Pastor's Blog

“Know it? Then do it!”

Date: 10-24-14
Text: — James 4:17 — Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. [NIV84]
The Big Idea: Are we living our Christian Confession?

My Thoughts:
This morning’s Heartwork devotion once again parallels the sermon series. James makes it clear in the passage they used (James 2:15-17) and then hammers the nail one last time in 4:17 above!
Lifestyle Worshipers, you and I both know that whatever we do, in word or in deed, we do it all for the glory of God. So whether are skill sets are to be primarily used on Sundays or Monday through Saturday, they are to be used to bring glory to God.

That being said, let us weave the Heartwork homework into this reality, and ask some hard questions: Are we living our Christian Confession? Are we living what we know is right and true? Given the basic truth that awareness is not obligation, what issues or concerns have you been made aware of by our Heavenly Father that He does desire you to address? I spoke with one young man this week and his concern was for the homeless and disenfranchised during the winter season. He wants to purchase and open up a warehouse, or some similar building, as a crash pad to get warm. It won’t be a homeless shelter, per se, but simply a place to remove the chill from their bones. He is taking baby steps to act on this concern.
Has the Lord prompted you to do something? What steps, baby though they may be, are you taking to act on it? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian. — Luke 4:25-27 (NIV84)

Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
— John 5:19 (NIV84)

For I did not speak of My own accord, but the Father who sent Me commanded Me what to say and how to say it. I know that His command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told Me to say. — John 12:49-50 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus, as You always obey Your Father, obey the Father in and through me. Empowered me to meet those needs You have designed for me to meet. Let my footsteps faithfully follow You. In Your Name, Amen.

“Really, ‘Follow Me’?”

Date: 10-23-14

Text: — James 4:13-16 — ¹³Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. [*NIV84]

The Big Idea: Many of us have trust issues and will not follow unless we know where we are going.

My Thoughts:

Much of the book of James is inspired by the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew’s Gospel chapters 5-7. The passage noted above is roughly from Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.*” Further, James borrows heavily from the Book of Proverbs, as well. He comes to the place in his book where Pro. 27:1 directly applies: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.*” …

Lifestyle Worshipers, you may be wondering what this has to do with following the Lord, and with today’s Heartwork devotion. Well, wonder no more. … When we are asked to follow someone, isn’t our first question, “Where? Where are we going?” I think so. And for some, this is an innocent question like Mary’s to the angel Gabriel (see Luke 1:34), but many of us have trust issues and will not follow unless we know where we are going—like Zachariah’s question to the Angle (see Luke 1:18). …

So let us joyfully do the Heartwork homework, and unswerving search the Gospels for just a few tasks the Lord Jesus asks us who follow Him to do. Then, let us confront our trust issues as we follow Him to places we, as yet, cannot see. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

— 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV84)

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

— John 12:26 (NIV84)

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

— 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NKJV)

Lord Jesus, hold my hand ever tighter as I follow You, weaving through the crowd of doubt and uncertainty. Firm up my faith in You as I see with the eyes of faith that You will never lead me into temptation, but always in paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake. Where You are leading me, I will faithfully follow. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Gets the Facts First”

Date: 10-21-14

Text: — James 4:11-12 — ¹¹Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? [NIV]

The Big Idea: Leave the judging to the Lord.

My Thoughts:

In this morning’s Heartwork Devotion, we are told the story of the Jr. & Sr. high school students from Third Church in Pella, Iowa who got together with Heartwork to raise money for an orphanage in Uganda. They not only met their financial goal, they apparently doubled it. We cheer them on for this wonderful effort in Kingdom living!

Lifestyle Worshipers, have you prejudged the youth of today? Or have you seen all the facts before making a judgment? This morning we are hearing about this sacrifice of a dedicated youth group, but if you look around, particularly in our church, the youth are very involved in living the Life Jesus designs for them. No, it may not be as far a reach as Third Church’s youth, but then, you just may be surprised at what you do see, especially when you get the facts first. …

So whether it is prejudging youth or prejudging any brother or sister in Christ (or out), don’t you think it is best to leave the judging to the Lord? I do? How about you? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.

— Proverbs 18:13 (NIV84)

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.

— John 7:24 (NIV84)

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

— 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, may I bless and not curse what I do not know or understand. Grant me the wisdom and patience to wait for You to reveal what is needed to understand others better. In the meantime, Lord Jesus, Love them through me. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Mid Terms”

Date: 10-19-14

Text: — James 3:5-6 — ⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: The test is designed to see not only how well we have understood the material, but if we can apply the knowledge we have obtained.

My Thoughts:

If we go too long before we are tested, the knowledge we have obtained may slip away: The old, “Use it, or lose” Proposition. Thus, there are midterms in some of our classes. Yes, there are still daily pop quizzes, but the midterm tests how well the accumulated knowledge has be understood….

Lifestyle Worshipers, our midterms—as with the daily pop quizzes—are designed more as a practicum, much like being in a science lab or a gym glass. The test is designed to see not only how well we have understood the material, but if we can apply the knowledge we have obtained. We are now a little over half way through our annual Prayer & Fast Month. Because this year we have coupled this with the Heartwork devotions, I am curious as to how it is going. Several of you have shared with me about your fasting, and a few have talked about the Heartwork devotions. I know a couple of you who are using less technology and even walking places—and not just for health reasons!

So then, let us spur one another on by sharing how this has been going. I know for me, I am amazed at how the Heartwork Devotions are dovetailing with the passages in James I am presenting. Further, my fasting is offering me opportunities to really stop and ponder what I am doing and why I am doing it. I have made some changes, but I’m sure many more are in the wings. How about you? How would you respond to such a midterm? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

— Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV84)

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?

— Matthew 5:43-46 (NIV84)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit , the Spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind. May He honor the Lord Jesus Christ in everything I think, say and do. As He continues to transform my mind to be more like Jesus, may I act on His promptings and so bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“A Big Influence”

Date: 10-18-14

The Big Idea: Our tongues have a big influence on others, whether they hear it or not.

My Thoughts:

Our tongues have a big influence on others, whether they hear it or not. You know this. I’m not saying anything new. Further, James calls attention to the perplexing reality of the duplicity of this influence. And he asks us some sharply clarifying questions in vv. 11 & 12….

Lifestyle Worshipers, today’s Heartwork’s ‘homework’ is to make a list of the gifts, blessings, and/or skills the Lord has given us. To me, a part of this homework is using the gift of our tongues skillfully to bless others. So, to add to our homework today, let us go out of our way to make sure fresh water and delicious figs flow from our mouths that also praise our Lord for these wonderful gifts. We may never know how big an influence our tongues really have, but when we bless both the Creator & His creations, we will know it will be refreshing…. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

— Proverbs 15:4 (NIV84)

The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

— Matthew 12:35-37 (ESV)

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

— Proverbs 18:21 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, forgive me for blessing You while speaking ill of others. I have grievously sinned against You. I ask the Great Shepherd of my soul, the Lord Jesus Christ, by His shed blood to cleanse me from this unrighteousness. Create in me a pure heart so that I may walk in the Light as He is in the Light. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to only speak wholesome words of others while continuing to bless You from a cleansed heart . In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Small But Big”

Date: 10-16-14

Text: — James 3:5-6 — Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: If I whine when I get a ‘sliver,’ how will I respond when it is truly a cross?

My Thoughts:

The tongue, James tells us, is small but big. Though it is a small part of our bodies, it sure can make big boasts–boasts so big, in fact, that it can start a huge forest on fire…

Lifestyle Worshipers, do we make big boasts of our walk with Jesus? Do we spotlight the words of our faith neglecting the needs? Are you feeling the prick of the point as I am? Weaving its threads with this devotion is today’s Heartwork Devotion on “Co-Suffering with Christ.” Yep, I was one of those who boasted that I wanted to suffer for Jesus, but then He showed me the difference between slivers and crosses. If I whine when I get a ‘sliver,’ how will I respond when it is truly a cross? “Ouch” doesn’t quite capture it, does it? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. — Proverbs 15:2 (NIV84)

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. — Matthew 7:21 (NIV84)

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. — Titus 1:16 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, forgive me for promising much but delivering little; for making big boasts with little results. I ask the Great Shepherd of my soul, the Lord Jesus Christ, by His shed blood to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Create in me a pure heart so that I may walk in the Light as He is in the Light. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to match my talk to my walk. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“So You Want to be Religious”

Date: 10-14-14

Text: — James 1:26-27 — ²⁶ If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: ‘Religious’ words are mere ‘mutterings’ if not followed up with actions.

My Thoughts:

It is interesting that, in fact, James uses a very rare word for ‘religion’ in these verses. It appears to mean “mutter forms of prayer.” I believe he chose this word (through the Holy Spirit) to reflect on those who talk about how faithful and religious they are. Their ‘religious’ words are mere ‘mutterings’ if not followed up with actions. … And the actions? That’s what verse 27 addresses…

And it is this very subject that our devotion in Heartwork address: serving the orphans and widows among us. Lifestyle worshipers, there are widows and orphans all around us. Many, though living in traditional ‘families,’ have been disconnected or disenfranchised, as well, but by no direct fault of the parents—except that they have been swept up in the hurriedness and busyness of this polluted world. Do you think he was referring to this when he says, “Keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (v. 27)? Or could James also include other forms of soul pollution for the religious? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, He leads forth the prisoners with singing; — Psalm 68:5-6a (NIV84)

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. — John 14:18 (NIV84)

Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. — 1 Timothy 5:3-4 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, Your heart’s desire is to reconnect Your orphaned and widowed creation with Yourself. I ask the Great Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, to empower me to tend to the needs of those You have brought into my sphere of influence, even in my own household. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“A Faith Based on Who We Are”

Date: 10-11-14

Text: — 1 John 4:16 — And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him [NIV84]

The Big Idea: And the answer may surprise you, but out of this answer springs a ‘Shema’ faith.

My Thoughts:

Do you ever notice how you act when you are dressed a certain way. Maybe it’s when you wear your Sunday’s best or your running outfit, or your paintball gear, or that special homecoming dress, or just trying on wedding dresses…. You just act and feel differently. The same is true with your personal identity. I know I have more confidence when I consciously remember who I am in Christ—beyond what clothes I am wearing. ….

This morning’s Heartwork devotion, lifestyle worshipers, is very critical to how we act out our faith. After watching this video on “Who Am I: How do You Identify Yourself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsDQEb-qlyM) then really pursue the answer. And the answer may surprise you, but out of this answer springs a ‘Shema’ faith, … or not. Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

— Psalm 36:7 (NIV84)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

— Revelation 2:17 (NIV84)

for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

— 1 John 5:4-5 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, I know I need to be reminder over and over again that I am a one-of-a-kind specially crafted child of Yours. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am completely forgiven and wholly accepted by You. And all this is because of the high price You paid in Love. Your Son, my Lord, Jesus spent Himself completely for me. Dare I do any less for Him? Empower me, Lord Jesus Christ, to live a ‘Shema’ Faith,’ that is pleasing to You in all I think and do. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“What is a ‘Shema’ Faith?”

Date: 10-10-14

Text: — James 2:18 — ¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: A necessary element to ‘Shema,’ ‘to hear’ is to hear as to pay attention so to promptly and properly obey (or act on) what is heard.

My Thoughts:

First of all, the word, ‘Shema’ is Hebrew. Its primary meaning is to hear. It is not always translated so, however. This is because there is a necessary element to ‘Shema’: ‘to hear’ as to pay attention so to promptly and properly obey (or act on) what is heard….

Lifestyle worshipers, this morning’s Heartwork devotion reminds of us the healing grace found in our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father, especially through adoption (read Eph.1:3-10 for a fuller view of this). How does a ‘Shema’ Faith interweave with such overwhelming grace? Does not the beggar who found a feast share it with his friends? Is this the fruit of a ‘Shema’ faith? Or does it mean something else? Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. — Galatians 5:6 (NIV84)

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. — Matthew 7:24 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, as I seek Your face open my heart to what pleases You in heaven so I may do the same on earth. Forgive me for having dull ears and weak hands. In Your Grace and Mercy empower me by Your Spirit to walk in the power of a ‘Shema’ Faith,’ pleasing You in all I think and do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

“The Elephant in the Room”

Date: 10-08-14

Text: — James 2:14-17 — What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Let us not discount what He may be prompting us during this month of prayer and fasting to do.

My Thoughts:

Many issues are obvious, but we are cautious about addressing them. Because we’re afraid we may lose a friend or offend a loved one. Yet, there the proverbial elephant stands smack dab in the middle of the room. … But this doesn’t prevent James, the Just, old Camel Knees, himself; he does not pull any punches in the above verses: “Hey, guys, the elephant’s in the room—your faith needs to be address….

Lifestyle worshipers, does this make you nervous? I know it does me. It might require a life change or at the very least a loss of some convenience or ‘luxury’. Much, like Dr. Lockey (see this video: http://vimeo.com/43463138 ) in this morning’s Heartwork devotion. She made a radical change in her life. Do not dismiss her ‘radical’ action as if it is something you cannot do. It was personal; it was designed by our Heavenly Father for her. But let us also not discount what He may be prompting us during this month of prayer and fasting to do. Yep, the Elephant is in the room: “Can such faith save?”

Your thoughts?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. — Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV84)

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. — John 14:12 (NIV84)

Heavenly Father, as I seek Your face open my heart to what pleases You in heaven so I may do the same on earth. Forgive me for dismissing or discounting the apparent radical promptings I’m getting. In Your Grace and Mercy empower me by Your Spirit to walk in the freedom of knowing I am pleasing You in all I think and do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike