Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wait. Don’t you love that answer? I remember when I was a child, every time we would go to Wal-Mart I’d find a new toy tractor or action figure I wanted. And man, did I ever want it. As a matter of fact, I often felt like I needed it. I felt that it was a necessity, and my life just wouldn’t be complete without that new toy farm equipment or Batman action figure. And so I would bring on the sales pitch to my parents. But often, especially if I was nearing a birthday or Christmas, the answer I would get was a simple, “Wait.” Which, to me at the time, was as good as, “No.”
But without fail, my birthday would come around, or Christmas, and all wrapped up for me to receive were gifts. And do you know what seemed to be a trend? If that particular toy I’d spotted at Wal-Mart wasn’t there, I didn’t even miss it. Because when it was all said and done, though I didn’t have the exact one I wanted during that original visit to the store, I had something that may have even been better. It just always seemed to work out that way.
Have you ever come to God, begging and pleading for something that you just know you need? A job that is before you is absolutely perfect, and you fall on your knees asking for it. A relationship that means the world to you and you cry out to heaven for it. A college you’ve had your sights on for years and life just won’t be the same unless you get in. A house that is just perfect for your family and you just know you’ll be so happy there, and so you pray that God will make it happen. And He says, “Wait.” Which to you, might as well be, “No.”
But do you know what I believe you’ll find, as you travel further down the adventure highway we call life? There’ll be a better job for you down the road. You’ll find a deeper happiness than that relationship would have ever given you. God has a bigger plan for you than that particular college you’ve dreamed of. That house wasn’t a perfect fit for your family after all. And the bottom line? God is in control, He’s faithful, He’s awesome, and He’s always good.
I’m doing a bit of waiting myself these days. Is it easy? Not so much. Do I enjoy it? Not always. But my prayer for myself is one that I hope you’ll adopt as your own. When I get impatient, when I get frustrated, when I’m downright mad, I cry these words out to Jesus: “Lord, help me see You in this waiting.” And time, after time, after time, that’s just what I get. Him.
And whether or not I see something come to pass, or I just have to wait some more, at the end of the day, I’ve seen Him. And I’ve got to tell you the truth, that’s always good enough for me.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
That's it.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
That’s it. There was a time when I thought the list of things I “needed” was pretty long. I would have listed various everyday things like food, water, shelter, certain relationships, money, ministries of the past, friendships, hobbies, etc. And to my credit, at the time I honestly felt like I needed those things. Undoubtedly, as you read that list you probably think I’m crazy for not considering a few of them primary needs, now. After all, we DO need food, water, and shelter, right? Well follow me for a moment…
In the past 12 months I’ve been on a journey with Him that has led me into a place of learning what it is that I really need. And as I review that list above, most all of them have, at least for a time, been on shaky ground as to whether or not I would have them. Some of them have been taken away altogether. And guess what? I’m still here! And through all this He’s taught me one simple truth: He’s all I need.
That’s it. Him. He’s the sum total of all my needs. All wrapped up in the Godhead, there He is. All my needs met, through Him. Relationships may seem concrete and solid, but they can vanish in an instant. Friendships may seem like a rock, but even rocks chip and crack with time. Hobbies are so here today and gone tomorrow. Money has one universal truth about it: it’s made to disappear. Even ministries can be gone before you even get started, it seems. Oh, and food, water, and shelter: if I have Him, those are taken care of.
So can you see? That’s it! He’s all I need! Because He’s promised, “I’ll never leave you, nor forsake you.” He’s promised, “My God shall supply all your needs in Christ Jesus according to His riches in glory.” He’s said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, shelter, and clothing) will be added to you.” There are only 2 questions that you’ve got to answer this morning to settle this: Does God keep His promises? And do you trust Him?
Because once you answer those 2 questions, it’s done. So you think you have a lot of needs? Come to Him, give yourself completely to Him, and trust Him. And when you review your list of needs after that point, you’ll be able to say, “That’s it.”
God sure is faithful, isn’t He? :)
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
That’s it. There was a time when I thought the list of things I “needed” was pretty long. I would have listed various everyday things like food, water, shelter, certain relationships, money, ministries of the past, friendships, hobbies, etc. And to my credit, at the time I honestly felt like I needed those things. Undoubtedly, as you read that list you probably think I’m crazy for not considering a few of them primary needs, now. After all, we DO need food, water, and shelter, right? Well follow me for a moment…
In the past 12 months I’ve been on a journey with Him that has led me into a place of learning what it is that I really need. And as I review that list above, most all of them have, at least for a time, been on shaky ground as to whether or not I would have them. Some of them have been taken away altogether. And guess what? I’m still here! And through all this He’s taught me one simple truth: He’s all I need.
That’s it. Him. He’s the sum total of all my needs. All wrapped up in the Godhead, there He is. All my needs met, through Him. Relationships may seem concrete and solid, but they can vanish in an instant. Friendships may seem like a rock, but even rocks chip and crack with time. Hobbies are so here today and gone tomorrow. Money has one universal truth about it: it’s made to disappear. Even ministries can be gone before you even get started, it seems. Oh, and food, water, and shelter: if I have Him, those are taken care of.
So can you see? That’s it! He’s all I need! Because He’s promised, “I’ll never leave you, nor forsake you.” He’s promised, “My God shall supply all your needs in Christ Jesus according to His riches in glory.” He’s said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, shelter, and clothing) will be added to you.” There are only 2 questions that you’ve got to answer this morning to settle this: Does God keep His promises? And do you trust Him?
Because once you answer those 2 questions, it’s done. So you think you have a lot of needs? Come to Him, give yourself completely to Him, and trust Him. And when you review your list of needs after that point, you’ll be able to say, “That’s it.”
God sure is faithful, isn’t He? :)
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sore Muscles.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sore muscles. Last night we took about 30 of our Victory Kidz folks over to the skating rink here in town for Christian Skate night. We skated from 6 – 8, and had a great time. The kids were getting better by the minute, and I was so proud of them for taking the chance of falling in order to be up on those skates. Many spills later, they had a blast, and for that I’m thankful. I came home last night and crashed, and then I woke up this morning.
And here I sit, at my kitchen counter, trying not to move any more than absolutely necessary. I just don’t get it – I remember going skating when I was little and not having this problem. There was a day when I could swim dozens of laps around the pool, get out and go ride miles on my bike, and then play in the backyard for hours and still not be sore the next day. Those days – well, they’re safely tucked away in the scrap books. Because believe you me, they aren’t the days I’m living in right now!
I’ve got muscles that are sore that I didn’t even know existed. Turns out, I’ve got a lot of muscles in my body that don’t get used too often. So when they do get used (and abused, I might add) they are sore. Well maybe the simple word “sore” just doesn’t aptly describe the sensation I feel right now…let’s try “aching in ways that cannot be put into words.” Better.
How many times have you gone to church and been challenged by a message, or gone to church camp or a revival and walked away just a tad bit sore spiritually? Or you cracked open the Word for a few minutes to do a little reading and by the time you closed it you were just a bit “achy” from being challenged by Him? When we use physical muscles that are out of practice, they get sore. And when we step out of our box and begin to use spiritual muscles that are out of practice, we’re bound to be sore and stretched as well.
When’s the last time you told somebody about Jesus? When’s the last time you poured your heart out to Him in worship, even if nobody else was around? When’s the last time you spent some good, quality time in the Book? When’s the last time you spent some serious time in prayer, more than just blessing a meal? When’s the last time you served the needs of someone else, and it required a little sacrifice on your part? When?
If the Church will begin to rise up and be the Church, sure it may make us a little sore, but the end result? Well, the next time I go skating it won’t hurt quite as much and I’ll have a bit more stamina. So today, ask God to stretch you out of your box. Ask Him to make your spiritual muscles a little sore from doing what they aren’t used to. After all, the only way to build muscle mass is by making a little sacrifice for the cause.
John the Baptist said this in John 3:30, “He must increase and I must decrease.” Make that your prayer today.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Sore muscles. Last night we took about 30 of our Victory Kidz folks over to the skating rink here in town for Christian Skate night. We skated from 6 – 8, and had a great time. The kids were getting better by the minute, and I was so proud of them for taking the chance of falling in order to be up on those skates. Many spills later, they had a blast, and for that I’m thankful. I came home last night and crashed, and then I woke up this morning.
And here I sit, at my kitchen counter, trying not to move any more than absolutely necessary. I just don’t get it – I remember going skating when I was little and not having this problem. There was a day when I could swim dozens of laps around the pool, get out and go ride miles on my bike, and then play in the backyard for hours and still not be sore the next day. Those days – well, they’re safely tucked away in the scrap books. Because believe you me, they aren’t the days I’m living in right now!
I’ve got muscles that are sore that I didn’t even know existed. Turns out, I’ve got a lot of muscles in my body that don’t get used too often. So when they do get used (and abused, I might add) they are sore. Well maybe the simple word “sore” just doesn’t aptly describe the sensation I feel right now…let’s try “aching in ways that cannot be put into words.” Better.
How many times have you gone to church and been challenged by a message, or gone to church camp or a revival and walked away just a tad bit sore spiritually? Or you cracked open the Word for a few minutes to do a little reading and by the time you closed it you were just a bit “achy” from being challenged by Him? When we use physical muscles that are out of practice, they get sore. And when we step out of our box and begin to use spiritual muscles that are out of practice, we’re bound to be sore and stretched as well.
When’s the last time you told somebody about Jesus? When’s the last time you poured your heart out to Him in worship, even if nobody else was around? When’s the last time you spent some good, quality time in the Book? When’s the last time you spent some serious time in prayer, more than just blessing a meal? When’s the last time you served the needs of someone else, and it required a little sacrifice on your part? When?
If the Church will begin to rise up and be the Church, sure it may make us a little sore, but the end result? Well, the next time I go skating it won’t hurt quite as much and I’ll have a bit more stamina. So today, ask God to stretch you out of your box. Ask Him to make your spiritual muscles a little sore from doing what they aren’t used to. After all, the only way to build muscle mass is by making a little sacrifice for the cause.
John the Baptist said this in John 3:30, “He must increase and I must decrease.” Make that your prayer today.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, September 27, 2010
Auto-Correct.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Auto-correct. Saturday morning was Jake’s funeral at Friendship Baptist Church in Vilonia. It was a tough service for all of us there, and there were a LOT of us there. Standing room only all over the Friendship Church Campus. I saw friends from Vilonia that I hadn’t seen in years. One such friend and I have started talking regularly again as of late. And this friend has moved to Northwest Arkansas in recent years. So during their visit to the Conway area, they texted me and told me they were going to Stoby’s, because they missed it dearly.
So I typed up a simple response that I thought was fitting for someone going to Stoby’s. I simply typed, “Eat lots of cheese dip for me!” That’s simple enough, right? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a master orator to type or say a sentence like that. But I also have an Apple iPhone, and it has this wonderful feature on it called “auto-correct.” And when it thinks you have typed something you didn’t mean to type, it corrects you, as if it has the ability to read your mind. It’s a phone, a cell phone – have I mentioned that yet? Anyway, the auto-correct feature kicked in with that text, and I just happened to catch it before it sent. You’ll never guess what it replaced “Eat lots of cheese dip for me” with…
“Eat lots of geese drip for me.” Geese drip – I don’t even know what that is. Honestly, I’m not sure I want to. Nevertheless, there it was – the auto-correct feature strikes again. Oh, this isn’t the first time this phone has tried to make me look like an idiot. But it was, by far, the most dramatic episode as of yet. I caught it, thankfully, but it just brought something to mind. I turned that feature off for a few minutes last night, but quickly found that for all the headaches it caused me, I was used to it adding punctuation and spelling corrections to my texts and emails…so it’s back on now.
Auto-correct – wouldn’t that be a neat feature to have in life in general? There are a lot of mistakes and bad choices in my life, and in others’ lives that have affected me that would have turned out vastly different, had we all had an auto-correct feature. If we were about to mess up, and automatically our lives were corrected. But it just doesn’t work that way – we aren’t robots. We're free moral agents. And God intended it to be just that way.
Had He made us robots, our love for Him, or others, wouldn’t have been sincere. So instead of “auto-correct,” the child of God has “spell checker.” God shows us, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, where we’ve erred and which direction He wants for us to go. He leads us, and guides us, and never leaves us on our own. And the great news is: this feature never makes mistakes! It’s always right on.
So here’s to a great, Spirit-filled, spell checked day for us all. And remember: eat lots of geese drip for me!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Auto-correct. Saturday morning was Jake’s funeral at Friendship Baptist Church in Vilonia. It was a tough service for all of us there, and there were a LOT of us there. Standing room only all over the Friendship Church Campus. I saw friends from Vilonia that I hadn’t seen in years. One such friend and I have started talking regularly again as of late. And this friend has moved to Northwest Arkansas in recent years. So during their visit to the Conway area, they texted me and told me they were going to Stoby’s, because they missed it dearly.
So I typed up a simple response that I thought was fitting for someone going to Stoby’s. I simply typed, “Eat lots of cheese dip for me!” That’s simple enough, right? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a master orator to type or say a sentence like that. But I also have an Apple iPhone, and it has this wonderful feature on it called “auto-correct.” And when it thinks you have typed something you didn’t mean to type, it corrects you, as if it has the ability to read your mind. It’s a phone, a cell phone – have I mentioned that yet? Anyway, the auto-correct feature kicked in with that text, and I just happened to catch it before it sent. You’ll never guess what it replaced “Eat lots of cheese dip for me” with…
“Eat lots of geese drip for me.” Geese drip – I don’t even know what that is. Honestly, I’m not sure I want to. Nevertheless, there it was – the auto-correct feature strikes again. Oh, this isn’t the first time this phone has tried to make me look like an idiot. But it was, by far, the most dramatic episode as of yet. I caught it, thankfully, but it just brought something to mind. I turned that feature off for a few minutes last night, but quickly found that for all the headaches it caused me, I was used to it adding punctuation and spelling corrections to my texts and emails…so it’s back on now.
Auto-correct – wouldn’t that be a neat feature to have in life in general? There are a lot of mistakes and bad choices in my life, and in others’ lives that have affected me that would have turned out vastly different, had we all had an auto-correct feature. If we were about to mess up, and automatically our lives were corrected. But it just doesn’t work that way – we aren’t robots. We're free moral agents. And God intended it to be just that way.
Had He made us robots, our love for Him, or others, wouldn’t have been sincere. So instead of “auto-correct,” the child of God has “spell checker.” God shows us, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, where we’ve erred and which direction He wants for us to go. He leads us, and guides us, and never leaves us on our own. And the great news is: this feature never makes mistakes! It’s always right on.
So here’s to a great, Spirit-filled, spell checked day for us all. And remember: eat lots of geese drip for me!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, September 24, 2010
Regular Maintenance.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Regular Maintenance. It’s a wonderful concept, and one that applies to so many different areas of life. Your car will last longer if you get the oil changed every 5,000 or so miles. You need to rotate your tires, changes air filters, change wiper blades, etc. You’re a/c unit at your home will last longer if you have it serviced occasionally, and change the filters. Oh, and your teeth will be in much better shape if you make regular visits to the dentist instead of just going every few years like someone I know (that’d be me.)
This morning I have a dentist appointment because I don’t like to go to the dentist. That’s right – I’m scared. And I’m not afraid to admit it, either. I haven’t been to the dentist in about 2 years, which is actually not as long of a gap in time as before the last time I went. It seems that I only can make myself go when I get to the point of excruciating pain because of a cavity or some other issue with my teeth. When it comes to regular maintenance, well, I just can’t make myself overcome my fear to go. I have to be motivated by the necessity that pain brings, but by then it’s usually a much bigger ordeal than if I had just gone every 6 months or so for a regular check up.
Oh, how similar this is to our relationship with God, don’t you think? Many of us only go to Him when we are in pain – when we are in desperate need of His help. When a friend or family member gets sick we turn to Him. When we have a tragedy of some type, or when it seems like our life is falling apart – then we go to the Rock. And He’s always there, and I’m thankful for that. But what if we did things differently?
What if instead of going to Him when a crisis came, we went to Him regularly? What if we allowed Him to do “regular maintenance” on our hearts and lives daily? I’m not saying you have to spend hours upon hours a day reading His Word and praying, but a few minutes a day is better than nothing.
I’m seriously considering making regular, 6 month appointments with the dentist to make sure I don’t get in this predicament again, that’s for sure. Why don’t you join me – make regular visits with Him. Set aside a time every day to talk to Him, and let Him talk back through reading a bit of His Word. I read a chapter each morning for my Quiet Time. I read a bit more than that later in the day usually, but I treasure that chapter each morning. God speaks such volumes to me every single time I open His Book. He’ll do the same for you.
So right now – why don’t you make an appointment with Him? Don’t wait until the cavities drive you to your knees…
PS: Please pray for the Pruett family. Jake’s visitation is tonight from 6 – 8 and his funeral is tomorrow morning at 10am, both at Friendship Baptist Church.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Regular Maintenance. It’s a wonderful concept, and one that applies to so many different areas of life. Your car will last longer if you get the oil changed every 5,000 or so miles. You need to rotate your tires, changes air filters, change wiper blades, etc. You’re a/c unit at your home will last longer if you have it serviced occasionally, and change the filters. Oh, and your teeth will be in much better shape if you make regular visits to the dentist instead of just going every few years like someone I know (that’d be me.)
This morning I have a dentist appointment because I don’t like to go to the dentist. That’s right – I’m scared. And I’m not afraid to admit it, either. I haven’t been to the dentist in about 2 years, which is actually not as long of a gap in time as before the last time I went. It seems that I only can make myself go when I get to the point of excruciating pain because of a cavity or some other issue with my teeth. When it comes to regular maintenance, well, I just can’t make myself overcome my fear to go. I have to be motivated by the necessity that pain brings, but by then it’s usually a much bigger ordeal than if I had just gone every 6 months or so for a regular check up.
Oh, how similar this is to our relationship with God, don’t you think? Many of us only go to Him when we are in pain – when we are in desperate need of His help. When a friend or family member gets sick we turn to Him. When we have a tragedy of some type, or when it seems like our life is falling apart – then we go to the Rock. And He’s always there, and I’m thankful for that. But what if we did things differently?
What if instead of going to Him when a crisis came, we went to Him regularly? What if we allowed Him to do “regular maintenance” on our hearts and lives daily? I’m not saying you have to spend hours upon hours a day reading His Word and praying, but a few minutes a day is better than nothing.
I’m seriously considering making regular, 6 month appointments with the dentist to make sure I don’t get in this predicament again, that’s for sure. Why don’t you join me – make regular visits with Him. Set aside a time every day to talk to Him, and let Him talk back through reading a bit of His Word. I read a chapter each morning for my Quiet Time. I read a bit more than that later in the day usually, but I treasure that chapter each morning. God speaks such volumes to me every single time I open His Book. He’ll do the same for you.
So right now – why don’t you make an appointment with Him? Don’t wait until the cavities drive you to your knees…
PS: Please pray for the Pruett family. Jake’s visitation is tonight from 6 – 8 and his funeral is tomorrow morning at 10am, both at Friendship Baptist Church.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Passion.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Passion. It’s a word so often used to describe the love between two people. You hear people say that someone is “passionately in love.” I guess it’s fitting, but have you ever stopped to think about the passion that God has for us?
Real, authentic passion is a motivator. If someone is half-hearted about something, if they don’t feel up to it they’ll quit. We’ve seen that as true in relationships, jobs, ministries, even marriages, as sad as that may be. It just seems as though if someone’s heart isn’t totally in it, they’re eventually gone. But if someone has passion, real passion, you can’t run them off if you try.
It seems as I look at the cross that’s the word that comes to mind the most. It was God’s passion for humanity that sent Jesus there. No matter how great the Sacrifice, He wanted our sin dealt with so He could have fellowship and relationship with us, not just here but forever. And the Sacrifice was great, don’t miss that. For all eternity past (don’t think about it too long, it’ll make your brain hurt) God the Father and God the Son had been together. He was there at creation. He was there through all the Old Testament stuff. He was there. And now, look at the cross. He’s there, too.
The difference is, on the cross He doesn’t look much like a mighty Creator. On the cross He doesn’t look much like a King of kings or Lord of lords. On the cross He looks beaten, bloodied, carrying the heavy weight of the sin of all mankind, past, present, and future. He almost looks defeated. But just hold on. That won’t last long.
They buried Him in a borrowed tomb. After all, He’d only need it for a few days. And just as He promised, 3 days later He got up. Come on, I hope as you read that you at least bounced a bit in your seat. I said, HE GOT UP! He wasn’t defeated! The King of kings and Lord of lords got up! And because He got up, we can have victory over whatever comes our way, even death! His passion for us was greater, even than death. That’s good stuff. But what about us – are we returning the favor?
After He got up He appeared to a couple of disciples on the road to Emmaus. In the last chapter of Luke, they said after they realized it was Him and He was gone, that their “hearts burned within them while He was speaking to them on the road.” That, my friends, is passion. To have a heart literally on fire. And the recipe for that passion? Let Jesus talk to you. And the way we do that? Talk to Him (prayer), and let Him talk to you (His Word.) Do we want to be dry and dead, or do we want passion? I, for one, don’t want to just be smoldering embers. A wild fire is more what I had in mind…
PS: Please pray for the Pruett Family as they prepare for Jake's funeral on Saturday morning.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Passion. It’s a word so often used to describe the love between two people. You hear people say that someone is “passionately in love.” I guess it’s fitting, but have you ever stopped to think about the passion that God has for us?
Real, authentic passion is a motivator. If someone is half-hearted about something, if they don’t feel up to it they’ll quit. We’ve seen that as true in relationships, jobs, ministries, even marriages, as sad as that may be. It just seems as though if someone’s heart isn’t totally in it, they’re eventually gone. But if someone has passion, real passion, you can’t run them off if you try.
It seems as I look at the cross that’s the word that comes to mind the most. It was God’s passion for humanity that sent Jesus there. No matter how great the Sacrifice, He wanted our sin dealt with so He could have fellowship and relationship with us, not just here but forever. And the Sacrifice was great, don’t miss that. For all eternity past (don’t think about it too long, it’ll make your brain hurt) God the Father and God the Son had been together. He was there at creation. He was there through all the Old Testament stuff. He was there. And now, look at the cross. He’s there, too.
The difference is, on the cross He doesn’t look much like a mighty Creator. On the cross He doesn’t look much like a King of kings or Lord of lords. On the cross He looks beaten, bloodied, carrying the heavy weight of the sin of all mankind, past, present, and future. He almost looks defeated. But just hold on. That won’t last long.
They buried Him in a borrowed tomb. After all, He’d only need it for a few days. And just as He promised, 3 days later He got up. Come on, I hope as you read that you at least bounced a bit in your seat. I said, HE GOT UP! He wasn’t defeated! The King of kings and Lord of lords got up! And because He got up, we can have victory over whatever comes our way, even death! His passion for us was greater, even than death. That’s good stuff. But what about us – are we returning the favor?
After He got up He appeared to a couple of disciples on the road to Emmaus. In the last chapter of Luke, they said after they realized it was Him and He was gone, that their “hearts burned within them while He was speaking to them on the road.” That, my friends, is passion. To have a heart literally on fire. And the recipe for that passion? Let Jesus talk to you. And the way we do that? Talk to Him (prayer), and let Him talk to you (His Word.) Do we want to be dry and dead, or do we want passion? I, for one, don’t want to just be smoldering embers. A wild fire is more what I had in mind…
PS: Please pray for the Pruett Family as they prepare for Jake's funeral on Saturday morning.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Miracles.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Miracles. When we read the New Testament (and Old for that matter), we see so many miracles. Jesus performed His first public miracle at a wedding in Cana when He turned water into wine. We see Him later on healing the blind, deaf, mute, lame, sick, even raising the dead. These are all miraculous things, we’d all agree. God-sized acts that only He can do – that’s a miracle. And for the past 21 days we’ve been praying for just that for Jake. Well, Jake got his miracle.
Last night something truly God-sized happened. We’ve been praying for Jake to be healed. We’ve been praying, and very fervently I might add, that God would lay His healing hand on Jake and raise him up. Last night he passed from this world into the presence of God. And many of us, at least for a few moments, have wondered why. Let’s be honest, okay? I’ve wondered why some get healed and others don’t. I’ve asked why others in worse shape even than Jake was have pulled through. And can I tell you what answer I’ve gotten, deep within my spirit from Him?
Jake was healed. And not with a temporary healing, but with an eternal one. Last night God sent a holy band of escort angels from heaven to a CCU room at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. When they arrived, they found Jake fighting, as he had been for 20 days. They found him fighting hard, but they found him tired. It seems as though he would conquer one battle only to find himself in another one. And I can almost hear God the Father saying to His angels, “Jake’s mine, and he’s tired. Bring him on home.” And with that, his healing came.
So we hurt. We don’t hurt for Jake, because we know he’s infinitely better off now than we are. We hurt for Nikki, his wife of just a few months. We hurt for his parents and family, who are experiencing an ache that few can understand. We hurt for all of his friends, whether they talked to him all the time or haven’t spoken to him in years. We hurt for the Vilonia community that rallied together in support of Jake. We hurt.
But can I tell you one more thing? God’s an expert at giving comfort to the hurting. He knows just what we need, just as He knew just what Jake needed. And so today, though I hurt, I pray. Nikki, and all of your family – you’re being lifted up to the Throne today, and will be every day that is to come. And when you don’t know how to pray, and just don’t know how in the world you’ll make it through the pain and loneliness, I pray these three words – these three simple yet profound words – will give you hope and comfort: God Is Faithful.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Miracles. When we read the New Testament (and Old for that matter), we see so many miracles. Jesus performed His first public miracle at a wedding in Cana when He turned water into wine. We see Him later on healing the blind, deaf, mute, lame, sick, even raising the dead. These are all miraculous things, we’d all agree. God-sized acts that only He can do – that’s a miracle. And for the past 21 days we’ve been praying for just that for Jake. Well, Jake got his miracle.
Last night something truly God-sized happened. We’ve been praying for Jake to be healed. We’ve been praying, and very fervently I might add, that God would lay His healing hand on Jake and raise him up. Last night he passed from this world into the presence of God. And many of us, at least for a few moments, have wondered why. Let’s be honest, okay? I’ve wondered why some get healed and others don’t. I’ve asked why others in worse shape even than Jake was have pulled through. And can I tell you what answer I’ve gotten, deep within my spirit from Him?
Jake was healed. And not with a temporary healing, but with an eternal one. Last night God sent a holy band of escort angels from heaven to a CCU room at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. When they arrived, they found Jake fighting, as he had been for 20 days. They found him fighting hard, but they found him tired. It seems as though he would conquer one battle only to find himself in another one. And I can almost hear God the Father saying to His angels, “Jake’s mine, and he’s tired. Bring him on home.” And with that, his healing came.
So we hurt. We don’t hurt for Jake, because we know he’s infinitely better off now than we are. We hurt for Nikki, his wife of just a few months. We hurt for his parents and family, who are experiencing an ache that few can understand. We hurt for all of his friends, whether they talked to him all the time or haven’t spoken to him in years. We hurt for the Vilonia community that rallied together in support of Jake. We hurt.
But can I tell you one more thing? God’s an expert at giving comfort to the hurting. He knows just what we need, just as He knew just what Jake needed. And so today, though I hurt, I pray. Nikki, and all of your family – you’re being lifted up to the Throne today, and will be every day that is to come. And when you don’t know how to pray, and just don’t know how in the world you’ll make it through the pain and loneliness, I pray these three words – these three simple yet profound words – will give you hope and comfort: God Is Faithful.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Servant Leadership
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Servant Leadership. Have you ever heard that term? I have heard it used in so many different ways that I had to double check to make sure I still knew what it meant. This morning in my quiet time with Him, I read from Luke 22. The Apostles were having a discussion over who among them was the greatest. I think their motives were good, I think they were just asking Jesus who He wanted to be the main leader, who deserved the role the most, who He trusted to lead this group the best. They’d had other talks about this before, when a mom of a couple of apostles even requested that Jesus put her sons right next to him in heaven’s seating arrangement. I think it’s really amazing what Jesus says in Luke 22, though.
He said that “whoever is greatest must become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.” That’s pretty potent talk, really. One of the constant characteristics of Jesus and His ministry was always humility. He was the Son of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. If anyone deserved to have folks bow down and worship them it was Him. Yet what do we find Him doing with His time on this earth? He’s touching the blind, lame, deaf, mute, and crippled so they could be healed. He’s giving His attention to the “unclean” lepers that no one else even wanted to look at, let alone heal. He’s kneeling down and washing the apostles’ feet. He’s showing us what He wants us to look like – humility!
Let’s be honest – it’s sometimes hard to embrace humility. I began preaching when I was 14 years old, and immediately began doing youth revivals, filling in for pastors on Sunday mornings and nights, and just speaking constantly. I was barely a teenager, and here I was standing in front of tons of people telling them what God’s Word said about their lives. And for a bit, I let it go to my head – in a big way. I thought I had really attained some status in life. I thought that surely if I was this busy at this age, that I’d certainly be the next Billy Graham. I really thought I was something else – that I had the solution to all that ailed the world. Boy, was I ever wrong AND right.
In and of myself, I’m nothing. Anything that God has ever used me to accomplish has been His doing, not my own. I’m simply like a glove, and He’s the hand. If I’m walking full of Him, things happen. If I’m empty, I’m a hollowed out man. As it turns out, I did have the solution to what ails the world – the Gospel. But many times I was so full of myself that the message of the Gospel was overshadowed by the message of me. God, may it never, ever, ever be so again.
So today, I’m going to try to be last. I want to be a servant leader. I want to lead by example. I want to embrace humility as a lifestyle. Because compared to the One I work for, everything I am, everything I have, and everything He does for me is really because of one thing and one thing alone: grace. And I’m totally okay with that.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Servant Leadership. Have you ever heard that term? I have heard it used in so many different ways that I had to double check to make sure I still knew what it meant. This morning in my quiet time with Him, I read from Luke 22. The Apostles were having a discussion over who among them was the greatest. I think their motives were good, I think they were just asking Jesus who He wanted to be the main leader, who deserved the role the most, who He trusted to lead this group the best. They’d had other talks about this before, when a mom of a couple of apostles even requested that Jesus put her sons right next to him in heaven’s seating arrangement. I think it’s really amazing what Jesus says in Luke 22, though.
He said that “whoever is greatest must become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant.” That’s pretty potent talk, really. One of the constant characteristics of Jesus and His ministry was always humility. He was the Son of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. If anyone deserved to have folks bow down and worship them it was Him. Yet what do we find Him doing with His time on this earth? He’s touching the blind, lame, deaf, mute, and crippled so they could be healed. He’s giving His attention to the “unclean” lepers that no one else even wanted to look at, let alone heal. He’s kneeling down and washing the apostles’ feet. He’s showing us what He wants us to look like – humility!
Let’s be honest – it’s sometimes hard to embrace humility. I began preaching when I was 14 years old, and immediately began doing youth revivals, filling in for pastors on Sunday mornings and nights, and just speaking constantly. I was barely a teenager, and here I was standing in front of tons of people telling them what God’s Word said about their lives. And for a bit, I let it go to my head – in a big way. I thought I had really attained some status in life. I thought that surely if I was this busy at this age, that I’d certainly be the next Billy Graham. I really thought I was something else – that I had the solution to all that ailed the world. Boy, was I ever wrong AND right.
In and of myself, I’m nothing. Anything that God has ever used me to accomplish has been His doing, not my own. I’m simply like a glove, and He’s the hand. If I’m walking full of Him, things happen. If I’m empty, I’m a hollowed out man. As it turns out, I did have the solution to what ails the world – the Gospel. But many times I was so full of myself that the message of the Gospel was overshadowed by the message of me. God, may it never, ever, ever be so again.
So today, I’m going to try to be last. I want to be a servant leader. I want to lead by example. I want to embrace humility as a lifestyle. Because compared to the One I work for, everything I am, everything I have, and everything He does for me is really because of one thing and one thing alone: grace. And I’m totally okay with that.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, September 20, 2010
He's coming.
Monday, September 20, 2010
He’s coming. Did you know that? He is. Oh, I know there are plenty of folks that are skeptics. They say things like, “Preachers have been saying for generation after generation that He’s coming back, and He has yet to…” And they’re right. For generations preachers have been proclaiming that Jesus is coming soon, and He hasn’t yet. But He’s one day closer than He was yesterday, and that’s good news enough for me.
There are many reasons I have full faith that He’s returning, to be honest. But the main one – the foundational reason I believe that He is – well, that’s simple: He said He was. In this book we call the Bible there are actually 66 books compiled together. These books were written by about 40 men over a period of about 1500 years. These men didn’t have email or cell phones. They couldn’t collaborate their stories or information. Yet here it is – God’s Word – inspired by Him through the pens of men. And never once does it contradict itself. That’s pretty impressive.
So when I’m reading its pages and I run across words like, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory,” my ears perk up. This is a promise, and an awfully good one at that. He’s promised to not leave us in this messed up world forever. He’s coming back – and I trust Him to keep that promise.
I know He can be trusted because He has never broken a promise yet. It’s just that simple. He always keeps them. As a matter of fact, breaking promises isn’t within His character at all. In His holiness and perfection as God, He can only keep His Word. And I’m okay with that, honestly. The only catch is, since He’s coming back, and could at any moment, am I okay with Him coming back at any time in my life?
Are there any things in my personal life that I would be embarrassed for Him to return during? Yes, I know He sees and knows all we do anyway, but there’s something extra intimidating about Him actually returning for me while I’m in the midst of some awful decision, ya know? His return is going to happen in the “twinkling of an eye.” That is a reference to the amount of time it takes for light to glisten off the surface of our eyeball…that’s quick.
He’s coming back. He really is. Are you ready? Are we ready? Is our life ready?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
He’s coming. Did you know that? He is. Oh, I know there are plenty of folks that are skeptics. They say things like, “Preachers have been saying for generation after generation that He’s coming back, and He has yet to…” And they’re right. For generations preachers have been proclaiming that Jesus is coming soon, and He hasn’t yet. But He’s one day closer than He was yesterday, and that’s good news enough for me.
There are many reasons I have full faith that He’s returning, to be honest. But the main one – the foundational reason I believe that He is – well, that’s simple: He said He was. In this book we call the Bible there are actually 66 books compiled together. These books were written by about 40 men over a period of about 1500 years. These men didn’t have email or cell phones. They couldn’t collaborate their stories or information. Yet here it is – God’s Word – inspired by Him through the pens of men. And never once does it contradict itself. That’s pretty impressive.
So when I’m reading its pages and I run across words like, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory,” my ears perk up. This is a promise, and an awfully good one at that. He’s promised to not leave us in this messed up world forever. He’s coming back – and I trust Him to keep that promise.
I know He can be trusted because He has never broken a promise yet. It’s just that simple. He always keeps them. As a matter of fact, breaking promises isn’t within His character at all. In His holiness and perfection as God, He can only keep His Word. And I’m okay with that, honestly. The only catch is, since He’s coming back, and could at any moment, am I okay with Him coming back at any time in my life?
Are there any things in my personal life that I would be embarrassed for Him to return during? Yes, I know He sees and knows all we do anyway, but there’s something extra intimidating about Him actually returning for me while I’m in the midst of some awful decision, ya know? His return is going to happen in the “twinkling of an eye.” That is a reference to the amount of time it takes for light to glisten off the surface of our eyeball…that’s quick.
He’s coming back. He really is. Are you ready? Are we ready? Is our life ready?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, September 17, 2010
God Myth #4: Grace & Consequence
Friday, September 17, 2010
God Myth #4: Grace & Consequence. “Oh to grace, how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be…teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it, mount of Thy redeeming love!” There’s something about the grace of God that blows our minds. We just can’t seem to wrap our heads around the fact that God would love us enough to send His only Son Jesus to pay for our sin – to be our replacement. But that’s exactly what He did. That’s the nature of grace.
However, the sad truth is that sometimes we use “the grace of God as a license to sin,” as Paul wrote in the New Testament. We seem to think that because we’ve received the unmerited, unearned favor of God through what Jesus did, that we can somehow get away with sin now. We almost live as though there are no consequences anymore. But that’s just not the way it works.
Paul wrote to the Galatians that “whatever a man sows, that shall He also reap.” He said that “God is not mocked.” He was talking to church people – to those who had trusted Christ. What he was saying was simple: if you sow to the flesh, you’ll reap corruption and negative consequences. If you sow to the Spirit, you’ll reap life. This rule of life is so very true, even in the year 2010 for us.
If I plant a squash seed, I expect to get a squash plant. If I plant a watermelon seed, I expect to get a watermelon plant. That’s the universal law of sowing and reaping – you get what you sow, and you always get more than you sow as well.
If my life is spent sowing to the flesh, doing what feels good, yet I know it goes against what He’s called me to and called me from, I’ll reap bad consequences. And the reaping will be greater than the sowing – it’s just the way it works. May we never buy the lie of the enemy that so long as nobody knows it’s okay. God knows, and He’s the One that sends the harvest, whether good or bad.
“Those who the Lord loves, He chastens.” Just like a good parent disciplines their child to teach them the best way to live, so God disciplines us to keep us from falling back into the life of sin that will hurt, and even kill us. So today, take note of what kind of seeds you’re planting with your life. Because when the harvest starts coming in, it’s so painful to see a life wasted on ourselves, instead of invested in the things of God.
I pray that though my sins are forgiven by Him, I never again, even for a moment, take for granted the grace of God upon my life. My eternity is sealed, but this life can still bring about consequences for my choices.
May all our seeds sprout with life, and may our harvest be plentiful and kingdom filled.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
God Myth #4: Grace & Consequence. “Oh to grace, how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be…teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it, mount of Thy redeeming love!” There’s something about the grace of God that blows our minds. We just can’t seem to wrap our heads around the fact that God would love us enough to send His only Son Jesus to pay for our sin – to be our replacement. But that’s exactly what He did. That’s the nature of grace.
However, the sad truth is that sometimes we use “the grace of God as a license to sin,” as Paul wrote in the New Testament. We seem to think that because we’ve received the unmerited, unearned favor of God through what Jesus did, that we can somehow get away with sin now. We almost live as though there are no consequences anymore. But that’s just not the way it works.
Paul wrote to the Galatians that “whatever a man sows, that shall He also reap.” He said that “God is not mocked.” He was talking to church people – to those who had trusted Christ. What he was saying was simple: if you sow to the flesh, you’ll reap corruption and negative consequences. If you sow to the Spirit, you’ll reap life. This rule of life is so very true, even in the year 2010 for us.
If I plant a squash seed, I expect to get a squash plant. If I plant a watermelon seed, I expect to get a watermelon plant. That’s the universal law of sowing and reaping – you get what you sow, and you always get more than you sow as well.
If my life is spent sowing to the flesh, doing what feels good, yet I know it goes against what He’s called me to and called me from, I’ll reap bad consequences. And the reaping will be greater than the sowing – it’s just the way it works. May we never buy the lie of the enemy that so long as nobody knows it’s okay. God knows, and He’s the One that sends the harvest, whether good or bad.
“Those who the Lord loves, He chastens.” Just like a good parent disciplines their child to teach them the best way to live, so God disciplines us to keep us from falling back into the life of sin that will hurt, and even kill us. So today, take note of what kind of seeds you’re planting with your life. Because when the harvest starts coming in, it’s so painful to see a life wasted on ourselves, instead of invested in the things of God.
I pray that though my sins are forgiven by Him, I never again, even for a moment, take for granted the grace of God upon my life. My eternity is sealed, but this life can still bring about consequences for my choices.
May all our seeds sprout with life, and may our harvest be plentiful and kingdom filled.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 16, 2010
God Myth #3: Distance
Thursday, September 16, 2010
God Myth #3: Distance. Have you ever felt far from God? Almost like when you pray He’s so far away there’s no possible way He hears? Or when you worship it just feels different? Like God is detached – far off – distant? I’m sure we’ve all probably felt this way at some time or another at different times in our relationship with God. And we start to wonder, Why did God wander off from me? There’s where we’re wrong – He never moved.
It’s been said that if we find ourselves distant from God it’s not His fault – we’re the one that moved. And that is true. His Word is very clear about the fact that He’s promised to “never leave us or forsake us,” that He’s the “same yesterday, today, and forever,” and that He’s that “friend that sticks closer than a brother.” So how in the world can we feel distant from Him? That’s simple: our choices.
By our daily choices we can draw near to Him, or push Him further away. It’s the same with any relationship. Husbands and wives can get closer by the day or let their marriage fall apart. Friends can get stronger or weaker. Co-workers can build tighter bonds or slowly begin to work against each other. The difference is that in our relationship with God we’re given this guarantee by James: “Draw near to God, and He’ll draw near to you.” So there’s yet another promise that God will always keep: if we initiate closeness with Him, He’ll always, without fail, move closer to us. That’s good stuff.
So today, I’ll share with you just what I told our Victory Students last night at Real Life – would you take a moment to evaluate your relationship with God? If you’re distant, don’t blame Him. He’s already done everything necessary to be close to you. He sent His Son Jesus to remove the sin barrier that existed between Him and you. And He’s promised to never, ever, ever, ever walk away from you once you’re His. So if you feel far off, a long way away, like God’s distant…when and where did you move? Because the Truth is, He’s where He’s been all along.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
God Myth #3: Distance. Have you ever felt far from God? Almost like when you pray He’s so far away there’s no possible way He hears? Or when you worship it just feels different? Like God is detached – far off – distant? I’m sure we’ve all probably felt this way at some time or another at different times in our relationship with God. And we start to wonder, Why did God wander off from me? There’s where we’re wrong – He never moved.
It’s been said that if we find ourselves distant from God it’s not His fault – we’re the one that moved. And that is true. His Word is very clear about the fact that He’s promised to “never leave us or forsake us,” that He’s the “same yesterday, today, and forever,” and that He’s that “friend that sticks closer than a brother.” So how in the world can we feel distant from Him? That’s simple: our choices.
By our daily choices we can draw near to Him, or push Him further away. It’s the same with any relationship. Husbands and wives can get closer by the day or let their marriage fall apart. Friends can get stronger or weaker. Co-workers can build tighter bonds or slowly begin to work against each other. The difference is that in our relationship with God we’re given this guarantee by James: “Draw near to God, and He’ll draw near to you.” So there’s yet another promise that God will always keep: if we initiate closeness with Him, He’ll always, without fail, move closer to us. That’s good stuff.
So today, I’ll share with you just what I told our Victory Students last night at Real Life – would you take a moment to evaluate your relationship with God? If you’re distant, don’t blame Him. He’s already done everything necessary to be close to you. He sent His Son Jesus to remove the sin barrier that existed between Him and you. And He’s promised to never, ever, ever, ever walk away from you once you’re His. So if you feel far off, a long way away, like God’s distant…when and where did you move? Because the Truth is, He’s where He’s been all along.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
God Myth #2: Beliefs
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
God Myth #2: Beliefs. We live in a world of beliefs. Everyone has them about just about everything. Even those who claim that they don’t believe have beliefs. So it really should not catch us totally off guard when we hear this claim that “It doesn’t matter what you believe really, so long as you’re sincere.” We hear that everywhere, even from folks who many consider leaders in the “world of Christianity.” I’m just not so sure that makes much sense, though.
Seriously – what does it say about the One we believe in if there’s no settled truth about Him? To me, that is almost like saying, “My beliefs bring me comfort, but they really aren’t true. Everyone needs comfort at times, so it doesn’t matter what you believe so long as you have something that gives you that comfort.” I think more of my God than that. Much more.
There are those out there that honestly believe that God isn’t that concerned about what we believe, so long as we’re “seeking after Him.” The only problem with that is that He poured out His Spirit into about 40 men over a period of about 1,500 years to compile a Book we call the Bible, and in it, He says a few things about Himself and what we believe. The bottom line, Jesus Himself said in the Gospel of John, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.” Call me crazy, but that sounds a little bit closed minded to me.
So in a world of pluralism, I hope we can see that though everyone has opinions on everything under the sun, opinions/beliefs are a different issue when it comes to God. It’s not about what we think, feel, or even believe. It’s all about Who He is. And that’s settled.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
God Myth #2: Beliefs. We live in a world of beliefs. Everyone has them about just about everything. Even those who claim that they don’t believe have beliefs. So it really should not catch us totally off guard when we hear this claim that “It doesn’t matter what you believe really, so long as you’re sincere.” We hear that everywhere, even from folks who many consider leaders in the “world of Christianity.” I’m just not so sure that makes much sense, though.
Seriously – what does it say about the One we believe in if there’s no settled truth about Him? To me, that is almost like saying, “My beliefs bring me comfort, but they really aren’t true. Everyone needs comfort at times, so it doesn’t matter what you believe so long as you have something that gives you that comfort.” I think more of my God than that. Much more.
There are those out there that honestly believe that God isn’t that concerned about what we believe, so long as we’re “seeking after Him.” The only problem with that is that He poured out His Spirit into about 40 men over a period of about 1,500 years to compile a Book we call the Bible, and in it, He says a few things about Himself and what we believe. The bottom line, Jesus Himself said in the Gospel of John, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.” Call me crazy, but that sounds a little bit closed minded to me.
So in a world of pluralism, I hope we can see that though everyone has opinions on everything under the sun, opinions/beliefs are a different issue when it comes to God. It’s not about what we think, feel, or even believe. It’s all about Who He is. And that’s settled.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
God Myth #1: Goodness
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
God Myth #1: Goodness. Our society at large tries to convince us that mankind is by nature good. Just yesterday a well known cable news personality that I happen to think a lot of said these words, “People are good. We are just, by nature, deep down inside, good.” There’s only one tiny problem with that idea…it’s wrong. God’s Word says we are, by nature, just the opposite. Every single one of us has sinned, according to Romans 3:23. Just ponder on this idea with me for a moment, would ya?
I don’t ever remember my parents having to give me a lesson in how to lie. I didn’t have to be taught that – I was born a pro! I never received a lesson in how to steal. Nor did I have to have lessons on disobeying my parents, or disrespecting them. I didn’t have to be taught how to hate people, or treat them badly. I never remember seeing anyone giving murder lessons, or writing self-help books on how to commit adultery. Nope, we don’t need help with this stuff. We were born professionals.
But I do remember my parents trying to raise me up to learn how to live in honesty. They taught me how to respect others, including them. How to love people, and treat them the way I wanted to be treated. They taught me it was wrong to take something that wasn’t mine, and to hurt someone or kill them wasn’t right. And purity – there’s another trait I had to be taught as I grew up. Because by nature, I wasn’t good, and neither are you. By nature, we’re messed up.
Think about it – do you really think if there had been another way, that God would have still sacrificed His only begotten Son on the cruel cross in such a horrific way? If getting to God was a multiple choice test – if we can just attain goodness that is enough to make us right with Him, would Jesus have had to go through what He went through? Absolutely not. To try to be convinced that we are naturally good is to say that what Jesus did wasn’t really necessary. That we can just become who we’re supposed to be on our own because, after all, we’re naturally good anyway.
No, God knew that we were, and are, totally depraved sinners. Not only are we naturally not good, there’s nothing good in or about us. The truth is, we weren’t born knowing goodness. As soon as we were big enough, we were getting into everything we could get our hands on. So the first of our “God Myth Series” is this: we aren’t good. He is. That’s why He gave us Jesus.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
God Myth #1: Goodness. Our society at large tries to convince us that mankind is by nature good. Just yesterday a well known cable news personality that I happen to think a lot of said these words, “People are good. We are just, by nature, deep down inside, good.” There’s only one tiny problem with that idea…it’s wrong. God’s Word says we are, by nature, just the opposite. Every single one of us has sinned, according to Romans 3:23. Just ponder on this idea with me for a moment, would ya?
I don’t ever remember my parents having to give me a lesson in how to lie. I didn’t have to be taught that – I was born a pro! I never received a lesson in how to steal. Nor did I have to have lessons on disobeying my parents, or disrespecting them. I didn’t have to be taught how to hate people, or treat them badly. I never remember seeing anyone giving murder lessons, or writing self-help books on how to commit adultery. Nope, we don’t need help with this stuff. We were born professionals.
But I do remember my parents trying to raise me up to learn how to live in honesty. They taught me how to respect others, including them. How to love people, and treat them the way I wanted to be treated. They taught me it was wrong to take something that wasn’t mine, and to hurt someone or kill them wasn’t right. And purity – there’s another trait I had to be taught as I grew up. Because by nature, I wasn’t good, and neither are you. By nature, we’re messed up.
Think about it – do you really think if there had been another way, that God would have still sacrificed His only begotten Son on the cruel cross in such a horrific way? If getting to God was a multiple choice test – if we can just attain goodness that is enough to make us right with Him, would Jesus have had to go through what He went through? Absolutely not. To try to be convinced that we are naturally good is to say that what Jesus did wasn’t really necessary. That we can just become who we’re supposed to be on our own because, after all, we’re naturally good anyway.
No, God knew that we were, and are, totally depraved sinners. Not only are we naturally not good, there’s nothing good in or about us. The truth is, we weren’t born knowing goodness. As soon as we were big enough, we were getting into everything we could get our hands on. So the first of our “God Myth Series” is this: we aren’t good. He is. That’s why He gave us Jesus.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, September 13, 2010
Feelings.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Feelings. I think that’s probably one of the biggest differences in childhood and adulthood. Feelings. When you’re a child, one trait of the immaturity of such a young age is the fact that so much of what you do is driven by those feelings. How many times do we hear a small child say to his parents, “But I don’t want to…” “But I don’t feel like it…” I remember those mornings when I would wake up and try to put together a good plan to get to stay home from school because I didn’t feel like going. Usually it failed, though. Turns out, my parents could see through my feelings.
This morning I’m thinking about this, because when I woke up at 5am, my feelings were telling me to stay in bed. The alarm was screaming at me (both of them), but my feelings were saying, “NO! Not yet! You’re not done with your dreaming! Just stay here! Call in sick for the bus route…get a sub. You need some more sleep!” Those were my feelings, and had I bowed down to them as I did so often as an immature child, I’d still be in bed right now and a substitute bus driver would be getting ready to pick up my kids. And in a couple hours I’d be very regretful of that decision.
But instead, I put my feelings on the shelf. It just didn’t matter how I “felt”…the fact of the matter is, I have to get up at 5am, I have to go drive the bus, I have to get some things accomplished today at the church, and that’s the way it is. And undoubtedly, many of you reading this understand that reality on a Monday morning, don’t you? So all this talk of feelings drove my mind to another reality…how many of us let feelings drive our relationship with God into the ditch?
There are, no doubt, days when we don’t feel like praying. There are days when we don’t feel like cracking open God’s Word and reading. There are definitely days when we don’t feel like sharing Him with folks that don’t know Him yet. There are days we just don’t feel up to worshiping. And there are Sundays or Wednesdays that we don’t really feel like going to church. But just as is the case with the other areas of life, it’s in those times that we have to put our feelings on the shelf. It’s in those times that we have to ask ourselves, “Am I an immature child in my faith, or am I growing up in Him? Will who I am in Him be determined by what I feel, or by my obedience?”
So there’s the paradigm: feelings or obedience? Which will you choose today? As for me, I’ll sign off here, go jump on the big yellow joy-ride called a school bus, and fulfill my other responsibilities today, after having started my day, and week, off strong with Him in His Word. And though I didn’t feel like it at the moment, I have to admit – in hindsight it sure feels great to have chosen obedience.
PS: Please pray for Jake today. It appears they'll begin to wean him off the meds that have kept him sedated since the accident. Pray he wakes up like he needs to. God is working!!!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Feelings. I think that’s probably one of the biggest differences in childhood and adulthood. Feelings. When you’re a child, one trait of the immaturity of such a young age is the fact that so much of what you do is driven by those feelings. How many times do we hear a small child say to his parents, “But I don’t want to…” “But I don’t feel like it…” I remember those mornings when I would wake up and try to put together a good plan to get to stay home from school because I didn’t feel like going. Usually it failed, though. Turns out, my parents could see through my feelings.
This morning I’m thinking about this, because when I woke up at 5am, my feelings were telling me to stay in bed. The alarm was screaming at me (both of them), but my feelings were saying, “NO! Not yet! You’re not done with your dreaming! Just stay here! Call in sick for the bus route…get a sub. You need some more sleep!” Those were my feelings, and had I bowed down to them as I did so often as an immature child, I’d still be in bed right now and a substitute bus driver would be getting ready to pick up my kids. And in a couple hours I’d be very regretful of that decision.
But instead, I put my feelings on the shelf. It just didn’t matter how I “felt”…the fact of the matter is, I have to get up at 5am, I have to go drive the bus, I have to get some things accomplished today at the church, and that’s the way it is. And undoubtedly, many of you reading this understand that reality on a Monday morning, don’t you? So all this talk of feelings drove my mind to another reality…how many of us let feelings drive our relationship with God into the ditch?
There are, no doubt, days when we don’t feel like praying. There are days when we don’t feel like cracking open God’s Word and reading. There are definitely days when we don’t feel like sharing Him with folks that don’t know Him yet. There are days we just don’t feel up to worshiping. And there are Sundays or Wednesdays that we don’t really feel like going to church. But just as is the case with the other areas of life, it’s in those times that we have to put our feelings on the shelf. It’s in those times that we have to ask ourselves, “Am I an immature child in my faith, or am I growing up in Him? Will who I am in Him be determined by what I feel, or by my obedience?”
So there’s the paradigm: feelings or obedience? Which will you choose today? As for me, I’ll sign off here, go jump on the big yellow joy-ride called a school bus, and fulfill my other responsibilities today, after having started my day, and week, off strong with Him in His Word. And though I didn’t feel like it at the moment, I have to admit – in hindsight it sure feels great to have chosen obedience.
PS: Please pray for Jake today. It appears they'll begin to wean him off the meds that have kept him sedated since the accident. Pray he wakes up like he needs to. God is working!!!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, September 10, 2010
Remember?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Do you remember? It will be 9 years ago tomorrow. September 11th, 2001. That date will never be the same for me. I remember where I was when news came of the first plane flying into Tower 1. And I remember where I was when I watched the second plane fly into Tower 2, live. I remember the emotions. I can still taste the uncertainty and, honestly, fear, in my mouth. It was a scary day. It was a tragic day. Do you remember?
Fast forward 9 years. The date is September 10th, 2010. Debates are waging over the merit of the war we’re fighting. Fighting in Washington has grown to all time levels, and, as with any election year, ads on TV bashing political candidates are on constantly. The biggest concern to most, it seems, is whether there is a “D” or an “R” next to the name on the ballot in a couple months. But do we remember?
There were no democrats or republicans on that day. There wasn’t any fighting over who should get credit for tough decisions. We were simply Americans. All of us. Red and yellow, black and white. Regardless of our background, regardless of our upbringing. We were proudly united under the banner of the red, white and blue. I remember seeing Old Glory flying everywhere and having tears come to my eyes each and every time I saw her. Do you remember?
So tomorrow, fly your flag. Get emotional when you see her waving in the breeze. Thank a soldier for their immense sacrifice. Place your hand over your heart and pledge your allegiance to the flag. And remember. Remember that on that ever so tragic day, God comforted us, strengthened us, and gave us the resolve to stand together against a common enemy. Remember. God bless the USA.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Do you remember? It will be 9 years ago tomorrow. September 11th, 2001. That date will never be the same for me. I remember where I was when news came of the first plane flying into Tower 1. And I remember where I was when I watched the second plane fly into Tower 2, live. I remember the emotions. I can still taste the uncertainty and, honestly, fear, in my mouth. It was a scary day. It was a tragic day. Do you remember?
Fast forward 9 years. The date is September 10th, 2010. Debates are waging over the merit of the war we’re fighting. Fighting in Washington has grown to all time levels, and, as with any election year, ads on TV bashing political candidates are on constantly. The biggest concern to most, it seems, is whether there is a “D” or an “R” next to the name on the ballot in a couple months. But do we remember?
There were no democrats or republicans on that day. There wasn’t any fighting over who should get credit for tough decisions. We were simply Americans. All of us. Red and yellow, black and white. Regardless of our background, regardless of our upbringing. We were proudly united under the banner of the red, white and blue. I remember seeing Old Glory flying everywhere and having tears come to my eyes each and every time I saw her. Do you remember?
So tomorrow, fly your flag. Get emotional when you see her waving in the breeze. Thank a soldier for their immense sacrifice. Place your hand over your heart and pledge your allegiance to the flag. And remember. Remember that on that ever so tragic day, God comforted us, strengthened us, and gave us the resolve to stand together against a common enemy. Remember. God bless the USA.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Just shocking!
Thursday, September 09, 2010
“Well, that’s a shocker!” Have you ever heard some unexpected revelation about someone you know or know of, and responded with that? For some reason when someone falls short of perfection and we hear of it, it knocks us off our feet, especially if we hold them in high regard. We tend to put certain people on a high pedestal, don’t we? In our lives, we seem to think there are some people that are, I don’t know, above failure. But should it really shock us when a sin sick humanity messes up?
Oh, to the contrary. I actually think it should be quite the opposite. When someone does something innately good we should probably be impressed. Truth be told, that’s a lot less common than failure and fallings. When someone helps someone in need, we should be pleasantly surprised. When someone goes and visits someone in the hospital, we should be caught a little off guard. When someone shares a kind word with you on a particularly bad day, it should make us stop and think. Before you start typing up an email of disdain for what I’m saying, just think about it.
When we get shocked by some failure and misstep of someone, what do we do? Although it’s wrong and we should be ashamed, more times than not most folks talk about it. After all, it’s a worthy conversation topic, or so we think. We hold that person up, above a sin nature, or so it seems. So when they fall down, it gets our attention. We don’t expect that. But when it’s all said and done, we are a fallen race. Humanity isn’t naturally good, as so many today want us to believe. We’re naturally bad – naturally sinners – naturally screw ups. So when someone does what comes natural to them, should it shock us?
But when someone does something different, something good, something righteous, well, that’s swimming upstream. That’s going against the flow. That’s doing something supernatural by supernatural, God-given power, and that means they have done something shocking. Why shouldn’t we talk about that? Why shouldn’t that be a worthy topic of conversation? Example: when a pastor falls, everyone, and I mean, everyone, talks about it, don’t they? But if that same pastor went every day of that week to visit someone in the hospital, or nursing home, or that was shut in their home, do we give that the same attention? Pretty sure we all know the answer.
They say good news doesn’t sale. Well, believers, let’s change that rule amongst ourselves beginning today. Let’s focus on the good news. Let’s talk about when people do something spectacular, and lay off of them when they fall. Pray for them, and try to help them back up, but don’t let it shock you. Jesus said in Luke 14:11 that those to “exalt themselves will be humbled,” and those who “humble themselves will be exalted.” Humility brings with it a deeper understanding of the fact that I am, in fact, not better than anyone on earth. That Christ lives in me, and that makes the difference, not my own goodness, because I am very much lacking in that department.
So today – find someone’s good stuff to talk about. You’ll be amazed how much better your day will end up when you focus on the positive in others.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
“Well, that’s a shocker!” Have you ever heard some unexpected revelation about someone you know or know of, and responded with that? For some reason when someone falls short of perfection and we hear of it, it knocks us off our feet, especially if we hold them in high regard. We tend to put certain people on a high pedestal, don’t we? In our lives, we seem to think there are some people that are, I don’t know, above failure. But should it really shock us when a sin sick humanity messes up?
Oh, to the contrary. I actually think it should be quite the opposite. When someone does something innately good we should probably be impressed. Truth be told, that’s a lot less common than failure and fallings. When someone helps someone in need, we should be pleasantly surprised. When someone goes and visits someone in the hospital, we should be caught a little off guard. When someone shares a kind word with you on a particularly bad day, it should make us stop and think. Before you start typing up an email of disdain for what I’m saying, just think about it.
When we get shocked by some failure and misstep of someone, what do we do? Although it’s wrong and we should be ashamed, more times than not most folks talk about it. After all, it’s a worthy conversation topic, or so we think. We hold that person up, above a sin nature, or so it seems. So when they fall down, it gets our attention. We don’t expect that. But when it’s all said and done, we are a fallen race. Humanity isn’t naturally good, as so many today want us to believe. We’re naturally bad – naturally sinners – naturally screw ups. So when someone does what comes natural to them, should it shock us?
But when someone does something different, something good, something righteous, well, that’s swimming upstream. That’s going against the flow. That’s doing something supernatural by supernatural, God-given power, and that means they have done something shocking. Why shouldn’t we talk about that? Why shouldn’t that be a worthy topic of conversation? Example: when a pastor falls, everyone, and I mean, everyone, talks about it, don’t they? But if that same pastor went every day of that week to visit someone in the hospital, or nursing home, or that was shut in their home, do we give that the same attention? Pretty sure we all know the answer.
They say good news doesn’t sale. Well, believers, let’s change that rule amongst ourselves beginning today. Let’s focus on the good news. Let’s talk about when people do something spectacular, and lay off of them when they fall. Pray for them, and try to help them back up, but don’t let it shock you. Jesus said in Luke 14:11 that those to “exalt themselves will be humbled,” and those who “humble themselves will be exalted.” Humility brings with it a deeper understanding of the fact that I am, in fact, not better than anyone on earth. That Christ lives in me, and that makes the difference, not my own goodness, because I am very much lacking in that department.
So today – find someone’s good stuff to talk about. You’ll be amazed how much better your day will end up when you focus on the positive in others.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Surprise!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Surprises: don’t you just love them? I remember when I was younger at my birthday or Christmas my parents always wanted what my gifts were to be a surprise. And I never did. I always wanted to know. I wanted to know so badly, that I have to admit, I’ve been guilty a time or two of sneaking a peak. The famous “hiding place” my parents had for gifts was in their closet, tucked away behind clothes, and a few other places. And occasionally I would sneak away while they were pre-occupied to try and snoop to find what my surprise was. And the truth be told, that probably ruined the excitement for them and me when the time came to open those gifts. But that didn’t matter to me – I wanted to know then, not later.
I went to pay my sales tax on my truck yesterday and got a little surprise. Apparently, the total cost is going to be about $200 more than the estimate given me by the dealership when I bought the thing. Ya see, some surprises aren’t very exciting to receive. But that’s life, right?
We shouldn’t let it catch us off guard when life throws us a “curve ball” of sorts. If there’s one thing we can learn from our life experiences it’s this: nothing is predictable. How true is that! Absolutely NOTHING in this life is certain, apart from our relationship with the One Who hold tomorrow.
Do you remember that old song, “I don’t know about tomorrow, it may bring me poverty…I won’t worry o’er the future, because I know what Jesus said. And today He’ll be my portion, because He knows what lies ahead. Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand. But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand!”
As one of the greatest men of God I’ll probably ever know once used to say, “No matter what breaks, rips, or tears, we’re gonna serve God!” Well, I want that to be my testimony. No matter what surprises may be in store. No matter what “curve balls” may be thrown my way. No matter how the wind may get knocked out of my sails, I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand. And the place that He’s leading me? Well, that’s simple: it’s to Him. And that, my friends, is so very much worth the journey.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Surprises: don’t you just love them? I remember when I was younger at my birthday or Christmas my parents always wanted what my gifts were to be a surprise. And I never did. I always wanted to know. I wanted to know so badly, that I have to admit, I’ve been guilty a time or two of sneaking a peak. The famous “hiding place” my parents had for gifts was in their closet, tucked away behind clothes, and a few other places. And occasionally I would sneak away while they were pre-occupied to try and snoop to find what my surprise was. And the truth be told, that probably ruined the excitement for them and me when the time came to open those gifts. But that didn’t matter to me – I wanted to know then, not later.
I went to pay my sales tax on my truck yesterday and got a little surprise. Apparently, the total cost is going to be about $200 more than the estimate given me by the dealership when I bought the thing. Ya see, some surprises aren’t very exciting to receive. But that’s life, right?
We shouldn’t let it catch us off guard when life throws us a “curve ball” of sorts. If there’s one thing we can learn from our life experiences it’s this: nothing is predictable. How true is that! Absolutely NOTHING in this life is certain, apart from our relationship with the One Who hold tomorrow.
Do you remember that old song, “I don’t know about tomorrow, it may bring me poverty…I won’t worry o’er the future, because I know what Jesus said. And today He’ll be my portion, because He knows what lies ahead. Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand. But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand!”
As one of the greatest men of God I’ll probably ever know once used to say, “No matter what breaks, rips, or tears, we’re gonna serve God!” Well, I want that to be my testimony. No matter what surprises may be in store. No matter what “curve balls” may be thrown my way. No matter how the wind may get knocked out of my sails, I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand. And the place that He’s leading me? Well, that’s simple: it’s to Him. And that, my friends, is so very much worth the journey.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Simply Unpredictable
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Unpredictable. That’s life, right? And it seems like if we have plans for life, more times than not they fall through. Sometimes it’s no big deal, and other times it’s heartbreaking. But that’s life – unpredictable. If there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s not to put too much stock in those plans – those dreams. There’s nothing wrong with them, and I think it’s healthy to dream a little. And it’s certainly wise to make some plans. But don’t base your entire life on them. And the reason – well, it’s simple: chances are, those plans and dreams will not come true, more times than not.
And as hard as that is for us to accept, it’s really just a reminder of Who it is that’s really in charge. “I know the Master of the wind. I know the Maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again. I know the Master of the wind.” Seems like we all want Him as our Savior, but what about our Lord? Are we really okay with Him steering our life in a totally different direction from that which we’ve tried to chart for ourselves?
It’s painful when change comes. It’s painful when the unpredictability of life sweeps us off our feet. And it’s painful when our dreams and plans are changed right before our eyes. And for those of us mere humans who can only see the right now, it doesn’t really make much sense. But to Him who sees the beginning, middle, and end of the parade we call life, all at once: it’s just all part of the Master plan.
Luke 12:6 – 7 tells us of our value to Him. He cares when a sparrow falls, so how much more does He care when we hurt? Just because He tends to steer us in a direction that may at times be painful, doesn’t at all mean He doesn’t hurt with us in those times.
So today, look up. He knows what He’s doing. Trust Him. And when you don’t know how to react, or what else to say, just remember: GIF. God Is Faithful. Always.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Unpredictable. That’s life, right? And it seems like if we have plans for life, more times than not they fall through. Sometimes it’s no big deal, and other times it’s heartbreaking. But that’s life – unpredictable. If there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s not to put too much stock in those plans – those dreams. There’s nothing wrong with them, and I think it’s healthy to dream a little. And it’s certainly wise to make some plans. But don’t base your entire life on them. And the reason – well, it’s simple: chances are, those plans and dreams will not come true, more times than not.
And as hard as that is for us to accept, it’s really just a reminder of Who it is that’s really in charge. “I know the Master of the wind. I know the Maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again. I know the Master of the wind.” Seems like we all want Him as our Savior, but what about our Lord? Are we really okay with Him steering our life in a totally different direction from that which we’ve tried to chart for ourselves?
It’s painful when change comes. It’s painful when the unpredictability of life sweeps us off our feet. And it’s painful when our dreams and plans are changed right before our eyes. And for those of us mere humans who can only see the right now, it doesn’t really make much sense. But to Him who sees the beginning, middle, and end of the parade we call life, all at once: it’s just all part of the Master plan.
Luke 12:6 – 7 tells us of our value to Him. He cares when a sparrow falls, so how much more does He care when we hurt? Just because He tends to steer us in a direction that may at times be painful, doesn’t at all mean He doesn’t hurt with us in those times.
So today, look up. He knows what He’s doing. Trust Him. And when you don’t know how to react, or what else to say, just remember: GIF. God Is Faithful. Always.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, September 3, 2010
Dependability
Friday, September 03, 2010
Dependability. Being counted on. Being trustworthy. Can others count on you? For a short time (a couple years) I got the privilege of serving in the Fire Service as both a Chaplain and First Responder/Fire Fighter. I always found that regardless of whether or not it was a working structure fire or a chest pain call, when people pick up the phone and call 911, they expect you to be there. They expect those who serve in emergency services to be dependable, to be trustworthy, to show up when they need them the most. And rightfully so. But this morning that just has me thinking.
You may not be a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or emergency responder of any sort, but it stands to reason – there’s more than likely someone depending on you. Last night I had the awesome opportunity to meet with a group of parents who entrust their teenagers to me in my student ministry. I saw a group of people who know what it means to be trusted by someone else. For 13 or more years their kids have depended on them for things like a roof over their head, food in their belly, emotional support, teaching about life in general. And they’ve willingly accepted the task. And I tip my hat to them.
But today you’re going to walk into a school, or a place of business, or a home. And there are most definitely people there who look to you – they count on you. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I have the answer for humanity’s sin problem. I have the solution to what ails the human race. I know how a person can have their sin forgiven, receive a relationship with Christ, and be headed for heaven. I’ve got all that, and whether the lost around me know it or not, they’re depending on me to share it.
And so share it I will. When God gives me the opportunity, whether in word, deed, or both – I want to share it. Dependability – it’s a crucial trait for us all to grasp, especially when it comes to our ever important job of sharing Him with them.
PS: would you please continue to lift up Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their families? Jake is still in CCU and only God has the power to change that. Thank you.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Dependability. Being counted on. Being trustworthy. Can others count on you? For a short time (a couple years) I got the privilege of serving in the Fire Service as both a Chaplain and First Responder/Fire Fighter. I always found that regardless of whether or not it was a working structure fire or a chest pain call, when people pick up the phone and call 911, they expect you to be there. They expect those who serve in emergency services to be dependable, to be trustworthy, to show up when they need them the most. And rightfully so. But this morning that just has me thinking.
You may not be a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or emergency responder of any sort, but it stands to reason – there’s more than likely someone depending on you. Last night I had the awesome opportunity to meet with a group of parents who entrust their teenagers to me in my student ministry. I saw a group of people who know what it means to be trusted by someone else. For 13 or more years their kids have depended on them for things like a roof over their head, food in their belly, emotional support, teaching about life in general. And they’ve willingly accepted the task. And I tip my hat to them.
But today you’re going to walk into a school, or a place of business, or a home. And there are most definitely people there who look to you – they count on you. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I have the answer for humanity’s sin problem. I have the solution to what ails the human race. I know how a person can have their sin forgiven, receive a relationship with Christ, and be headed for heaven. I’ve got all that, and whether the lost around me know it or not, they’re depending on me to share it.
And so share it I will. When God gives me the opportunity, whether in word, deed, or both – I want to share it. Dependability – it’s a crucial trait for us all to grasp, especially when it comes to our ever important job of sharing Him with them.
PS: would you please continue to lift up Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their families? Jake is still in CCU and only God has the power to change that. Thank you.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Persistence
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Persistence. “Stick-ability.” No matter how you word it, there are some things in this life worth sticking with – worth persevering through. This is what separates the “men from the boys,” those who simply casually want things from those who have a burning desire to see things happen. It’s the difference between craving a Dr. Pepper and craving a friend coming to Christ. The varying degrees of desire determine how long we’re willing to wait, and how much we’re willing to wait through. It was, after all, by persistence that the snail reached the Ark.
As a child, I was pretty stinkin’ persistent if I wanted something bad enough. As a matter of fact, as my parents and sisters can attest to, it got me in trouble a few times if I remember correctly. If we were at Wal-Mart and I wanted some new action figure or some new John Deere toy, it took a lot of work for my folks to shut me up. As a matter of fact, the threat of corporal punishment usually did the trick, but it was traditionally used as a last resort. I was a persistent little badger. And when the cause was just, it usually paid off.
Now fast forward 20+ years. How badly do I want things now? I have been known to drive clear across town to the 24 hour McDonald’s at 2AM because I want a Big Mac so badly. I’ve been known to persist through some tough stuff to quench a craving. But this is bigger. This is stronger. This is far more important than some silly craving. This is eternity.
I have a burning desire to see students come to know Jesus. I have a burning desire to see students get set on fire for Jesus and ignite a wildfire on their campus for the glory of Christ. I have a burning desire to see students fall so head over heels in love with the Lord that they want to worship Him every chance they get. I have a burning desire to see a Movement of God sweeping across this town.
And I know a few others who have that same burning desire. And I’m praying for more to acquire it. And guess what – that burning desire – that passion – it will persist through opposition, through hard times, through up hill climbs, through discouragement, through thick and through thin. And why? That’s simple: because there are countless eternities at stake. And God has called us to do something about it.
Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:20 not to get too excited about the fact that they had the authority to command demons to obey. There was something far better to celebrate: their names were written in heaven. There’s something worth persisting for – more names being written there. Will you stick it out with me?
PS: take a moment right now and lift up the name of Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their family to the Lord, would you? He’s a friend of mine from my school days, and a tragic motorcycle accident has left him fighting for his life in ICU. Thanks.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Persistence. “Stick-ability.” No matter how you word it, there are some things in this life worth sticking with – worth persevering through. This is what separates the “men from the boys,” those who simply casually want things from those who have a burning desire to see things happen. It’s the difference between craving a Dr. Pepper and craving a friend coming to Christ. The varying degrees of desire determine how long we’re willing to wait, and how much we’re willing to wait through. It was, after all, by persistence that the snail reached the Ark.
As a child, I was pretty stinkin’ persistent if I wanted something bad enough. As a matter of fact, as my parents and sisters can attest to, it got me in trouble a few times if I remember correctly. If we were at Wal-Mart and I wanted some new action figure or some new John Deere toy, it took a lot of work for my folks to shut me up. As a matter of fact, the threat of corporal punishment usually did the trick, but it was traditionally used as a last resort. I was a persistent little badger. And when the cause was just, it usually paid off.
Now fast forward 20+ years. How badly do I want things now? I have been known to drive clear across town to the 24 hour McDonald’s at 2AM because I want a Big Mac so badly. I’ve been known to persist through some tough stuff to quench a craving. But this is bigger. This is stronger. This is far more important than some silly craving. This is eternity.
I have a burning desire to see students come to know Jesus. I have a burning desire to see students get set on fire for Jesus and ignite a wildfire on their campus for the glory of Christ. I have a burning desire to see students fall so head over heels in love with the Lord that they want to worship Him every chance they get. I have a burning desire to see a Movement of God sweeping across this town.
And I know a few others who have that same burning desire. And I’m praying for more to acquire it. And guess what – that burning desire – that passion – it will persist through opposition, through hard times, through up hill climbs, through discouragement, through thick and through thin. And why? That’s simple: because there are countless eternities at stake. And God has called us to do something about it.
Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:20 not to get too excited about the fact that they had the authority to command demons to obey. There was something far better to celebrate: their names were written in heaven. There’s something worth persisting for – more names being written there. Will you stick it out with me?
PS: take a moment right now and lift up the name of Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their family to the Lord, would you? He’s a friend of mine from my school days, and a tragic motorcycle accident has left him fighting for his life in ICU. Thanks.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Victory
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Victory. Such a beautiful word, don’t you think? We use it so much, that I fear it has lost its zing in our life. We hear it chanted at sporting events. We see it plastered on church signs. I see it constantly, because it’s the name of the local church that I serve at. But have you ever really stopped to think about the depth of this word, Victory?
Last night I got the awesome chance to see victory firsthand. The occasion: Cabot High School vs. Jacksonville High School. The venue: War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The rivalry: priceless. And there we were – neighboring towns, hoping to leave that football stadium as winners. Both teams have the same team colors, so I jokingly told someone I was with that it was hard to know who to high five and who to kick in the shin. No, I wouldn’t have really done that (the kicking part, that is). It was just a joke. But nonetheless, it was hard to tell the two teams’ fans apart.
It was a tough game – interceptions, fumbles, bad ref calls (against Cabot, of course…lol). But when it was all said and done, the final score was Cabot 28, Jacksonville 14. The victory was ours. And we celebrated. And the ride home was light hearted and fun. And we were on the winning side.
And in life – the same principle is so very true. Followers of Christ, listen closely: it doesn’t matter how many times our passes might be intercepted and it doesn’t turn out like we imagined it would, or how many times we fumble the ball and make a mess of the life God has given us to live, or even if life throws us some “bad calls” and we just don’t feel we’re getting a fair shake: we are on the winning team!
As a matter of fact, we’ve already won! When Christ hung on the cross almost 2,000 years ago, some of His last words uttered were, “It is finished.” If ever there were a victory chant that’s worth remembering, it’s that one. “It is finished” means our debt has been paid, God’s judgment has been satisfied, our eternity has been purchased. “It is finished” is the touchdown of all touchdowns – the score of all scores! Jesus has taken care of the victory! And just in case there were any doubts as to Who the victory belonged to, He got up on the third day after being buried in a borrowed tomb! His resurrections screams VICTORY!
So today, here’s a challenge: look different from the other team. Let the world see you, living for Him, loving for Him, pointing people to Him, and let them immediately know that you’re on the winning team. Lift up your head! We are not defeated, we are the winners! And until Jesus comes back to take us home, let’s recruit as many for our eternal team as we can!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours!
Until next time,
Blake
A Thought From Blake is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com.
Sign up today to be an official follower and receive daily updates of the latest blog posted!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com.
Victory. Such a beautiful word, don’t you think? We use it so much, that I fear it has lost its zing in our life. We hear it chanted at sporting events. We see it plastered on church signs. I see it constantly, because it’s the name of the local church that I serve at. But have you ever really stopped to think about the depth of this word, Victory?
Last night I got the awesome chance to see victory firsthand. The occasion: Cabot High School vs. Jacksonville High School. The venue: War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The rivalry: priceless. And there we were – neighboring towns, hoping to leave that football stadium as winners. Both teams have the same team colors, so I jokingly told someone I was with that it was hard to know who to high five and who to kick in the shin. No, I wouldn’t have really done that (the kicking part, that is). It was just a joke. But nonetheless, it was hard to tell the two teams’ fans apart.
It was a tough game – interceptions, fumbles, bad ref calls (against Cabot, of course…lol). But when it was all said and done, the final score was Cabot 28, Jacksonville 14. The victory was ours. And we celebrated. And the ride home was light hearted and fun. And we were on the winning side.
And in life – the same principle is so very true. Followers of Christ, listen closely: it doesn’t matter how many times our passes might be intercepted and it doesn’t turn out like we imagined it would, or how many times we fumble the ball and make a mess of the life God has given us to live, or even if life throws us some “bad calls” and we just don’t feel we’re getting a fair shake: we are on the winning team!
As a matter of fact, we’ve already won! When Christ hung on the cross almost 2,000 years ago, some of His last words uttered were, “It is finished.” If ever there were a victory chant that’s worth remembering, it’s that one. “It is finished” means our debt has been paid, God’s judgment has been satisfied, our eternity has been purchased. “It is finished” is the touchdown of all touchdowns – the score of all scores! Jesus has taken care of the victory! And just in case there were any doubts as to Who the victory belonged to, He got up on the third day after being buried in a borrowed tomb! His resurrections screams VICTORY!
So today, here’s a challenge: look different from the other team. Let the world see you, living for Him, loving for Him, pointing people to Him, and let them immediately know that you’re on the winning team. Lift up your head! We are not defeated, we are the winners! And until Jesus comes back to take us home, let’s recruit as many for our eternal team as we can!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours!
Until next time,
Blake
A Thought From Blake is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com.
Sign up today to be an official follower and receive daily updates of the latest blog posted!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com.
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