Don’t Ever Forget

I enjoyed this recent article by Jacob Hawk, the Preaching Minister at Faith Village Church of Christ in Wichita Falls, and I want to share it with you. Jacob will be speaking in July for our Wednesday night summer series.   – Brian

 
This past week I was blessed to see the new movie, Paul: Apostle of Christ. Though there was theatrical longitude in writing the script, it was fairly accurate to the biblical account of Acts, and remarkably accurate to the historical account of Christian life in Rome some 30-35 years following the death of Jesus. In those days, professing the name of Christ as a “Christian”, a “follower of the Way”, wasn’t casually done for acceptance or social benefit. It was literally a statement of life or death.
 
The actor playing the role of Paul made some wonderful statements throughout the movie, many coming directly from Scripture, but one statement really stuck with me—“We can’t ever forget what it was like to be lost, and we can’t ever forget what it was like to be found.” Such beautiful, convicting, God-honoring words. However, the statement also troubled me, because at times in my life, I’ve forgotten what it was like. Or maybe better said–I didn’t know how to remember it. Let me explain.
 

 



Prayer

As I write this on Thursday morning, it is the National Day of Prayer. Our nation had a long history of prayer before Harry Truman signed a law in 1952 setting aside the first Thursday in May for this purpose. I know that a setting aside a specific day annually for prayer is not a mandate from scripture, but I enjoy days like this where an increasingly secular culture takes a moment to remember God. It is also a good time to think about what scripture does say about prayer and the important role it plays in our relationship with Him. Jesus teaches us quite a bit about prayer in Matthew 6:5-13.

 

 

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

 

“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

 

What can we learn from the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6 about how we should pray?

  • Don’t pray to be seen. That kind of prayer put the focus in the wrong place and brings result that we do not want.
  • Remember that God knows what you need. Prayer is not dependent on profound words or an impressive vocabulary. It is heartfelt communication with our Creator.
  • Give glory to God for who He is and what He does.
  • Invite God to reign in your life and in the world.
  • Acknowledge that God’s will is greater than our own. We do not have all the answers or the perfect plan. He does.
  • Ask God about regular, physical needs and acknowledge that the things we have are a blessing from Him. This prayer can also help us overcome worry. (Matthew 6:26)
  • Ask forgiveness, and be prepared to forgive others. We should give the same level of forgiveness that we want to receive. (Matthew 18:21-22)
  • Temptation is all around us. Pray that we might avoid it entirely or overcome it when we encounter it. (Matthew 26:40-41)

 

Now that we see a little more about how we should pray, what do we know about why we should pray?

  • The kingdom, power and glory are His. He is the only one who has the power to answer and do.
  • Prayer works! The answer may not always be what we expect, but God hears and does. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

 

Let’s make sure that every day is a day of prayer in our lives.

 

– Brian

 

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”   – Romans 12:12



Proverbs Part 2

If you are not here regularly on Wednesday nights or you are part of another class, you might not know that our adult auditorium class just finished discussing themes in the book of Proverbs from a study called “Practical Proverbs” by Scott Franks.  The book is filled with short sayings that are long on wisdom. Wisdom is described in the Bible Knowledge Commentary as “having the ability to cope with life in a God-honoring way.” That is something we should all be striving to do. I wrote about the first half of that study several weeks ago. You can read that post by clicking here. As for the second half of the study, these are some of the big ideas that we talked about during our time together on Wednesdays.

 

Anger

There are good and bad kinds of anger. Good anger is often a reaction to injustice and motivates us to improving the situation and righting the wrong. Usually bad anger is selfish and leads to bad decisions. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” (Proverbs 29:11)

 

Quarreling

Some of us enjoy a good debate, but we can also be prone to pointless quarrels. The key to avoiding them is understanding their source and not fanning the flame once quarrels have started. “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” (Proverbs 26:20)

 

Marriage

It may seem humorous that the discussion of marriage came on the heels of lessons about anger and quarreling, but we realize the negative impact those things can have on a relationship. Our relationships should instead be filled with respect, honor and praise. “Houses and wealth are inherited from the parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:14)

 

Parents & Kids

Steven Covey talks about the “law of the farm.” Farmers understand that they should only expect a harvest of what they have planted and cultivated. If we have a desired outcome for our children’s lives, we must plant those seeds and nurture them through prayer, love and discipline. “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9).

 

Work

From the time man was placed in the garden, he was given a job to do. We have a need to do work, but how and why we do that work matters. We should not find our meaning in work, but it can be fulfilling. “He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” (Proverbs 12:11)

 

Balance and Contentment

For many in our culture, these are two of the biggest struggles. People tend to go to extremes and want bigger and better things. True contentment does not come with having everything we desire; it comes with acknowledging our need for God and being aware of His presence in our lives. “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.” (Proverbs 15:16)
 

– Brian



Parables in Life

When I came to visit Southwest last October, someone showed me a copy of Reese Scott’s book, Parables in My Life. After he passed away last week at age 96, I learned a lot about Reese through stories told by others. Then I found a copy of his book to read some of it in his own words. I’d like to share with you some of what he wrote in the closing pages of the book.
 

I cannot restrain a few thoughts, and maybe just a dash of advice, on living each day to the fullest. If I could turn back time, I would try to be a better husband by telling my beloved every day how much I adored her and by spending more time with her and our children and less time on my business. I would go to more school activities, more PTA meetings, more ball games… I would spend more time reading my Bible, more time in prayer, and more time walking closer with God, realizing that life without God has no meaning. I will tell everyone to spend less time or worry about what to eat or what clothes to wear. If you are an American, you already have too much food and too many clothes.

For a young person, seeking advice from someone who’s been there and done that, I can tell them a few things I have learned during my ninety years on Earth. Continue your education all your life, whether it be in the classroom or from your life’s experiences. Read the Bible… it will convert your life to Christian principles and give you peace. Pray often to your God, and He will lead you to your life’s service. Search until you find the right person to marry…this is the second most important decision in your life. When you get a job, do it with all your might. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes 9:1)

At the end of your life, you will find that the most important advice is to fear and to love God and keep His commandments as Solomon in his wisdom tells us. “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Fearing God is to realize that God is the Creator of man, the universe and all. That by your faith and His amazing grace, your life is in His hands. Fearing God will light the path of your life as long as you live. As I continue on life’s road to my end, not knowing where I will be or when it will end, my belief sustains me. I am persuaded that God will keep me until that day He calls me to Heaven for a life change with a new body that will not wear out. I will enter His kingdom with the certainty of my faith.

I offer a prayer of benediction: I wish for you the best for your life on this Earth, may God bless you, and may you have everlasting life. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

 

Thank you, Reese, for living out a parable to encourage all of us.

 

– Brian



The Power of Story

There has always been incredible power in a good story. Stories can teach and inspire. They can cause us to think. Good stories can illustrate ideas that are otherwise difficult to understand. They connect with people in ways beyond just the sharing of facts. Jesus was well aware of the power of story, and He used them frequently to explain deeply spiritual truths. He often did this using parables. Even His use of parables brought a question from His disciples that Jesus addressed in Matthew 13:10-13.

The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
 

He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’”

The first definition of parable that many of us heard is this: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus encountered many people, including His own apostles, who did not understand how God feels about the lost, what Christ followers should do for those in need, what to expect when sharing the gospel and countless other theological ideas. However, they did understand the basics of shepherding, farming and the dangers of travel. Jesus helped them connect those truths and illustrations through the use of parables.

For the next few months we will look at several of the parables of Jesus on Sunday mornings. These amazing stories still teach us today about the truths God wants us to understand. As we better understand His story and become better followers of His, He continues writing our story.

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NASB)

 

– Brian



Come and See

“Look!”  I can remember hearing that so many times when our kids were small. Sometimes they had discovered something new. Sometimes they had done something they thought was amazing. Sometimes they just needed to know I was interested and paying attention. They might have been diving into the pool for the first time or proud of a paper they brought home from school. There are other times for all of us that we have those “look” moments. We might do a double take or rewind the television to see if we just saw what we thought we saw. It could be the incredible or even unexplainable things that bring this reaction in us.

After His crucifixion the followers of Jesus were probably devastated. Their leader, teacher and friend was gone. Even though He had tried to prepare them for this moment, they struggle to understand. When Mary and Mary went to the tomb that morning, their plan was for the normal tasks done after a death. They did not expect to find an empty tomb. Instead of the lifeless body of their savior, they found an angel who told them to “come and see.”  Look!  They reacted with both fear and joy.

Nearly 2000 years after that resurrection morning, the tomb is still empty. His resurrection gives us hope and joy today. The angel told them to go and share the news of the empty tomb. We can share that same news to bring joy and hope to our world. He is risen; come and see!

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.  – Matthew 28:6 (ESV)

 

– Brian



Spring Break

I always enjoyed the week of spring break when I was in school. I was never much of a beach person, but I liked the time of relaxation or the opportunity to go somewhere fun. I miss it sometimes. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all still got that week off to enjoy? Although spring break can be a change from the usual schedule, it is a busy time here at Southwest.

Our youth group has spent the first half of spring break serving in our community. On Monday, they spent most of the day doing yard work. It’s amazing how much they accomplished in just one day. On Tuesday morning they got together for donuts then spent some time at Brookdale having a devotional and fellowship with the residents there. As I write this Wednesday morning they have unloaded food from the food bank truck, loaded it into our trailers and are unloading it again into the Yellow House for distribution next week. They will finish the week off with a fun afternoon on Friday. John always does a great job with our teens, and he put together plenty of service opportunities for them this week.

Several from our college ministry are spending the week in Haiti working with the Cap Haitien Children’s Home. David and Sarah are leading that group, and I know they will have lots of stories about the good things happening there to share when they return.

In the office we are beginning a time of transition as Paula prepares to retire at the end of the month, and Dana prepares to move into that role. A good church secretary is a blessing to the church and especially to those of us who are around the office regularly. Southwest has been blessed to have Paula in that position for nearly three decades, and we are looking forward to honoring her this Sunday.

I guess it doesn’t sound like much of a break, does it? Our spring break may be busy with work as usual, serving, traveling or relaxing. Whether we have the week off or spring break is a distant memory, let’s make the most of these opportunities to serve, go or rest.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  – Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

 

– Brian



You Wouldn’t Like Me When I’m Angry

Before the days of computer animation and incredible special effects, there was the TV show from the 1970’s, The Incredible Hulk. Instead of the computer generated Hulk we see in movies today, there was Bruce Banner (played by Bill Bixby). Due to an experiment gone wrong, his anger would trigger a change into the green, muscle-bound Hulk (played by Lou Ferrigno). When he knew things were heading that direction, he would warn people not to make him angry and say, “You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” Sometimes his anger was triggered by an injustice. Often it was influenced by with the actions of others toward him. That’s what gets me angry sometimes too. I don’t enjoy being mistreated by others. What makes you angry?

In our class on Proverbs last Wednesday we discussed anger and recognized that there are good and bad kinds of anger. There is a selfish, unhealthy anger that often begins with being wronged, inconvenienced or frustrated. When we hang onto that anger, we say things we later regret and make poor choices. We do, however, have the ability to keep that anger under control. There is also an anger that is unselfish and righteous. It might be the result of an injustice we see happening to others. That anger can motivate us to bring light to the injustice and right the situation. That is the kind of anger we see Jesus display occasionally.

In Mark 11, we find the story that most people think of when it comes to the anger of Jesus. He encounters people selling and exchanging money in the temple courts, and he turns over their tables. There’s a big difference between his anger and the anger we deal with much of the time. His anger is about how God is being treated. His anger flows from a place of worship becoming a marketplace. The gospel is full of accounts of Jesus being misunderstood, mistreated and maligned. We don’t see anger as the response there; we instead see it here in the temple courts. He is far more patient with how He is treated than with the Father being disrespected. We can learn from His example. What makes you angry?

– Brian

 

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”   (Proverbs 29:11)

 



Unfinished Business

Several of us from the Southwest Church spent time in Oklahoma City last weekend at the Affirming the Faith seminar. This year’s theme was “Unfinished Business.” The main idea through the keynote lessons and many of the classes is that there is still plenty of work for us to do. There is so much truth in those simple words.

Each of us has the responsibility and ability to share the good news of Jesus with those around us day to day. For many reasons, we convince ourselves that it is not something we can do or something that will be effective. Jesus speaks about those misconceptions with the parable of the sower in Matthew 13.  Seed is sown on a path, on rocky ground, among thorns and on good soil. As we might expect, seed sown in each area has different results.

The seed sown on the path is quickly eaten by birds. There are those we will tell about Jesus who will not understand or accept that good news. Even though the seed is good, growth never begins.

The seed sown on the rocky ground begins to grow but is scorched by the sun. Some will receive the good news well, but then life gets difficult. If their faith does not take root, they may soon leave it behind.

The seed sown among the thorns grows but is choked out by them. People may hear the message and even grow in faith, but as the world continues to bring them down they eventually give up.

The seed sown on good soil takes root, grows and multiplies. When we bring the gospel to people like this, their lives are changed. They share that experience with others who share it with others. Disciples make more disciples.

There are many truths we can learn from this parable, but here are five to think about.

  1. The seed is good regardless of the result. Whether it is accepted or rejected by those who hear it, the word of God is true.
  2. Don’t be discouraged when the results are not what you hope they will be. Jesus made it clear that results would vary. Just keep sharing the good news.
  3. Don’t assume that you will be rejected or that it cannot work. If we sow consistently enough, we will find the good soil.
  4. Remember that the kingdom growth goes beyond the people we share the good news with. That one person the gospel takes root with because of your efforts can share the gospel with countless more who may do the same. Your efforts have a real effect on the kingdom.
  5. It is up to each of us to sow the seed. We can all share the story of Jesus, and lives will be changed when we do.

 

Let’s get to work on our unfinished business this week!

– Brian

 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”   (Matthew 28:19-20)



In the Wilderness

I really appreciated David’s thoughts a couple weeks ago from the book of Numbers. It reminded me of a recent article by Wes McAdams who preaches for the Church of Christ on McDermott Road in Plano, Texas and is one of the teachers this year at the Affirming the Faith Seminar in Oklahoma City. Wes is reading though each book of the Bible in one sitting and sharing his ideas after each reading. Here is what he shared about the big ideas he learned from reading the book of Numbers.     – Brian
 
We call it “Numbers,” but the Jews call it, “In the Wilderness.” I much prefer their title. The title “Numbers,” makes it sound like the book is just about the censuses that were taken; it is so much more than that. As you know, I am reading each book of the Bible in one sitting. Here are a few of my thoughts after reading the book of Numbers. (Click here to continue reading.)