Achieving The Impossible

We continue to study through the book of Nehemiah on Sunday mornings. I've titled the series "Achieving The Impossible" and hope that our church will be taught and motivated to do greater things for God. It's been an interesting ride so far!

Being Filled With The Holy Spirit

Did you know that being filled with the Holy Spirit is not something you can do? I'm not saying it's impossible for this to happen to you, I'm saying that it's not something you can do! There's a big difference really. You see, in Ephesians 5:18 we are told to not be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is interesting to note that both verbs (one used for not getting drunk and one used for being filled with the Holy Spirit) are passive verbs. While we are commanded to not do one thing and then do the other, it is in the passive state. Understand that alcohol becomes a controller and makes you drunk. While, you must drink the alcohol, it is actually the alcohol that makes you drunk. Thus the passive verb. Now understand that being filled with the Holy Spirit is not something you can do. It is a passive verb and means that God fills us with the Holy Spirit. Unlike what many groups teach, it is not something you can go grab ahold and say "It's mine!" Yes, you must yield your life to God so that He may "fill" (we'll discuss the meaning of this word on another post) you with the Holy Spirit, but remember He is doing the filling not you!

Okay, I'll write more later on concerning the aspect of "fill" and what it really means.

Whew! We Made It!!!

Well, many of you know, and some of you don't. What is it that I'm talking about? Well, it's one reason I haven't blogged in awhile. Jennifer and I were privileged to go to Niagara Falls (Canada even!) this past weekend. A member in our church gave us airline miles, etc. so that we could celebrate our 10th anniversary. What a wonderful gift! We really enjoyed seeing "new country" and relaxing. I was able to see 2 of the Great Lakes, the Falls, and snow! We were really amazed at the beautiful scenery and how God would give us such things for us to enjoy. Furthermore, we were thankful that God saw us there and back safely. He watched over us every bit of the way and worked things out better than we could have. Overall, I would like to say "thanks" to God for keeping us safe, allowing us to relax, and for giving us a member who wanted to do something "a little extra" for us. What an incredible and, often underestimated, God we serve!

Consistency Is The Key

How easy it is to say one thing and do another. We are all guilty of this at one time or another and should definitely be concerned about it. We wear the mask of a hypocrite and try to soothe our souls by making excuses for our inconsisencies. This is true personally and corporately (within our churches). How many of us talk about Bible study and prayer to our congregation and then struggle with it ourselves. We preach the principle of forgiving others but may hold grudges against those who hurt us. While I could continue the list, let's look at it from a church standpoint. How many churches say they love people but will not even let a guest sit in "their" pew. Members of most churches say they want an active outreach program...as long as someone else does it. Many of our churches (ABA) criticize other groups but fail to see our own shortcomings. Do you get the picture? If you talk the talk, then you better walk the walk, or you risk being called a HYPOCRITE (which you truly are). I pray that you and your church may have a consistent life of service, and remember - practice what you preach!

P.S. Is it worse to be all evangelistic with no discipleship, or to be all about discipleship with no evangelism?

Happy New Year!

Wow, do you realize that there are only 357 shopping days until Christmas 2007? How in the world will I get it all done? Well, I know it's silly to think that way, but before you know it, we'll be singing Christmas carols and sending cards to each other. The point is to not let another year go by and not make any significant changes. Before you know it we'll be talking about January 1, 2008 (Lord willing) and what we did/did not accomplish in 2007. So accomplish something! Follow through with what God wants you to do. Go, tell, and teach! Let 2007 be different!