Where to from here???

As I sit thinking about the coming graduation and all the hopes, dreams and ambitions for those walking across that platform, I also think about the necessity of not facing the future without following that which has been taught since your youth. I know not all the graduates have been raised in Christian homes, but for those that have it would be tragedy to just "grow out of" the teachings learned from parents via Biblical standards.

Looking at setting a goal for the future, my mind goes to Philippians 3:13-16, which reads..."Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,(14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (16) Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."

Here Paul is talking about not dwelling on those things in the past and working toward the calling that God has placed in his life. Sometimes, when we get out on our own, we decide that we know better than what we have been taught under our parents tutelage. Am I the only one who went that way and found out they really duid know what they were talking about? Do you notice in verse 15 it states that if someone is other minded, the truth shall be revealed by God? That's an amazing thing to think of. If we are honestly seeking the truth...through prayer and searching the Scripture...God will reveal it to us. But we must also stick to what we have learned (Biblically) and walk accordingly.

As many of you know, I like to look at what the Amplified version says, as often it brings more depth. Here's how it ptranslates the same passage..."I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. (15) So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. (16) Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that."

Paul says he is far from perfect, but he keeps his eyes forward...looking at what God has ahead instead of dwelling on the past. Any of you know someone who always talks about the "Good 'Ole Days" all the time? They tend to just meander through life with no rhyme or reason. They are living in the past. I am not saying to forget what has happened in your life, but if we dwell only on what has happened, how can we be prepared for action that is to come?

So, not only is this a message for those who are entering into a new phase of life, but also those of us who get sidetracked by the fun times of years past. Let's remember those times with fondness, but keep heads up and looking to reach the mark the Lord has in front of us.

Oh, and by the way...Congratulations, Class of 2010!!!

Let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

What is your vision???

Yesterday, our services were focused on "The Blessings of Faithfulness". With all the economic upheaval going on, folks seem to be focusing more on what they see as "mine" rather than focusing on what is "God's". Why is it that when we are in dire circumstances that we tend to focus inward? This is a human trait that I know men battle with constantly. We are "fixers" and have a hard time sitting back and waiting for answers, we must "fix it now!"

The problem starts because we see "our" monies not going as far, and think we can make better us of "what we make" than our Lord can. We don't say that, but our actions do! We tend to forget that "what we make" is actually "what He has given"!

Now, the challenge that has been put forth is finding a vision of what God would have us do here at Emmanuel in the coming years. We are praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for what is to come. What programs we need to focus our energies on, what areas need special attention. The world around us is changing and we want God's leadership as we reach out!

A key verse in Proverbs 29:18 states "Where there is no vision, the people perish..."

I believe we are at a huge place in the history of the world. If we are to walk the right roads, we must have the "right" goals to be aiming for. Be in prayer with me as we seek God's will for the coming days, weeks, months and years.

I would like to leave you with one of my favorite songs from Casting Crowns "If We Are the Body". Listen to the words and ask if we truly are acting like we should be.



Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

How was your 2008?

As I have been thinking about the past year over the past couple days, my mind has been on the abilities of God to use an imperfect being to achieve His perfect will. Many of my friends on Twitter saw a small note about what is to come in the following words in a short note I posted yesterday...

We are at a point in the year where we are all looking back on the past year, and looking forward to what the possibilities are for 2009. How many of you are planning to fall miserably? That was not what my mind was on either, but that is the result nonetheless.

Many times in my life I had bowed my knees and said God, you can have me...although I was still holding a part for myself. "Hey, nobody knows about my personal sins anyway, so it won't hurt, will it?"

I am reminded of the verse found in Romans 7:18..."For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. " Too often, I catch myself counting the works that "I" have done for God...but really, without the gifts He gave, none would be accomplished anyway, right?

I have to remind myself DAILY "that in me dwelleth no good thing"...I also must keep straight that personally I can not perform that which is good.

It has been one year since God chose to open my eyes. A year that has held not only shame, regrets, questions about my future, my calling, and anguish on my family, but also great personal and spiritual growth, a better awareness that the devil is always there...seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), and learning that through some of the greatest "tragedies" in life, come some of the greatest rewards for those who continue in God's call.

I am thankful to have the family, both human and spiritual, that I have...a God who is a God of second, third, fourth, etc chances...and an enhanced view of those around me, who are looking for someone who is real, not a facade on stage and in the public places, but in and out of season.

Our weaknesses prove the strength of the God we serve. Like I have said before..."A superman would have made it look easy. It took an ordinary man to make it look like God"...the world around us is looking for people who don't have all the answers all the time...to be a witness, we must allow ourselves to become more transparent and that does bring vulnerability, but God will bless if we let Him show through us...

As I stated in my Twitter post yesterday afternoon, my goal is to be able to look back each year and see how much I have grown and been used by God. This past year it is obvious, but shouldn't we see that kind of growth each and every year? This year, that is my goal...not a resolution!!!

What are your personal and spiritual goals for 2009? Or do you have resolutions? Is there a difference in your mind? Share your thoughts...

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!