What you don't know...

This week, between the TV camera and the repetition of a 24 hour news media, we have been privy to some amazing feats of immaturity.  Mark Twain once wrote "It's not what you don't know that kills you, it's what you know for sure that ain't true."    What Kanye, Serena, and Joe did not know [or realize at the time] was that they were all acting like 3 year olds in the line at Wal-mart.  Unfortunately there has been ample opportunity for them to learn from their mistakes, albeit the hard way.   

Ephesians 4:11-15

¹¹And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,¹²to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ...

The Apostle Paul makes it clear that God gave the church to help Christians equip themselves for the work, and for their maturity to manhood.  Now some might think that manhood is achieved at some certain age level, or by the number of hairs on one's chest, but  as we saw this week immaturity still likes to sneak out of the house. (sometimes for a national audience)  What we don't know as Christians is that most of us are woefully immature.  We act like spiritual children screaming for the candy, and demanding our way. 

So God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us the church, and in the church he gave us pastors.  Now as pastor is simply a shepherd who leads the sheep to where the good grass is growing.  See sheep tend to wander and need a shepherd to lead them.  God also gave them teachers.  Teachers help us get from a place of ignorance by graduating us one level at a time.  We need teachers so that we do not remain in immaturity.  The old proverb says "What you don't know can't hurt you." but in reality what we don't know, hurts us deeply.  Our own acts of selfishness and immaturity keep us from experiencing the life that God has for us.  Our tantrums hurt other people and embarrass us.  Our selfish ways cause us to always want the toys that the other kid is playing with and we are never satisfied.  

This weekend we start a new message series entitled DEEP.  Deep is a word that scares a lot of people because they fear the unknown, they fear what lurks beneath the surface, they fear getting in over their head.  In reality, these same fears keep them from getting in all the way.  Many Christians are drowning in an inch of water, claiming that they are experiencing the Christian life, but are never fully immersed in it.  Sure once in a while they sit on the edge dangling their feet over the side, but never really get immersed.

It is my goal that everyone at Cornerstone, and all Christians everywhere would realize the joy that comes when you stop splashing around in the shallow end, and dive into the deep.  Maybe for you that means getting in a small group, or perhaps reading a book without Fabio on the cover.  Whatever form it takes, it is my prayer that we will all, as Paul wrote, "grow up in every way."

Bible Reading Program

Many of you have expressed a desire to continue your Bible reading program.  You can find the chart that I took the readings from HERE.  I am so excited that we read through the Bible twice last week.  I pray it will continue.

Sunday March 1st Decisions

This weekend at Cornerstone, we made decisions to serve God with all our heart in the day to day menial tasks.  below are some of the decisions that were publicized.  I hope that you will make your own decision to serve God in the little things of life with all your heart, to the glory of God.

• I will schedule, schedule, schedule with all my heart to the glory of God.

• I will study sign language with all my heart to the glory of God.
  

• I will pray with all my heart to the glory of God.

• I will work hard during a busy season and not complain of being short staffed, but praise God for a job I enjoy.

• I will work in the hardware/paint department with all my heart to God’s glory.

• I will let people see Jesus in me with all my heart to the glory of God.

• I will correct errors with all my heart to the glory of God.
  

• I will be the best student with all my heart.
  

• I will be the best financial services specialist with all my heart
  

• I will transcribe doctor’s dictations with all my heart and care for my family.
  

• I will go to school with all my heart.

• I will do the stuff I need to do with all my heart to the glory of God.

• I will teach and train my children with all my heart.

• I will not let cancer beat me today.
  

• I will love my neighbor with all my heart.
  

• I will teach 3^rd grade with all my heart.
  

• I will serve and clean with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will clean my room with all my heart.
  

• I will serve food to the demanding and rude people and nice people with all my heart to the glory of God.
  

• I will manage cottages with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will listen to my family with all my heart.
  

• I will wake up earlier to eat breakfast with my family to start a great day and be at work on time and present each day to the Lord in prayer.
  

• I will greet others with all my heart.
  

• I will drive boats with all my heart to the glory of God.

• I will do workouts faithfully every day with all my heart to the glory of God.
  

• I will drive the monorail with all my heart to the glory of God.
  

• I will clean bathrooms with all my heart to the glory of God.
  

• I will serve God while working at HCC with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will do produce cutting with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will do pizza delivery with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will make music and write stories.
  

• I will teach my students with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will configure and test HRIS systems with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will do inventory maintenance with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will serve coffee with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will trim trees with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will do whatever God requires of me to do this week.
  

• I will paint and watch children with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will apply for jobs with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will make kids happy with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will teach kindergarten with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will do whatever it takes to get the job done with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will teach middle school with all my heart.
  

• I will be an example of a Christian with all my heart.
  

• I will witness to non-believers and encourage during these difficult times with all my heart.
  

• I will do my job with all my heart.
  

• I will serve the Lord every day at work with all my heart.
  

• I will go to the gym, help my sister and husband and deliver pizzas with all my heart.
  

• I will sit at a desk and email directors and bug them about getting me information with all my heart.
  

• I will drive a bus for God’s glory.
  

• I will deal with angry clients with all my heart.
  

• Protecting the magic with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will keep the home, pass out bulletins, and keep the books with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will work hard at my business and deal with problems with all my heart for the glory of God.
  

• I will try and eat lunch in the lunchroom instead of at my desk.
  

The Church Advances as the World Retreats

One of the things that is obvious in almost every segment of society is the new value of security against global economic collapse.  The papers and news channels are full of stories of layoffs and pullbacks and every church I know of is bracing for this coming economic earthquake.  I have to tell you frankly that churches cutting back right now really ticks me off.  I know that the economy is crashing, and that people who tithe will have less to give, but our trust is not in the offering plate.  Right now, as the ways of the world display their lack of ability to meet the real needs of people, the church needs to advance.  It has been our message for years that people not put their trust in temporary physical things of this world, and to store up for themselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and markets do not fall.  Now is the time when many churches, rather than pulling back, need to move forward.  I am not suggesting that they blow the bank account, but the church of Christ is the medic that runs against the flow of the retreating army to meet the real needs of people who have been wounded on the front line.  Here are some things that we can do:

1. Teach "Koinonia" Fellowship - The church exists to meet the needs of the body.  This is the time when the people can come together an meet one another's needs.
2. Show Some Love - Benevolent giving should increase to meet the felt needs of the community with the hopes that they will realize their true need for Christ.
3. Preach Heaven - We are not of this world, and in fact we were created for eternity.  Preach about the need to know we have a home in heaven and how this world will not satisfy.
4. Teach People How to Live by Faith - They are ready to listen.
5. Missions - Recession in America means going to basic cable.  Show them the rest of the world.


Cornerstone, we refuse to run.  This economic downturn and fear of recession means that church becomes more important than ever in our community.  I believe that much of the numerical growth we have seen in the last month is due to people returning to God, and we as a church must and will be ready.  We will not retreat just because the rest of the world is, in fact we will advance.  I believe that these may be dark days for our generation, but our community has never needed the church and its message of salvation through Christ more.  We need all hands on deck as we move forward. 

Seriously Funny

What is amazing about this cartoon by John Bogenschutz is that nobody ever thought of this before!  What a great idea!  Life no doubt has its dangers and for many of us we are afraid to step out and follow God's leading, but He has promised the Holy Spirit to us.  The protection of the Holy Spirit does not necessarily mean that we will never face troubles in this life.  One look at the Apostle Paul and you can clearly see that his life was anything but "safe."  However, knowing that God is with us and that the Holy Spirit lives within us allows us to live lives in reckless abandon and supreme obedience knowing that we have something much better than a bodyguard.  We have a spirit guard!

Seriously Funny

Again John Bogenschutz makes a great point about how easy it can be for people to misunderstand and misapply His commands.  Thankfully, God has given us His Word.  The Bible not only provides us with many great examples, but it also lays out a clear set of commands that we can follow.    Mark Twain rightly said "it is not the parts of the Bible that I don't understand that scare me,  it is the parts of the Bible I do understand that does."  There may be much of the Bible that we struggle to understand, but in the end, it is very clear and when we begin by faith to follow what we do know, God reveals the difficult passages to us as well.  

Seriously Funny

Life is full of surprises, however many times there has been some level of warning that we have or have not thought worthy of our attention.  Here are some areas that we often ignore until the tidal wave comes....

1. Our personal life - this may be in our eating habits or other health issues that we pretend is not there.

2. Our finances - borrow, borrow, spend, spend, until the bills come.

3. Our Spiritual life - We put off accepting Christ, or living for Him, until one day when we will wish we'd all been ready.

4. Our Family Life - Neglected spouses leave, ignored kids move away, and the cat's in the cradle...

SO.... Here is your tidal wave drill!  And don't you dare hide under your desk!

Seriously Funny

My good friend John Bogenschutz is one of the most creative people in our church.  He is not only a good neighbor, but a great dad and has a daily comic strip that I truly enjoy.  In what I hope to be a series, John has given me permission to reprint some of his work on the blog.  I hope to take his humor and use it as an illustration of a practical thought for Fridays.  Enjoy! Think! Apply!

  :-) I think we have all been managed like this at one time or another.  Due to regulations and policies, good work is traded for mediocre. All of us have a tendency to micromanage people around us.
  This cartoon helps me to remember that God builds the church.  It is not my job as a pastor to complain about what I don't have, but to see the talent that God has placed around us, and let His people do His work.  I pray that Cornerstone is a place where people use their gifts, time and abilities to elevate Christ in Four Corners.  In the  end, the outcome will be so much better than what is probably chiseled on my pre-historic clipboard.

How to Give During an Economic Downturn

There is little doubt that people world round are suffering financially. I have talked with pastors all across the nation who have seen quite an impact on offerings, and on Tuesday, our staff sat down and cut a large chunk out of our budget as well.  Income is down, so naturally tithing will be down. 10% of less is obviously less.  Also, those who give to God out of their abundance is also going to be down.  We as a church know that for the foreseeable future, we will have less income with which to do ministry.  Now here is the good news.  God is not limited by budget constraints. So as a church we refuse to pull back from ministry.  We must do more with less and God is able to make that happen.  Individually, giving will require more faith.  Bottom line, faith is only necessary when things are bad.  I want to encourage everyone to remain faithful in your giving no matter what the economy does.  Giving comes in two varieties.  1. Our tithes - this is the standard amount that the Bible gives as an example of regular giving. As far as I am concerned this is a no brainer.  Failing to give back to God, this portion is something you should not do.  God can do more with 90% than you can do with 100%.  Be faithful.  2. Offerings.  Offerings are our way of showing God that we love him and that we are putting him first in our lives.  At Cornerstone, many give extra every week towards our land fund or towards differing missions projects.  Giving above and beyond takes a real step of faith, and the Bible is full of people who gave out of their poverty and God truly blessed it.  As a church we are exited about the economic downturn.  Churches exist to teach people to trust in God, and not to put their trust in the things of this world. It is our prayer that during these economically tough times that believers will increase their faith by continuing to give and that unbelievers will come to trust in God, rather than in the volatile markets.

Curiosity, Crisis, Cry, Convinced

Peter walked on water.  I really understand how, but I know why.  I mean who would not want to walk on water so when Jesus showed up Peter could not wait to try it out.  Curiosity was Peter's motivation.  People get into a lot of deep water through curiosity.  Curiosity has been the motivation to experiment with drugs, to flirt with the person who is not your spouse, to gamble all that you have just to satisfy your curiosity.  Curiosity is not evil, but it can lead to all kinds of trouble.  In fact, many who begin by following curiosity often find themselves in crisis.  Mortgage brokers and stock market gamblers did not know when to hold'em, and now we are in the midst of a national crisis.  Maybe you are caught up a crisis.  Peter's crisis came in the form of a quick sinking feeling.  Sinking feelings abound when crisis comes.   When curiosity turned to crisis, Peter cried out to the Lord.  No matter what crisis you are in today, you can cry out to Jesus.  And when you do you will find Him to be able to save you from that crisis. then and only then will you be convinced of ability to save you from your crisis.

Bigfoot Seen Fleeing as Hurricane Fay Approaches

Like it or not, our modern culture revolves around stories.  TV, movies, even the nightly news and the Olympic games revolve around the narratives we are so desperate to hear.  So what makes us believe the stories we hear?  Why do we want to believe some stories and ignore others?  This past week a story was told of a Bigfoot in the woods of northern GA.  Though most wont admit it, I believe that it was a story that people wanted to believe.  Those telling the story did a masterful job of pulling all the strings necessary to help us in our desire to believe.  Experts, testimonials, photos and the all important DNA evidence were brought before the ever discerning press.  Yet, in the end, the story now changes from the search for Sasquatch to a search for some story telling rednecks with nothing better to do who were willing to label themselves for life over a big prank.  This week, our favorite story is over the little storm that could, Fay.  Though she tried, she just did not have what it takes to make it to hurricane, but we want so bad to have a hurricane, because that makes for a great story.  No one wants to get on TV and say my home was destroyed by a tropical storm.  The guys selling T-shirts that say, "I Survived Fay" ought to pack them up right now and ship them to the orphanage in Africa.  I think we are smart enough to know now that stories are just that... stories. 
So what about the stories that matter, should we dismiss them all?  What about the story of Creation, the story of redemption?  Do we dismiss them too?  My answer is no, and this is why, at the end of the day we must take our stories and compare them to truth.  There is a vast difference between fiction and nonfiction.  We must discern what stories matter, and what stories are for entertainment purposes only. 
God said in Isaiah 1:18 "Come, Let us reason together says the Lord of Hosts."  God is a God of reason.  Therefore, His story will stand up to reason.  History is reasonable. 
Tonight we begin a new Bible Study series on God.  We will look specifically at the reasons for beilef in God.  In our study tonight we will see that belief in God makes sense because of the law of cause and effect as well as the law of order in our universe.  I would love to see every one of you there.  We are believers, but not without reasons.  Come reason with us tonight at 7:00 at the school.

Doubters Welcome

I am currently reading a book for a course in theology in which the author seems to have written in fear that technology will somehow replace God in society.  His basic premis is that the further science progresses, the farther we drift from God.  This is a fear shared by many in Christianity that somehow, the more people rely on the knowledge of man, the less they will stand in awe of God.  I would submit to you that God is not intimidated by science, in fact, I believe he welcomes it.  Now more than ever man is pushing the limits of time and space and God continues to be there.  In a total turn around, I believe that the progress of science in our world will act as a smelting pot that will separate all the false religions and cults that are based on anything short of absolute truth.  God has always welcomed doubters.  God created us curious.  Science is in all actuality the study of God's omnipotence.  The only ones who should fear the truth are those who have something to hide.  This Sunday, we welcome all doubters to church.  Our study through John will bring us to Thomas' encounter with Christ and we will see how Jesus responds to those in doubt.  Make plans to come, and invite a doubter to come explore.

A Wall or a Door?

Everything is going great and all of a sudden, out of nowhere you hit a wall. I can't convey how often this happens in church life, or even life in general. But one thing that I have learned is that all walls have doors. Even the Great Wall of China has gates as the cloud terrace gate pictured here. The goal of every wall encounter is to find the door. Some doors will be open and others closed. I personally recommend trying the open ones first, but then again, what is a door, but simply a wall with a key shaped door. Don't let the walls stop you today. find your way to the door and keep on.

The Parable of Rich and Rob

Rich and Rob were homeless. One day while looking through the dumpster behind the 7-Eleven, they discovered an unused lottery ticket. They agreed to split the winnings if there were any and began to scratch away with their dirty fingernails. In fact the prize they won was unlike any they had even dreamed of. “You have won a dream trip for two on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the seas.” It included details of all the ports of call such as the Cayman Islands, Key West, and Cozumel. But this was no ordinary cruise, they both also would receive a Visa Onyx, a no credit limit card that would allow them to buy any and everything they could ever dream of. The only stipulation was that they had to board with nothing and at the end of the trip leave with only the shirts on their backs. The men were overjoyed and they quickly made their way to the claims office and then to the port to board the ship.

The ship was unlike anything that either of them had ever seen or ever would see, but for two weeks they were no longer homeless, they were kings. Rich and Rob went straight to the shopping deck and purchased new clothes, toiletries, and cologne. The Visa Onyx worked like a charm and they quickly became comfortable in the latest fashion. Then they were off to their cabins for a shower and dinner. Over dinner they laughed over their good fortune and talked about their plans for the two weeks. They read carefully again the rules, and the ports of call. They made plans to not tie one another down, but would undoubtedly meet along the way, and then again at the end to help each other leave with their best “shirt on their back” as the rules stated.

After dinner Rob headed off to one of the many clubs on board ship before hitting the casino. I know it seems foolish for him to gamble as he already had all the money he could need and was not able to take it with him, but this was a once in a lifetime event and soon he got caught up in the excitement and attention that comes with being a high roller. It was easy to forget his life back on the streets and assume this new persona. He was in no unmistakable terms, the life of every party.

Rich on the other hand left dinner very differently. The fact that he only had two weeks to “live” as one would call it gnawed at him to the point that he could not enjoy the thought and get lost in it as Rob seemed to have done. Then as if he had convinced himself to begin his journey he was off. Rather than going to the clubs, Rich went to the all the little shops and stores on board ship buying jewelry and taking it back to his cabin. He seemed to become obsessed with the gold and silver chains and every time that Rich and Rob would pass on board, Rob would be holding an umbrella drink with ladies on each arm, and Rich would be carrying gold chains. Rob became concerned for his friend and would invite him to join the party, but Rich looked on like a man possessed. Rob too had thought of the idea of sleeping on a bed of cash, or diving into a pile of gold like Scrooge McDuck, but thee purpose of money was to buy happiness and he was not going to confuse the two.

Day after day passed and Rob had developed quite the tan. He had gotten his teeth whitened and massages. He spent most days by the pool or on the beaches, and most nights he would stay late in the clubs. Rich on the other had would spend entire days in port going from store to store, carrying as many gold necklaces as he could back to his cabin. Rob was concerned for Rich, but was not about to was a moment on intervention. Why should he give up his vacation if his friend wanted to waste his. One night near the end of the trip as he was going to Club Fever he stopped by Rich’s room to see if his old friend would join him. But Rich seemed stressed and it was fairly evident that Rich had not been out much as there was room service trays for several meals sitting by the door. Rich made some excuse about having something he must do, and Rob knew that Rich really wanted to stay in his room running gold chains through his fingers. For he had seen that Rich’s fingers were raw and bloodied.

The next morning, if you can call it morning it was closer to noon Rob got up and made his way towards the sun deck and perhaps a massage as this had become his routine. While passing the shops it was a bit funny that there was no jewelry to be seen. His friend had virtually stowed it all in his cabin. It was funny to him as he thought of the foolishness of Rob, but it became disturbing as he then caught a glimpse of Rich going from passenger to passenger and offering them money for their personal jewelry. Amazing, simply amazing Rob thought.

The day finally came for them to arrive and Rob although a bit depressed knew that he had gotten everything possible out of that little lottery ticket. He had given it all the gusto, as they say and had no regrets. No regrets except for Rich, who seemed to have wasted his whole trip staying in his cabin with gold necklaces. He went to the closet to pick out the dubious shirt for his back and decided on a Tommy Bahama Shirt that he bought in Kingsport. It seemed a good little reminder of his time on board, although it looked a little out of place with his worn out jeans and dirt tennis shoes. He made a stop by the cabana for one more umbrella drink and waited for the last call to exit the ship.

The horn sounded and men in whites directed him to exit and so his trip came to an end. Standing on the dock he noticed a great commotion on board the ship. People were straining to see what was taking place but Rob knew that it was undoubtedly Rich being dragged from his cave of gold and tossed back on the streets. But, the sounds were not that of anger and fighting, they were gasps of astonishment as person after person saw what Rob was yet not able to see. Then as Rich turned the corner and made his way down the gang plank, he saw it and his heart sunk. Perspective came rushing over him and all of Rich’s odd behavior now made perfect sense. And not just perfect, so perfect that he was quickly ashamed of how stupid he had been for there walking down the plank was Rich in the most gaudy and opulent coat of mail made of pure gold necklaces interwoven together and studded with diamonds. His fingers bloodied with the hours of labor, but his face aglow, Rich walked off the ship with only the shirt on his back.

Rich had read the instructions, he had learned an invaluable truth and it changed everything. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19 & 20 19“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” We are all on similar journeys to Rich and Rob’s. One day we will all be escorted from this life into the next. How will you spend your remaining days? Will you be Rob or will you be Rich?

Logan and the Sky Angel

The Christmas Conspiracy

The Christmas Conspiracy

It began as most conspiracies do with a high level official seeing an opportunity for a power grab. While the king was distracted with foreign affairs, he had been working hard at home. What began as a fanciful imagination had developed into a full blown plot to overthrow the king and establish his own throne. Lucifer knew he would only have one opportunity. He made his move, but the Almighty King knew his every plan He stood against him and proclaimed.

Isa. 14:12 - 15 (NKJV)
¹²“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! ¹³For you have said in your heart:

‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; ¹⁴I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ ¹⁵Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.

In that moment of defeat Lucifer and one third of heaven’s angels were banished from the realm. But left unbound he and his conspirators hatched an evil plot to break the righteousness of God, stripping him of his very character and making him like himself. Lucifer knew that where there is great love there is great passion, and where there is great passion there is the possibility of sin. That was the weak point, that was the place where he would stage his attack.

Since creation, the Almighty specifically crafted for himself two special creatures. They were placed over all creation and enjoyed a unique and loving relationship with God. Created as perfect beings, the conspiracy would begin by coaxing them to violate God’s command. God would be enraged, He would react in anger, and sin, and Lucifer would be victorious. As conspiracies go, this was simple, but it need not be complicated, to succeed, it just needed to surprise all the players.

Lucifer waited, he waited until it seemed he could wait no more. Eve was alone.

Gen. 3:1- 7 (NKJV)
¹Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

²And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; ³but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’”

⁴Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. ⁵For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

⁶So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. ⁷Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

The trap was set. That evening when God came down to walk with man, he would find him in sin, and enraged would violate his nature and forfeit his place as Almighty God. Lucifer, was so proud of his plan. Even if it failed to cause God to sin, this was a blow that would resonate for centuries as now God has to deal with a sinful man. It happened just as Lucifer expected. That evening God arrived but rather than lose his temper, his justice came through as he began to hand down punishments commiserate to the crime.

Gen. 3:14 - 15 (NKJV)
¹⁴So the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go,

And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. ¹⁵And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head,

And you shall bruise His heel.”

And so the stage was set. On one side was Lucifer, and his legions of fallen angels, and on the other side was man, now separated from God but with the promise of a future seed that will be his end. At this moment Lucifer knew that everything must be done to stop the fulfillment of the prophecy, the birth of the Christ.

The first clue was that the redeemer would be the son of man. God would not redeem man himself, nor would he employ His angels. He would redeem man through the son of man, but not a fallen man, no it must be a perfect sinless man, a God-man. From that moment on Lucifer became a student of man. In order to win, he must be sure that every man is a sinner. It is by this that he became known as the father of lies.

Time does not permit us to tell the tales of the great battle for the souls of men that was waged throughout the course of time. Such as God’s promise to Abraham, and Lucifer’s near victory in Egypt, or God’s prophecy that the redeemer would be of the house and lineage of David.
Isa. 11:1 (NKJV)
¹There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

Like pieces of the puzzle, a picture was beginning to form. Lucifer laughed out loud when God kept giving away strategic ground. Like when he narrowed it down to the Children of Israel. Satan no longer had to stretch his troops thin he could focus his attention on Israel, Now the Tribe of Judah. It seemed too easy. A big break came when word got to Lucifer that the child would be virgin born.

It happened that Lucifer was victorious in dividing the tribes of Israel into two factions. One group of ten known by the name Ephriam, and the other two, the tribe of Benjamin and Judah, known simply as Judah.
Isa. 7:1-14 (NKJV)
¹Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to make war against it, but could not prevail against it. ²And it was told to the house of David, saying, “Syria’s forces are deployed in Ephraim.” So his heart and the heart of his people were moved as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind.

³Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out now to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-Jashub your son, at the end of the aqueduct from the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller’s Field, ⁴and say to him: ‘Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for these two stubs of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and the son of Remaliah. ⁵Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah have plotted evil against you, saying, ⁶“Let us go up against Judah and trouble it, and let us make a gap in its wall for ourselves, and set a king over them, the son of Tabel”—⁷thus says the Lord GOD:

“It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass. ⁸For the head of Syria is Damascus,

And the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be broken,

So that it will not be a people. ⁹The head of Ephraim is Samaria, And the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If you will not believe, Surely you shall not be established.”’” ¹⁰Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, ¹¹“Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.”

¹²But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!”

¹³Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? ¹⁴Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Though Satan lost the battle to defeat Judah, he gained a great bit of intelligence. That the Son of Man, the redeemer would be born of a virgin and would be Immanuel - God with us! Now it made sense. God the Son would come to earth in the weakness of man, to redeem sinful man. But when, and more importantly where? Lucifer knew that if he was going to thwart the redemption of man that he must stop the incarnation of God.

The answer to where the great battle would take place came when the prophet Micah spoke.
Mic. 5:2 – 5a (NKJV)
²“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,

Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” ³Therefore He shall give them up,

Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel. ⁴And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the Lord, In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth; ⁵And this One shall be peace.

The battle raged on for centuries. Lucifer’s victory when Israel was captured by Babylon in 605 BC. His greatest chance for victory lay in the fact that conquered nations cease to exist and are absorbed by the victors. All he had to do was to see that all the Children of Israel and namely the tribe of Judah were effectively anything other than purely Jewish.

In 444 BC however, Israel had remained a nation without a country, but intact as a race of people. Nehemiah appears on the scene and through the power of the king of Persia, returns to rebuild Jerusalem. No doubt Lucifer did all that he could to disrupt this but in the end he failed.

The Last words of the Old Testament teach us that prior to the 400 years of silence, like our modern day Patten. God spoke these words.

Mal. 4:1 - 2a (NKJV)
¹“For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch. ²But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings;

We know little if anything of what transpired during the 400 silent years between Testaments. As if the calm before the storm, both armies busy readying themselves for battle. Building up armies and beating plow shears into swords. Strategies were played out, when the first indication came. By calculating time from Daniel’s prophecy.

seven units of seven, and sixty-two units of seven” ; i.e., 49 years, and 434 years respectively. The time of the great battle was at hand. After having been silent for 400 years Israel once again was rejoicing with the news that God had spoken to a prophet. Could this be the one. Reports said

Luke 1:5 - 17 (NKJV)
⁵There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. ⁷But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

⁸So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, ⁹according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. ¹¹Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹²And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

¹³But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. ¹⁶And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

This was definitely it. The forerunner prophesied by Malachi

Mal. 4:5 - 6 (NKJV)
⁵Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. ⁶And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

Lucifer sprang into action. All eyes on Zacharias and Elizabeth. In the mean time the angel Gabriel had appeared to the virgin Mary and announced to her that she would conceive of the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Messiah. Immediately she was to go to her relative Elizabeth’s house where she would receive confirmation in the miracle of Elizabeth being 6 months pregnant in her old age.

Luke 1:39 - 45 (NKJV)
³⁹Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, ⁴⁰and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴²Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁵Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Mary was the one, the chosen vessel of God to bring forth Immanuel, Lucifer knew it. He did everything that he could to undermine God’s plan, but it was taking place faster than he could react. His only hope was to frustrate the prophecies. To somehow force God to change course and thus fail to keep his word. Joseph was option number 1. Perhaps as a just man, Joseph would take revenge on Mary, or would invoke his rights to have her put to death. But Lucifer underestimated Joseph’s love for and faith in Mary.

Matt. 1:18 - 21 (NKJV)
¹⁸Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. ²⁰But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ²¹And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Bethlehem was his final option. Every prophecy had been magnificently fulfilled to this point. Amazingly, Lucifer was down to his last best hope. If he could stop Mary and Joseph from traveling from Galilee in the North to the little town of Bethlehem in the South he would force a violation of the prophecy of Micah. Then the decree went out.

Luke 2:1 - 4 (NKJV)
¹And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ²This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David

Lucifer knew this area well. These were the same fields where David had grown up tending his father’s sheep. Not too far from here his Champion Goliath was beaten. He knew that the terrain was rough, a hard ride for an expectant mother. He knew the town was small, and that his best hopes were to crowd them out of the city. Perhaps, if all went according to plan that he could fill the city and force them to go 5 miles north to the next exit, the city of Jerusalem.

His plan was working perfectly. The town was teeming with people. During the day before Joseph and Mary’s arrival the small narrow streets of the city were wall to wall with people scrambling to find food, and a quiet place to rest while awaiting their turn to be registered.

Lucifer’s minions had failed to use the rocky terrain and the cold winter climate to keep them from arriving. It seemed that every crook and thief had left their place of ambush for the warmth of the city. Mary and Joseph would make it to Bethlehem but would they stay.

“It was time” Mary told Joseph. The time to be delivered was now. Joseph scrambled for a room, but there was none. Lucifer grinned with glee as he knew that Joseph would be forced to leave the city for the sake of the health of the child. Then it happened. The inn Keeper took pity on them, and made available the stable. Stable we call it, it was more akin to a cave. In truth it was a dark, damp hole in the side of the rocks where the animals could escape the bitter winter winds.

Luke 2:6 - 7 (NKJV)
⁶So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

VICTORY

Luke 2:8 - 11 (NKJV)
⁸Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Lucifer had been defeated. A battle that had raged since before the beginning of time. A battle that had seen much blood shed, that had seen the rise and fall of the nation of Israel, the Almighty had won, the Redeemer was born. Words escape me to describe the greatness of the victory of Christ’s birth. Without it, man would be forever dammed to eternity in hell and Satan would be victorious.
Luke 2:13 - 14 (NKJV)
¹³And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

What is the conspiracy of Christmas? I will tell you. The conspiracy of Christmas is that it was anything but a silent night. It was one of the most tumultuous battles of all time as Lucifer and all the demons of Hell fought the coming of the Redeemer, the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord.

Of life and Roller Coasters

What is your favorite part of the roller coaster experience. Most of us enjoy the entire ride, except for the sudden jolt of the stop at the end which we can make a metaphor for death. But before you continue reading ponder your favorite part. Here are 4 for your consideration. 1. the Climb 2. The Free fall 3. The Recovery 4. The twists and turns.

THE CLIMB
We love the climb because it is full of anticipation. As in life anticipation is a great part of the joy. This is the essence of dreaming and planning. With each clink of the chain we climb higher and higher getting a better view on our way to the summit.

THE FREE FALL
The free fall is fun because is scare the mess out of us. Our bodies and mind are suffering from sensory overload and we are overwhelmed with the realization that we are not in control nor are we going to be for some time.

THE RECOVERY
I love the recovery as you come to the end of the free fall and have weight again. Everything suddenly comes back to normal and although there are twists and turns ahead, at least we can catch our breath and gain our composure.

TWISTS & TURNS
Twist and turns can be anticipated but not overcome, they have a way of throwing you from one side of the car to the other and either being close to the one you love or way to close to a total stranger. Such are the twists and turns.

Do you have a favorite part of the coaster? Do you have a favorite part of the roller coaster that is our life? Life is full of ups and downs, of twists and turns and I must admit that I prayed that if God would stop this roller coaster that I would gladly get off. You see, roller coasters are no fun for those who are afraid of them. My wife is one who can't stand them. She has ridden some with me, but in the process would close her eyes for the entire ride. We all know that closing the eyes just makes it worse, but those who are afraid don't agree. There are those who ride life's coaster with fear. Closing their eyes as if ignoring the ups and downs will miraculously flatten them out. I feel for them. I know that life is difficult for them, and I long for them to enjoy the ride. There are also the screamers. These are the ones who mock the fear by screaming at the top of their lungs. Their yells are not an expression of their fear, but the denial of such.


Like it or not life is often a roller coaster and therefore we have to treat it as such. It is my goal for you to enjoy the ride.
Let the climb bring anticipation and faith in the heights that your journey might take you. There is no telling how high God's plans are for you.
Let the free fall help you understand that you are not in control. That long before you got on this ride that a designer planned for your ride. Respond to those free falls by holding on tight to the grips if you must, but those with great faith in the designer have learned to raise their hands even during the free fall.
Let the recovery build your faith in the designer. And with every recovery from every free fall, may you grow in your knowledge of His design and plan your the ups and downs in your life. Let it help you to regain your composure and prepare for the twists and turns ahead.
Finally, let the twists and turns in life bring you into closer contact with the ones you love, let it pull you together as you laugh and scream in tandem. On the same note, if you happen to be going through this ride with a total stranger, you will likewise laugh and scream together and will go away from that shared experience with an unusual bond.

So for all you Cars fans out there, life is not a highway, it is a roller coaster and Oh what a ride.

Don't Waste Your Cancer

I am finishing John Piper's book entitled "Don't Waste Your Life" It is a good read, not great, but good. I think it is one of those "sermon series transcript turned into book" books. That being said The concept for the book is great and he has a tremendous post on his blog about not wasting your cancer. You can read it here.

Monday Meeting Download

What a great day off. We went to Joe Murray's meeting today and heard two outstanding messages from Russell Johnson at IBB in Miami and Mike Stancil from Calvary Baptist in Taylorville IL.

Russell Said:

We have to decide if we are going to have a espresso or decaf church. Too often we settle for a decaf ministry when God has called us to ministry through His power.
1. Focus on being the church not building the church. Eph. 4:1-3
2. Focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Eph. 4:4-6
3. Focus on equipping others instead of personally doing ministry. Eph. 4:11-12
4. Focus on maturity, not micromanaging people's lives. Eph. 4:13-14
5. Focus on relationships more than programs. Eph. 4:15
6. Focus on the church as an organism, not an organization. Eph. 4:16

Mike said:
We got into this business (ministry) for Pentecost, but we usually get out over the cost.
God has called us to supernatural ministry. Most of us settle for being less than a superhero.
Timothy was a screwed up pastor.
1. He was young - I Tim 4:12
2. He was sick - I Tim 5:23
3. He wanted to bolt - I Tim 1:3
4. He had settled - II Tim 1:6
5. He was timid - II Tim 1:7
6. He was ashamed - II Tim 1:8, 12, 16

Therefore:
1. Stir it up - II Tim 2:6;
2. Preach it - II Tim 4:2
3. Speak Up - II Tim 2:3

Don't back up, don't shut up, don't give up.

Because:

You never see kids playing Clark Kent, but sometimes you do see pastors.

Be a super hero!

Devotional Blog

Last month I began chronicling my personal Bible time on a blog. {inthedaily} It was my goal for the month to read through the book of James 1 chapter a week, and every day boil it down to a single word. Sometimes I fell behind in blogging and have run way ahead in reading, but today I will begin a new study. I am still trying to decide what to do. I write this to tell you that today I am struggling with a situation, and when I opened my devotional thought for last week, God used last week me to preach to today me. It is funny how the lessons of a week ago will so quickly be forgotten. Blogging is one way that we can remember God's faithfulness in the past as we look fearfully into the future.