved.  With Jesus, you never know what you are in for.  If He had shared with them where they were going and what they would be doing there would have been so many questions and so much doubt!  Isn't that the way we are?  That is why God often times only reveals small glimpses of His plan because we have the tendency ensure that our will is done.

So they get up on this mountain and here comes Moses and Elijah.  Wait a minute...  These guys have not been around for a while.  This is a little freaky.  And why is Jesus glowing?  Peter is so impressed and decides the occasion needs to be marked by building 3 tents as sort of a shrine for each of them.  As he is making his plans God's voice thunders down and He affirms His Son Jesus. 

Well, there goes Peter's plans.  He forgets about the building plans and falls to the ground.  Not from fear, not from pain, not because he didn't get his way... HE WORSHIPPED.  Our plans are really not that important when considered in light of God and His will for our lives.  Sometimes we just need to be still and know He is God! 

God would you help us today to take time just to worship.  Help us set aside our plans and just be in awe of You.  Help us to not burdened by the cares of this world but to have our hearts set on things with eternal value.  Help us to love you with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

Genetic Salvation...Um no.

When I consider how young I was when I started losing my hair and how frustrated I became when it started I have to laugh.  When I think about the lengths that some men go to in an effort to hang on to theirs I laugh even more.  There are treatments, chemicals, therapies, and various other things to help men keep hair.  Let us not forget the artificial alternatives of toupee's.  Now, I think each person has a right to determine exactly how to deal with their eminent baldness.  For me, I embraced it.  I have been (Mr.)Clean shaven for about 11 years.  I took a preemptive approach.  See, I was going to be bald regardless of how I felt.  It was in my DNA.  My grandfathers were both bald or nearly bald.  My father has been trying to cover his baldness with a dozen hairs for years.  Just like my blue eyes, and various other traits, I am a product of my parents.  I heard Louie Giglio say one time that we each get a half a set from our mom and a half a set from our dad.

Guess what DNA cannot give us.  Salvation.  Salvation is not genetic.  It does not transfer through chromosomes.  If your mom and dad took you to church when you were growing up that is wonderful, they were setting an example.  If they live Godly lives and have modeled how to pray, have devotions, have quiet time, read the bible that is awesome.  It would seem that they may have a very clear understanding of salvation through Christ.  Sadly, you are not included in their salvation, there is only enough for them.  See, we have to have our own.  In Matthew 16:15 Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do YOU say that I am?"  Salvation is personal, Peter responded that he claimed Jesus was the savior.  Who do you say Jesus is?  In Romans 10:9 tells us if we believe in our heart and confess with our mouths we will be saved.  Salvation is personal!  It does not pass through generations. A Godly example certainly leaves a Godly heritage and a wonderful example but salvation is personal. (Repeated again for emphasis)  One more thing, if you have not had a Godly example and have parents that do not know Jesus, that is not genetic either.  Ask Jesus to be your savior.  Contact me if you need to know what that looks like.

God I pray that you would help us to understand WHO YOU ARE and WHAT YOU HAVE DONE for us.  Allow your spirit to move and draw people to yourself.  Save now, save now.  Thank you for the cross.
AMEN

Waiting on Him,
ML

I Can Name that Tune in 2 Notes!

Some of the younger people reading this will wonder where that statement came from!  I do not mean to sound boastful... But I have a gift.  I have the gift of music.  No, no, I do not mean to imply that I can sing or play an instrument.  In fact, I can hardly play the radio.  No, my gift is in music recognition and music retention.  I can sing almost every song from the 70's and 80's word for word and better than that, I can name the song and the artist of many of those within the first couple of seconds of the song.  Before you turn green with envy, (It could happen) let me share the downside of this gift.  I have a really hard time remembering other, much more important things in my life.  Like, how to "love my wife like Christ loves the church."(Eph. 5:25)  or to "Hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11) Sometimes I forget to remember the miracles of yesterday or the day before.  How many times does Jesus have to show us how much He loves us before we really believe it?  In Matthew chapter 15 Jesus had compassion for those He was teaching and admonished the disciples to feed them.  They were concerned because they only had 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish (verse 34)  Wait, this sounds way too familiar.  Yep, we had a similar experience in chapter 14 except it was 5 loaves and 2 fish.  How could the disciples forget this incredible provision that was made.  Yet, I still myself struggle with doubting at times if Jesus will show up in my life when I need Him most.

What an incredibly difficult truth for me to grasp in my own life  I can remember the words to my favorite songs from 20 years ago, but at times I forget how much my savior has done for me!

God, I pray that you would help us to be ever mindful of your love for us.  Let us not forget the sacrifices you have made in order to save us and show your love and compassion for us.  I pray you would help us to remember to remember you in everything!  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

What are you walking on today?

The days seem to fly by don't they?  Days, weeks, months, years.  I cannot help but reflect on how faithful God has been in my life, even during times of doubt and struggle.  It seems that over the course of my relationship with Christ, I have a tendency to turn to Him in times of struggle but only after I have exhausted myself trying to fix things on my own.  Does anyone else have this tendency?  The thing that makes no sense is that I know He is the answer.  I know He cares about my needs.  I know He wants the best for me.  The same is true for you as well.  God loves us so much!  He has proven this to be true on so many levels.  Why do we struggle with trusting Him?  Surely the disciples were more faithful than we are?  Well, maybe they struggled too.  In Matthew 14 this morning I was reading about the time when Jesus was walking out to the boat to meet up with the disciples.  He was not walking down the landing, or on the dock see the boat was far off according to verse 24.  Jesus was walking to them on the water.  Remember, they got scared and doubted that it was Him.  Peter said as much in verse 28: "Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water"  What did Jesus say?- (Mike's Paraphrase)-"C'mon big boy!"  So Peter did.  Everything was going well until Peter took his eyes off of Jesus!  He allowed fear and doubt to distract him.  What is distracting you from Jesus today?  Are you walking or sinking?  Keep you eyes on Him today.  He is able to do more than we can ask or imagine if we trust Him!
God, help us get out of the boat today.  Help your people to keep our eyes fixed on you and your will for our lives.  Thank you that if we do this, you are faithful to lead, guide and direct our paths. we love you and ask that you help us show that love through obedience.  Amen.
Waiting on Him,
ML 

Once Upon A Time...

... There was a savior named Jesus that walked on the earth as a man.  While He was here he used to tell His followers stories as a means of communicating and teaching them.  Have you read Matthew chapter 13 lately?  It is slap full of these stories or parables as they are called.  See, Jesus knew that not everyone had their heart in the right place to hear and learn from His teachings.  According to verse 15 some hearts are so calloused that they "hardly hear with their ears and hardly see with their eyes". Another thing that is true about Jesus' teaching with parables, though difficult to understand at times they all led to one place- TRUTH.

As I read through here this morning I was prompted to reflect on how I got to where I am today.  It has been an incredible journey.  The thing that rings so loudly in my mind is that if there had not been people praying for me, encouraging me and sharing the gospel with me, I may be in the same position as the weeds that were harvested with the wheat in verses 24-30.  It is for this reason that we must remember our responsibility to share the gospel of Christ.  Scripture is very clear about the consequences of living without Christ.  If we don't tell, who will?

God, will you help us to be courageous today and every day in our sharing of the good news.  Help us to learn from your teachings in your word and to seek you and your will for our lives.  Thank you that we don't have to do anything but be willing and you will do the rest.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit who guides us (when we allow) and thank you for the cross.  Amen.

... And they (Those that have Him as savior) live happily ever after... FOREVER

Waiting on Him,
ML

We Find the Defendant...

Guilty? Innocent?
In Matthew 12:36-37 we hear Jesus say...
 ³⁶ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Lets assume for a moment that we were "accused" of being a Christian.  Maybe we would be paraded before a jury of our peers in order to prove or disprove this accusation.  Would there be enough evidence to convict us of being a Christian?  I can tell you in my case the jury may be hung!  Over these last couple of weeks God has really been speaking to me about my heart.  He is reminding me at every turn that everything flows out of the heart.  If my heart is not set upon Him and His will then I am not in His will.  How about you?  What is the condition of your heart?  Is your heart set on Jesus or on things of the world?  Verse 33 of Matthew 12 tells us that a tree is recognized by its fruit.  What type of fruit are we producing on our lives.  I continue to be convinced that if we love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength that we can impact the kingdom for the gospel. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!  Be blessed.

God, help us to keep our eyes on you today!  Help us to produce good fruit so that others may be drawn to you.  Amen.


Waiting on Him,
ML

Oh Yeah, By the Way...

Remember in Matthew 10 when Jesus sent out the 12 disciples?  He had been with them, they had been with Him.  He mentored them and poured into them all in preparation for field work.  That was always the plan.  Jesus came to save the world and His strategy was to use His people to spread the message.  This is the same concept as network marketing.  I tell 12 friends and then those 12 each tell 12, and those 12 and so on and so on.  You get the picture.  Sounds easy enough doesn't it?


There are a couple of things to remember, Jesus told His disciples in verse 16 of Matthew 10: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves".  Oh, that's nice to hear.  "I don't recall hearing this during the interview process.", surely the disciples had second thoughts.  They had just recently freaked out when Jesus fell asleep on the boat and they were sure they would drown.  Now they were going out, alone, to do the work of ministry and before they leave Jesus says this.  Can you imagine the disciples?  Hey, Jesus, I think I am more suited for office work.  Field work is not my thing!

But, you know our lives are like field work too.  We are just as opposed as they were back then.  The world, the flesh and the devil are all alive and well.  But God's promises still hold true.  He is with us even until the end of the age.  He told us this right after he gave us marching orders. (Matt. 28)  God does not call the equipped, he equips the called.  What we bring to the table is not a great skill set but rather a willing and obedient heart, determined to fulfill God's will in our lives.  I am praying that you pursue that this week.

God, help us to have our hearts set on following you this week.  I pray for opportunities to share the gospel of Christ and the courage to act on those opportunities.  I thank you that even though you send us out like sheep among wolves, your Holy Spirit is within us, protecting, leading, guiding and equipping us to do the work of ministry.  Help us to be effective in telling others.  Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML

I'll Huff and I'll Puff and I'll Blow Your House Down...

Ok, not really going to tell the story of the 3 little pigs here today.  But, the end result could be the same in your life story.  Everything in Hollywood is based on good vs. evil.  Our spiritual life is no different.  We have to undrstand what happened in the garden to grasp this but just work with me here a little.  It is safe to say that we are sinful by nature and we have a real opposing force (satan) that would like nothing more than to destroy us, our family, our life etc.  We also have an amazing father in heaven who loves us so much that he sent his only son to die so we could spend eternity in heaven.  End of story right?  No, we have work to do here under the authority of the holy spirit which lives within us if we have a relationship with Christ.  So, as we go about our daily lives we are to be impacting others because of what He did for us.  Are you with me so far?

So, we have a choice in how we live.  We can try to do it on our own and suffer from a modern condition known as "EPIC FAIL" or we can surrender our lives daily, (Hourly if needed) to Christ and allow His spirit to lead us.  we in and of ouselves have NOTHING to offer. Our righteousness comes from HIM and only HIM.  Now, back to the title, there is no big bad wolf that will blow your house down, but Matthew 7:24-27 tells us if we build our house (OUR LIFE) on sand (the world standard) it will crumble and fall due to the storms of life.  If we build our house (OUR LIFE) on rock (Christ) than we will endure the storms of life.  The storms will come, THEY WILL COME.  Will you be ready?
God, I pray that you will lead us by your spirit.  Grant us wisdonm and insight as we build our lives centered on you, the sure foundation.  Thank you for your promises which you never break.  Thank you for your Son and for the cross.
Amen.

Waiting on Him,
ML