Determination

In Ephesians 6 Paul speaks these words, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the enemy's plans…. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…."
One of the challenges that face the church today is the issue of being wimps, or weaklings. This verse challenges us that when we have done everything possible to stand our ground, then we stand our ground. It is an issue of determination. We have to be determined that we are going to stand our ground and win the next battle that comes our way. In Mark 2 there is a story of a paralyzed man who is taken by some of his friends to go see Jesus. When they get there the place is packed and they cannot get near Jesus. They could have said, "Oh well. We tried. I guess it wasn't meant to be." or "I guess you're not supposed to be healed." But that is not what they did. They were determined to see their friend healed. So they went up to the roof and cut a hole through it and lowered their friend down to Jesus where Jesus proceeded to heal the man. That was determination. Nobody said that being a Christian is easy. Some days, most days, it is hard work and takes great faith and determination.
There was a boxer on the late 1800's by the name of James J. Corbett. He became the heavyweight champion of the world. He was asked one time what the secret to his success was. He replied, "Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired that you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round." Today's fighters go at the most 12 rounds per fight. When I was a kid there were a few 15 round fights that I remember seeing. But I am going to tell you something that adds a little more weight to James Corbett's quote of "Fight one more round."
On May 21, 1891, Corbett fought Peter Black Prince Jackson, a bout between cross-town rivals, since Corbett and Jackson were boxing instructors at San Francisco's two most prestigious athletic clubs. They fought to a draw after 61 rounds. On September 7, 1892 at the Olympic Club in New Orleans, Louisiana, Corbett won the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship by knocking out John L. Sullivan in the 21st round. 
It's easy to fight when the battle is short. But if you are anything like me, you might have your own fight you are in and it feels like it is round 61. I am going to paraphrase the scripture and quote to close this post.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the enemy's plans.. When the fight comes, and it will, stand your ground! And after you have done everything to stand your ground, fight one more round!

Oasis Tonight

Just a reminder that we will be having adult bible study tonight along with all the children's programming. Hope to see you at 7 tonight! - Posted using BlogPress from my Itouch

Discontent

One of the diseases that infect our culture today is the disease of discontent. It seems like we are constantly striving to get the next best thing out there. Last night I was talking to a friend about golf balls. I know, probably not very interesting to you, but 20 years ago there were just a handful of brands and models of golf balls. Now, the list is endless. Titleist alone has 11 models. Nike, who didn't even make golf equipment 20 years ago, has 10. Every year the greatest, longest, and best golf balls are reinvented. Why? Because our culture is constantly looking for the newest, greatest, next best thing out there whether it be cars, TV's, phones, clothes, shoes, or even golf balls. We have become a culture of the discontent and it robs us of our peace.

Think about this… Many people don't get married because they are afraid that they will miss out on someone better. Discontent. Many marriages fail because the husband or wife feels like they have found someone else who will better meet their needs and love them. Discontent. People move from job to job because are discontent in their present job. Superstar athletes have fueled this. No longer are athletes staying with one or two teams over the course of their entire career. Last night the Cleveland Cavaliers were pasted by the Celtics. Early this morning they were already talking about Lebron James moving on to another team. Why? Discontent. And when discontent is in our lives, we cannot live in the peace of Christ.

Francis Assisi says this, "The devil never rejoices more than when he robs a servant of God of his peace of heart." This cultural disease has moved from mainstream society into churches today. People come and go through our doors all the time. They make the rounds from church to church. I call them free agent Christians. I know people who have come to Oasis who have moved on to other churches and have in the last 5 years attended 5 churches. Why? They get infected with discontent. To be quite honest, most of these people do not live very peaceful lives. A person who lives a discontent life cannot live a life of peace. They are diametrically opposed extremes.

Sometimes we need to just settle down and pray the words of Jesus, "I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift that the world cannot give. So do not be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

Are you filled with discontent? Then pray that the peace of Christ will come into your mind and heart today.

Test

Angry God vs Loving Father

Sometimes we get the idea that God is an angry God waiting to punish us, even taking joy in punishing us, when we make a mistake. The Bible is filled with verses of Judgement for those who reject him. It is true that without Him we face the cosequences for our choices. But His joy is not in punishing us. God's joy is in us embracing him. That is what brings him joy. Repentence, transformation, and love for Him and people. I read this verse today Ezekiel 33:11; 11 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die? Just as any loving father points out to his children what they will face as a cosequence for disobedience, God does the same. But his delight, joy, and Happiness comes from our love and obedience to Him. Once we obey him and receive His Son Jesus, we need not fear seeing him as angry at us.... He loves us! Make the segway from angry God to Loving Father today. - Posted using BlogPress from my Itouch