It is only a few weeks until Valentine's Day. So guys, please make sure to get that special lady in your life some flowers and a nice gift. I preached on "The Power of Love" last night. I know that is a Huey Lewis and the News hit song from the 80's, but there is truth in that statement. There is power in love-Biblical love that is.
We have devalued love in our culture. We say, "I love chocolate cake." Or, "I love Carolina, Clemson, Georgia..."-fill in the blank with whatever team you want. The point is, we have watered down love to the point where it doesn't hold significance anymore.
Over the next few days, I want to unpack what true, biblical love is. I want us to really know what the Bible says on this topic. Hopefully, at the end of our discussion we can all love the people in our lives in a way that will honor them and God.
Oh, by the way, my favorite Huey Lewis and the News song? "It's Hip to Be Square." Just so you know.
Expecting Great Things,
Pastor Bryan
Monday, January 17, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Laboring in the Harvest
In my devotional reading today, I was in Matthew 9:18-38. I encourage you to go and read that section of scripture because it is very encouraging and also convicting. Jesus is basically going on a healing circuit.
He begins in v.18 by going with a religious leader to heal his daughter when a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years comes up behind him to touch the tassels of His robe to be healed. He goes to the religious leader's home and heals his daughter.
In v.27, two blind men come up to him and beg him to heal them. He does and asks them not tell anyone. They cannot help but proclaim thier healing. A demon possessed man in v.32 is brought to Him and Jesus casts the demon out.
Then in v.35 it says, "Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in thier synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness."
Sounds like a full day doesn't it?
In v. 36 Jesus sees the crowd and "has compassion for them because they were weary and worn out like sheep without a shepherd."
This is where it gets interesting. Instead of burning Himself out, (remember that Jesus is as much human as divine), He makes an interesting statement to His disciples.
Verses 37-38 says, "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."
Notice a couple of things here with me. The problem is not with the harvest. Jesus plainly states it "is abundant." That means there are people everywhere who are just like the crowd Jesus saw-weary and worn out, looking for meaning in life. The issue lies in the fact there are so few people willing to go out among the harvest and reap souls for God's kingdom.
What would happen in churches all across the country if people were willing to go out into the harvest? Sanctuaries would be full and communites would be transformed. I believe the most important prayer church leaders and lay leaders across the country could pray is the challenge Jesus issued: "pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."
If we cured that problem, all the other problems in the church would be solved as well. Make that your prayer today.
Expecting Great Things,
Pastor Bryan
He begins in v.18 by going with a religious leader to heal his daughter when a woman who had suffered from bleeding for 12 years comes up behind him to touch the tassels of His robe to be healed. He goes to the religious leader's home and heals his daughter.
In v.27, two blind men come up to him and beg him to heal them. He does and asks them not tell anyone. They cannot help but proclaim thier healing. A demon possessed man in v.32 is brought to Him and Jesus casts the demon out.
Then in v.35 it says, "Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in thier synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness."
Sounds like a full day doesn't it?
In v. 36 Jesus sees the crowd and "has compassion for them because they were weary and worn out like sheep without a shepherd."
This is where it gets interesting. Instead of burning Himself out, (remember that Jesus is as much human as divine), He makes an interesting statement to His disciples.
Verses 37-38 says, "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."
Notice a couple of things here with me. The problem is not with the harvest. Jesus plainly states it "is abundant." That means there are people everywhere who are just like the crowd Jesus saw-weary and worn out, looking for meaning in life. The issue lies in the fact there are so few people willing to go out among the harvest and reap souls for God's kingdom.
What would happen in churches all across the country if people were willing to go out into the harvest? Sanctuaries would be full and communites would be transformed. I believe the most important prayer church leaders and lay leaders across the country could pray is the challenge Jesus issued: "pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."
If we cured that problem, all the other problems in the church would be solved as well. Make that your prayer today.
Expecting Great Things,
Pastor Bryan
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Snow Storm 2011
I despise cold weather. Did I mention I despise cold weather? So, it's safe to say that if I dislike cold weather, I will really dislike a snow storm. Yes, I know. It's beautiful when it is falling, but it's miserable trying to deal with it afterwards.
A snow storm is a great deal like sin in our lives. When we are caught up in our sin it seems like a beautiful thing-like snow falling. However, when we have to deal with the aftermath of sin in our lives, it is like the day after a snow storm. You feel trapped, desperate to get out, and trying hard not to get stranded on the side of the road.
So, what's the answer. Move to Miami, Fl or Arizona. Just kidding-although that sounds pretty good right at the moment. The answer is to keep our eyes on Christ, stay in His Word, and keep our connection to Him through prayer. So while you're stranded inside your house, turn off the TV, quit watching the Weather Channel, and open up your Bible. Ask God to speak to you. Then, talk to Him about the things going on in your life. Who knows? I might even enjoy this weather a little bit. Nah, who am I kidding?
Expecting Great Things,
Pastor Bryan
A snow storm is a great deal like sin in our lives. When we are caught up in our sin it seems like a beautiful thing-like snow falling. However, when we have to deal with the aftermath of sin in our lives, it is like the day after a snow storm. You feel trapped, desperate to get out, and trying hard not to get stranded on the side of the road.
So, what's the answer. Move to Miami, Fl or Arizona. Just kidding-although that sounds pretty good right at the moment. The answer is to keep our eyes on Christ, stay in His Word, and keep our connection to Him through prayer. So while you're stranded inside your house, turn off the TV, quit watching the Weather Channel, and open up your Bible. Ask God to speak to you. Then, talk to Him about the things going on in your life. Who knows? I might even enjoy this weather a little bit. Nah, who am I kidding?
Expecting Great Things,
Pastor Bryan
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Danger of "Being Real"
I have a great friend in ministry who always ends his conversations with "be real." What he is trying to convey is be true to who God made you to be and not try to be someone you're not. That is good advice. We get caught up in the latest "fads" and oftentimes the "real" us gets lost in the process. However, for leaders in ministry, "being real" can be a catch 22.
A leader has to walk a fine line in "being real" or authentic. On one hand, the people you serve with and lead need to see you for the person God made you to be. In other words, don't try to copy another ministry leaders dress, style, or persona. People will see it for what it is a mile a way. You have to be comfortable with yourself.
On the flip side of this, some will see your "being real" as a liability. If you express a natural human emotion such as anger, frustration, or discouragement some will say you aren't "spiritually mature." Never mind that Moses got angry, Elijah got discouraged, David got depressed, and Peter dealt with all three of these things. A leader has to be careful and by God's help try to keep their emotions in check or it could come back to haunt them.
This is something I am working on. I am the type of person who wears their emotions on their sleeve. It is not difficult to discern what I am feeling at times. This can be good and bad. The challenge is by God's Word and the Holy Spirit to walk an even keel and not drift to the right and left.
What am I saying? Be who you are, but don't let your emotions control you. Let people see the human side of you, but be careful and not wear your emotions on your sleeve. In the words of my good friend, "be real."
Bryan
A leader has to walk a fine line in "being real" or authentic. On one hand, the people you serve with and lead need to see you for the person God made you to be. In other words, don't try to copy another ministry leaders dress, style, or persona. People will see it for what it is a mile a way. You have to be comfortable with yourself.
On the flip side of this, some will see your "being real" as a liability. If you express a natural human emotion such as anger, frustration, or discouragement some will say you aren't "spiritually mature." Never mind that Moses got angry, Elijah got discouraged, David got depressed, and Peter dealt with all three of these things. A leader has to be careful and by God's help try to keep their emotions in check or it could come back to haunt them.
This is something I am working on. I am the type of person who wears their emotions on their sleeve. It is not difficult to discern what I am feeling at times. This can be good and bad. The challenge is by God's Word and the Holy Spirit to walk an even keel and not drift to the right and left.
What am I saying? Be who you are, but don't let your emotions control you. Let people see the human side of you, but be careful and not wear your emotions on your sleeve. In the words of my good friend, "be real."
Bryan
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Finding Your Outlets-Part IV
Man, it's been awhile since my last post. Let me wrap up my acrostic EPIC for you.
C-stands for creativity. You've got to have a creative outlet in your life. For me, I enjoy to paint pictures and write. For others, it may be woodworking, doing scrap books, photography or something entirely different. The point is, you must have something in your life that gets the "creative juices" flowing. Without creativity, our minds and imaginations go stale. If you don't currently do anything creatively, try a few different things. When you find something you enjoy, run with it!
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
C-stands for creativity. You've got to have a creative outlet in your life. For me, I enjoy to paint pictures and write. For others, it may be woodworking, doing scrap books, photography or something entirely different. The point is, you must have something in your life that gets the "creative juices" flowing. Without creativity, our minds and imaginations go stale. If you don't currently do anything creatively, try a few different things. When you find something you enjoy, run with it!
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Finding Your Outlets-Part III
As we move on in the acronym E.P.I.C., we have talked about emotional outlets and physical outlets. Now, let's discuss the letter I.
I stands for intellectual outlets. Most people when they graduate high school or college think that their learning days are over. That could not be any farther from the truth. The reality is, if you are not constantly learning, then you become stagnant in your life. Your brain is just like your muscles-if you do not exercise it on a regular basis, then it will get weak and flabby!
I am constantly reading books on a variety of subjects. Let me encourage you to set a goal for reading one book per month. That is not hard to do. If the book is 300 pages, with an average of 30 days per month, that only equals out to 10 pages per day. Don't go out a pick up a systematic theology book for your nighttime reading. Not unless you are having trouble falling asleep! What you need to do is find subjects that interest you, whether it be history, sports, biographies, or even systematic theology if that floats your boat.
I recommend Christian living books as well. These will help you in the practical areas of your life. LifeWay has the best selection. I have books by Charles Swindoll, David Jeremiah, Adrian Rodgers and many others. They have helped me tremendously in my walk with the Lord. Remember, if you are not learning, you are not growing. So, go out, pick up a book, and start learning today.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
I stands for intellectual outlets. Most people when they graduate high school or college think that their learning days are over. That could not be any farther from the truth. The reality is, if you are not constantly learning, then you become stagnant in your life. Your brain is just like your muscles-if you do not exercise it on a regular basis, then it will get weak and flabby!
I am constantly reading books on a variety of subjects. Let me encourage you to set a goal for reading one book per month. That is not hard to do. If the book is 300 pages, with an average of 30 days per month, that only equals out to 10 pages per day. Don't go out a pick up a systematic theology book for your nighttime reading. Not unless you are having trouble falling asleep! What you need to do is find subjects that interest you, whether it be history, sports, biographies, or even systematic theology if that floats your boat.
I recommend Christian living books as well. These will help you in the practical areas of your life. LifeWay has the best selection. I have books by Charles Swindoll, David Jeremiah, Adrian Rodgers and many others. They have helped me tremendously in my walk with the Lord. Remember, if you are not learning, you are not growing. So, go out, pick up a book, and start learning today.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Finding Your Outlets-Part II
Let me continue this series of posts on finding your outlets with the acronym E.P.I.C. Yesterday I dissected the letter E for emotional outlets. Today, let's look at the letter P.
P-stands for physical outlets. If you don't have some sort of physical outlet in your life you are cheating yourself and your body. I workout Monday thru Friday with Saturday being a light workout. I don't apologize for it and neither should you. Whether you go to a gym like I do or have a stationary bike or treadmill at home, you need to exert yourself physically for your own mental, emotional, and physical well being.
Maybe for you its walking around your block or going to a nearby school to use their track. Or perhaps you enjoy playing tennis or golfing. The important thing is to find something you enjoy, plan it in your schedule, and decide in advance to do it. I would explode internally if I did not workout daily. It gives me time to think, allows me to stay in shape which results in a positive self-image, and relives stress. It will do the same for you.
Get your spouse or a friend involved. Accountability will motivate you to stay the course when you don't feel like it. Many people's sense of well-being would be greatly improved if they just took 30-45 minutes a day and exercised. Today is a great day to begin. Here's to your health.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
P-stands for physical outlets. If you don't have some sort of physical outlet in your life you are cheating yourself and your body. I workout Monday thru Friday with Saturday being a light workout. I don't apologize for it and neither should you. Whether you go to a gym like I do or have a stationary bike or treadmill at home, you need to exert yourself physically for your own mental, emotional, and physical well being.
Maybe for you its walking around your block or going to a nearby school to use their track. Or perhaps you enjoy playing tennis or golfing. The important thing is to find something you enjoy, plan it in your schedule, and decide in advance to do it. I would explode internally if I did not workout daily. It gives me time to think, allows me to stay in shape which results in a positive self-image, and relives stress. It will do the same for you.
Get your spouse or a friend involved. Accountability will motivate you to stay the course when you don't feel like it. Many people's sense of well-being would be greatly improved if they just took 30-45 minutes a day and exercised. Today is a great day to begin. Here's to your health.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
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