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Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas Series, Part 1: In A Child's...Eyes.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas Series, Part 1: In A Child’s…Eyes. We all know that things look much different through the eyes of a child. There is an unmatched innocence that is found there. However, as Christmas approaches and we hear so much talk about the birth of Christ, my mind drifts to the eyes of The Child, Jesus.
When someone is close to an object and has their eyes fixed upon it, you can see a reflection of that object in their eyes. No, it’s not easily noticeable, and you have to be close and looking really intently to see it, but it’s there nonetheless.
None is so close and so intently focused as a brand new mother or father. That’s why I think Mary and Joseph saw it – I think they saw the reflection.
It wasn’t just any reflection, either. The troubling dilemma for them must have been that the reflection seen in the eyes of the baby Christ wasn’t even of something found in the stable in which He was born. As a matter of fact, the image reflecting from His infant eyes wasn’t even located in the town where they were at the time of His birth.
But His eyes were fixed on it, nonetheless, and intently too.
I wonder if the shepherds could see the image radiating from the pupils of this infant Redeemer. Were they able to notice where His eyes were focused – and what His ultimate destination would be?
Even more than 2,000 years later, as we celebrate Christmas and all that it entails, if we look closely with all of our attention and focus, we can see it. There, in the eyes of a tiny, newborn yet ageless Child, is the reflection – of a cross.
Even before the moment of His first breath in human lungs, His ultimate purpose has been to die. His entire reason for coming to this sin-sick earth was to be a Redemptive Lamb, sacrificed on a cross shaped altar, and carrying on His own back the sin of every single human to ever walk this earth.
So as we gather around and sing our Christmas songs, may we remember: there was a shadow hanging over that manger on that Silent Night, and it was the shadow of a cross. Our Savior, though peacefully sleeping that night, would soon begin His journey to our own consequences. And He is forever deserving of our utmost praise for that gift.
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
Christmas Series, Part 1: In A Child’s…Eyes. We all know that things look much different through the eyes of a child. There is an unmatched innocence that is found there. However, as Christmas approaches and we hear so much talk about the birth of Christ, my mind drifts to the eyes of The Child, Jesus.
When someone is close to an object and has their eyes fixed upon it, you can see a reflection of that object in their eyes. No, it’s not easily noticeable, and you have to be close and looking really intently to see it, but it’s there nonetheless.
None is so close and so intently focused as a brand new mother or father. That’s why I think Mary and Joseph saw it – I think they saw the reflection.
It wasn’t just any reflection, either. The troubling dilemma for them must have been that the reflection seen in the eyes of the baby Christ wasn’t even of something found in the stable in which He was born. As a matter of fact, the image reflecting from His infant eyes wasn’t even located in the town where they were at the time of His birth.
But His eyes were fixed on it, nonetheless, and intently too.
I wonder if the shepherds could see the image radiating from the pupils of this infant Redeemer. Were they able to notice where His eyes were focused – and what His ultimate destination would be?
Even more than 2,000 years later, as we celebrate Christmas and all that it entails, if we look closely with all of our attention and focus, we can see it. There, in the eyes of a tiny, newborn yet ageless Child, is the reflection – of a cross.
Even before the moment of His first breath in human lungs, His ultimate purpose has been to die. His entire reason for coming to this sin-sick earth was to be a Redemptive Lamb, sacrificed on a cross shaped altar, and carrying on His own back the sin of every single human to ever walk this earth.
So as we gather around and sing our Christmas songs, may we remember: there was a shadow hanging over that manger on that Silent Night, and it was the shadow of a cross. Our Savior, though peacefully sleeping that night, would soon begin His journey to our own consequences. And He is forever deserving of our utmost praise for that gift.
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, December 13, 2011
Foundational Family.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Foundational Family. I got the chance to have a great conversation with a good friend last night about the importance of the family. We were discussing society as a whole, and how things have slipped in our country. What began with a discussion of Christmas and how modern society has redefined the meaning of it, ended with us talking about the morality of our nation in general. And we came to one conclusion: it’s all about the family.
The enemy of our souls knows what he’s doing when he launches attacks on the family in America. He understands (probably better than most of us do) that the family is the bedrock of any civilization. If you break down the family structure and the quality of it, you can break down a nation or people group. If you can redefine the family structure, you can redefine the long held characteristics of a nation or people group.
So it should come as no surprise when there are widespread legal challenges to nativity scenes on government/public land. It should come as no surprise when municipalities begin using phrases like “Seasons Greetings” instead of Merry Christmas. It truly should come as no surprise when interviews are done with kids on the street and few of them can actually tell you what the true meaning of Christmas is. Down through the generations we’ve been paving the way for this.
Every time a Christian family focuses more on the stress of piling up gifts and going farther into debt to do it, all for the sake of Christmas, we’ve laid down a paving stone to our current situation. Every time we’ve talked more about Santa and his elves than the Christ-child and His ultimate purpose here, we’ve laid another paving stone in the road leading to today’s misunderstanding of Christmas. Every time we’ve been grumpy and grouchy and not shared the message of the love of Christ for fallen humanity, especially at Christmas time, we’ve simply been preparing the way for our current situation.
Friends, I believe with all my heart that the current condition of our nation and its ever growing debate on Christmas began in the homes of Christian families a long time ago. I believe God holds His people responsible for the condition of a nation He entrusted in them to maintain.
Had we, as believers, been doing what He told us to do all along, our nation, I believe, would look totally different today, as would our world.
Just in case you’re getting fired up and ready to debate me on this, just ask yourself this one, simple question: “When’s the last time you led someone to Christ?” We can militantly defend our faith to an ever growing secular world, but it’s a rare thing for a believer today to actually walk someone down the road to Christ called the gospel. There’s the problem.
So I have an idea: let’s save Christmas. It won’t be done in the courts, and it won’t be done in the Congress. It won’t be done in the White House, and it certainly won’t be done in the world of politics. If we want to turn our country, world, and even Holiday around – it will begin in our homes and in our own lives. Make it a point today to share Jesus with somebody – that’s what actually changes things!
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
Foundational Family. I got the chance to have a great conversation with a good friend last night about the importance of the family. We were discussing society as a whole, and how things have slipped in our country. What began with a discussion of Christmas and how modern society has redefined the meaning of it, ended with us talking about the morality of our nation in general. And we came to one conclusion: it’s all about the family.
The enemy of our souls knows what he’s doing when he launches attacks on the family in America. He understands (probably better than most of us do) that the family is the bedrock of any civilization. If you break down the family structure and the quality of it, you can break down a nation or people group. If you can redefine the family structure, you can redefine the long held characteristics of a nation or people group.
So it should come as no surprise when there are widespread legal challenges to nativity scenes on government/public land. It should come as no surprise when municipalities begin using phrases like “Seasons Greetings” instead of Merry Christmas. It truly should come as no surprise when interviews are done with kids on the street and few of them can actually tell you what the true meaning of Christmas is. Down through the generations we’ve been paving the way for this.
Every time a Christian family focuses more on the stress of piling up gifts and going farther into debt to do it, all for the sake of Christmas, we’ve laid down a paving stone to our current situation. Every time we’ve talked more about Santa and his elves than the Christ-child and His ultimate purpose here, we’ve laid another paving stone in the road leading to today’s misunderstanding of Christmas. Every time we’ve been grumpy and grouchy and not shared the message of the love of Christ for fallen humanity, especially at Christmas time, we’ve simply been preparing the way for our current situation.
Friends, I believe with all my heart that the current condition of our nation and its ever growing debate on Christmas began in the homes of Christian families a long time ago. I believe God holds His people responsible for the condition of a nation He entrusted in them to maintain.
Had we, as believers, been doing what He told us to do all along, our nation, I believe, would look totally different today, as would our world.
Just in case you’re getting fired up and ready to debate me on this, just ask yourself this one, simple question: “When’s the last time you led someone to Christ?” We can militantly defend our faith to an ever growing secular world, but it’s a rare thing for a believer today to actually walk someone down the road to Christ called the gospel. There’s the problem.
So I have an idea: let’s save Christmas. It won’t be done in the courts, and it won’t be done in the Congress. It won’t be done in the White House, and it certainly won’t be done in the world of politics. If we want to turn our country, world, and even Holiday around – it will begin in our homes and in our own lives. Make it a point today to share Jesus with somebody – that’s what actually changes things!
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, December 8, 2011
Pursue or Float?
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Pursue or Float? Life is very much like a river. I’m sure you’ve seen a river, such as the Arkansas River, when there’s been a lot of rain and it’s almost at flood stage. The water levels are higher, and the current is rushing. All sorts of debris is being pushed downstream as the water gushes on. Anything that doesn’t have the strength or ability to go against the direction of the water is naturally pushed in the direction the river flows, and usually pretty quickly.
By nature, the human life is moving in a direction that takes us away from God. Mankind isn’t getting better with time, contrary to popular belief. The farther away from the Garden of Eden we get with the continuing of time the darker our sin and sinful natures get. If anyone attempts to debate the theory of evolution when it comes to mankind, I simply point to the degrading condition of morality as a sure sign that, if anything, we are devolving.
So it stands to reason that if a person is simply floating through life they are drifting farther away from God, believer or not. So many come to Christ thinking they can simply get their “fire insurance” and that’s all there is to it. And to be honest, for years some of our teaching and preaching may have reinforced that. Trust me, I’m the biggest advocate of the Biblical teaching of security in Christ that there is. But friend, Christ doesn’t save us into a simple freedom from hell. No, the Christian life is so much more than that.
We’ve been called to “draw closer to God.” His promise is that when we draw closer to Him, “He’ll draw closer to us.” That means that we can, actually, get closer to Him with time as we live in relationship with Him and actively pursue that closeness! Just let that soak in: the God that created everything that exists and has existed Himself forever WANTS to be CLOSE to US! That should blow our minds every time we think about it!
Here’s the problem: closeness with God doesn’t happen naturally. Actually, the opposite is the natural process, as we’ve already discussed above. The simple fact is that if I’m not actively pursuing Christ in the relational ways He’s given me to draw closer to Him (time in Scripture, prayer, worship, showing Him to others, loving Him and people, fellowshipping with other believers through faithfulness to His Church, etc), then I’m floating into greater distance from Him.
I believe Scripture teaches that once we are in a saving relationship with Christ we are held securely in that relationship with Christ until the day He “completes” His work in us and we are home in heaven. However, the drawing closer to Him is up to us. And call me crazy, but my understanding of Scripture leads me to believe that if we truly know Him, within us will be a desire to know Him better, and deeper, and closer. If that desire doesn’t exist whatsoever, maybe we should closely examine whether we truly know Him.
I want to be pursuing Him with every moment I’m alive. I don’t want to be a floater. Would you join me in actively pursuing Christ – drawing closer to Him – so our love for Him would shine for all the world to see how truly amazing He is?
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
Pursue or Float? Life is very much like a river. I’m sure you’ve seen a river, such as the Arkansas River, when there’s been a lot of rain and it’s almost at flood stage. The water levels are higher, and the current is rushing. All sorts of debris is being pushed downstream as the water gushes on. Anything that doesn’t have the strength or ability to go against the direction of the water is naturally pushed in the direction the river flows, and usually pretty quickly.
By nature, the human life is moving in a direction that takes us away from God. Mankind isn’t getting better with time, contrary to popular belief. The farther away from the Garden of Eden we get with the continuing of time the darker our sin and sinful natures get. If anyone attempts to debate the theory of evolution when it comes to mankind, I simply point to the degrading condition of morality as a sure sign that, if anything, we are devolving.
So it stands to reason that if a person is simply floating through life they are drifting farther away from God, believer or not. So many come to Christ thinking they can simply get their “fire insurance” and that’s all there is to it. And to be honest, for years some of our teaching and preaching may have reinforced that. Trust me, I’m the biggest advocate of the Biblical teaching of security in Christ that there is. But friend, Christ doesn’t save us into a simple freedom from hell. No, the Christian life is so much more than that.
We’ve been called to “draw closer to God.” His promise is that when we draw closer to Him, “He’ll draw closer to us.” That means that we can, actually, get closer to Him with time as we live in relationship with Him and actively pursue that closeness! Just let that soak in: the God that created everything that exists and has existed Himself forever WANTS to be CLOSE to US! That should blow our minds every time we think about it!
Here’s the problem: closeness with God doesn’t happen naturally. Actually, the opposite is the natural process, as we’ve already discussed above. The simple fact is that if I’m not actively pursuing Christ in the relational ways He’s given me to draw closer to Him (time in Scripture, prayer, worship, showing Him to others, loving Him and people, fellowshipping with other believers through faithfulness to His Church, etc), then I’m floating into greater distance from Him.
I believe Scripture teaches that once we are in a saving relationship with Christ we are held securely in that relationship with Christ until the day He “completes” His work in us and we are home in heaven. However, the drawing closer to Him is up to us. And call me crazy, but my understanding of Scripture leads me to believe that if we truly know Him, within us will be a desire to know Him better, and deeper, and closer. If that desire doesn’t exist whatsoever, maybe we should closely examine whether we truly know Him.
I want to be pursuing Him with every moment I’m alive. I don’t want to be a floater. Would you join me in actively pursuing Christ – drawing closer to Him – so our love for Him would shine for all the world to see how truly amazing He is?
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, December 7, 2011
Snow Way!
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Snow Way! I woke up this morning at around 1AM (see Monday’s blog for an explanation…ha) to a surprise outside. My dogs were barking, so I glanced out the back door to make sure they were ok, when what to my wondering eyes should appear! No, not Santa Claus…but something almost as shocking! The ground, the trees, my vehicle – all of it – covered in a pretty thick layer of snow!
If I remember correctly, when I listened to the weather man yesterday, he predicted no accumulation in our area. Yes, snow flurries were expected, but only in Eastern and Northeastern Arkansas were they to expect to actually see it sticking. And, because a slim majority of the time the weatherman is right, I took him at his word. There’s only one problem with his forecast: we have a few inches on the ground outside right now.
No, I’m not hating on the weatherman. He makes mistakes, we all do – big deal. But if there’s ever been a time to remind ourselves of Who really is in control of our weather systems, it’s right now.
It’s always funny to me when folks tell a weather person to make it snow, or to make the rain stop, or to “put in an order” for sunny weather. Sometimes they humor us all and pretend they’ve done their best to bring us a good forecast. We all know, though, that they simply report what is already going to happen. They have no control over the weather.
But He does. Throughout Scripture we see examples of weather that came as a result of the hand of God moving. He’s the same God today as yesterday; the same in AD 2011 as in 2011 BC. He knew we’d have snow, even when the “professionals” didn’t.
Weather, though, is such a small thing in the grand scheme of things. Sure there’s snow on the ground, but we’re still having school today, folks are still going to work – life still goes on.
Maybe this issue of weather control should remind us of another great Truth: God has His hand in a lot more than the weather. He’s still in charge. He’s still all-knowing. He’s still all powerful. And He is still truthworthy.
So today, remind yourself that God’s in control. Lay your life into His hands and allow Him to accomplish His purposes and plans with who you are. Snow is great, but an even greater, more exciting adventure awaits those whose lives are under the complete Lordship of 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
Snow Way! I woke up this morning at around 1AM (see Monday’s blog for an explanation…ha) to a surprise outside. My dogs were barking, so I glanced out the back door to make sure they were ok, when what to my wondering eyes should appear! No, not Santa Claus…but something almost as shocking! The ground, the trees, my vehicle – all of it – covered in a pretty thick layer of snow!
If I remember correctly, when I listened to the weather man yesterday, he predicted no accumulation in our area. Yes, snow flurries were expected, but only in Eastern and Northeastern Arkansas were they to expect to actually see it sticking. And, because a slim majority of the time the weatherman is right, I took him at his word. There’s only one problem with his forecast: we have a few inches on the ground outside right now.
No, I’m not hating on the weatherman. He makes mistakes, we all do – big deal. But if there’s ever been a time to remind ourselves of Who really is in control of our weather systems, it’s right now.
It’s always funny to me when folks tell a weather person to make it snow, or to make the rain stop, or to “put in an order” for sunny weather. Sometimes they humor us all and pretend they’ve done their best to bring us a good forecast. We all know, though, that they simply report what is already going to happen. They have no control over the weather.
But He does. Throughout Scripture we see examples of weather that came as a result of the hand of God moving. He’s the same God today as yesterday; the same in AD 2011 as in 2011 BC. He knew we’d have snow, even when the “professionals” didn’t.
Weather, though, is such a small thing in the grand scheme of things. Sure there’s snow on the ground, but we’re still having school today, folks are still going to work – life still goes on.
Maybe this issue of weather control should remind us of another great Truth: God has His hand in a lot more than the weather. He’s still in charge. He’s still all-knowing. He’s still all powerful. And He is still truthworthy.
So today, remind yourself that God’s in control. Lay your life into His hands and allow Him to accomplish His purposes and plans with who you are. Snow is great, but an even greater, more exciting adventure awaits those whose lives are under the complete Lordship of 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, December 5, 2011
Sleepless Solutions.
Monday, December 05, 2011
Sleepless Solutions. We have solutions for everything, don’t we? If we have a headache, we take aspirin or Tylenol. If we have an upset stomach, we take a medication for that. If we can’t sleep, we have sleep aids. My struggle, as of late, has been with the last one mentioned…
I’ve not been sleeping much lately. The raccoon circles under my eyes that some have asked about recently are a sure give away, too. I lay awake for what seems like forever, and when I do finally fall asleep it doesn’t seem to last long. I wake up, on average, 3 or 4 times a night. So, almost every 2 hours I’m waking up for some reason. The problem is that the longer this goes on the more likely it is that I’ll have a new sleep pattern for some time to come. That’s not an exciting thought to me, at all.
So I’ve asked around to some folks for ideas on sleeping better. I even had a long conversation with a cousin who is a pharmacist the other day. I’ve been given several ideas, but she told me about a natural option called melatonin. Turns out our bodies produce it naturally to help us sleep, and this is a vitamin you can take that sort of stimulates your body’s natural process. She said it does wonders for her.
So last night at Wal-Mart I picked up some. I got home, and you would not believe my eagerness to give this a try. I walked straight in, got ready for bed, and took the tablet. The only thing going through my mind was the exciting thought that finally, for the first time in months, I would enjoy a FULL night’s sleep again!
About an hour later I finally dozed off…and about 3 hours after that I woke back up. 2 hours after that I woke up again. And about 2 hours after that I woke up again. The next time I would wake up would be about 10 minutes before my alarm would go off, signaling the end of my night’s attempt at sleep. I’ll try them again tonight, but I think it’s safe to say vitamins aren’t my solution.
But do you know what occurred to me this morning? I haven’t prayed about this.
Now folks, I’m a minister. My life revolves around helping folks grow in their relationship with God, and when folks come to me to talk about issues in their lives we always pray about it. It seems like almost daily I tell people that there isn’t anything to trivial to talk to God about – it all matters to Him! Yet here I am, searching in every direction for an answer to my sleeplessness, all the while never talking to God about it!
Don’t we all do that?
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with medication, at all. I believe God uses doctors and things like that, sometimes, to bring relief and even healing to us. However, it suddenly occurs to me that our first stop on the journey to healing or help should be the Great Physician, the Creator of all that is!
So today, when a dilemma comes before you, try taking it to God before taking it anywhere else. We can all cultivate a deeper life of prayer, don’t ya think?
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
Sleepless Solutions. We have solutions for everything, don’t we? If we have a headache, we take aspirin or Tylenol. If we have an upset stomach, we take a medication for that. If we can’t sleep, we have sleep aids. My struggle, as of late, has been with the last one mentioned…
I’ve not been sleeping much lately. The raccoon circles under my eyes that some have asked about recently are a sure give away, too. I lay awake for what seems like forever, and when I do finally fall asleep it doesn’t seem to last long. I wake up, on average, 3 or 4 times a night. So, almost every 2 hours I’m waking up for some reason. The problem is that the longer this goes on the more likely it is that I’ll have a new sleep pattern for some time to come. That’s not an exciting thought to me, at all.
So I’ve asked around to some folks for ideas on sleeping better. I even had a long conversation with a cousin who is a pharmacist the other day. I’ve been given several ideas, but she told me about a natural option called melatonin. Turns out our bodies produce it naturally to help us sleep, and this is a vitamin you can take that sort of stimulates your body’s natural process. She said it does wonders for her.
So last night at Wal-Mart I picked up some. I got home, and you would not believe my eagerness to give this a try. I walked straight in, got ready for bed, and took the tablet. The only thing going through my mind was the exciting thought that finally, for the first time in months, I would enjoy a FULL night’s sleep again!
About an hour later I finally dozed off…and about 3 hours after that I woke back up. 2 hours after that I woke up again. And about 2 hours after that I woke up again. The next time I would wake up would be about 10 minutes before my alarm would go off, signaling the end of my night’s attempt at sleep. I’ll try them again tonight, but I think it’s safe to say vitamins aren’t my solution.
But do you know what occurred to me this morning? I haven’t prayed about this.
Now folks, I’m a minister. My life revolves around helping folks grow in their relationship with God, and when folks come to me to talk about issues in their lives we always pray about it. It seems like almost daily I tell people that there isn’t anything to trivial to talk to God about – it all matters to Him! Yet here I am, searching in every direction for an answer to my sleeplessness, all the while never talking to God about it!
Don’t we all do that?
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with medication, at all. I believe God uses doctors and things like that, sometimes, to bring relief and even healing to us. However, it suddenly occurs to me that our first stop on the journey to healing or help should be the Great Physician, the Creator of all that is!
So today, when a dilemma comes before you, try taking it to God before taking it anywhere else. We can all cultivate a deeper life of prayer, don’t ya think?
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, December 1, 2011
Short and Sweet.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Short and Sweet. Today’s blog will be short and sweet. I ran across a few verses of Scripture in my quiet time this morning that I’d like to share. Instead of interjecting my own two cents on this text via my blog this morning, I thought it might be nice to simply give you the text and let God give you His two cents.
“Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33 – 36)
So this morning, join me in reading this Scripture and asking God to reveal to us what exactly He’s saying to us that would fit our own lives. I’m pretty sure I got the message this morning in a big way, and I’m praying you do too. GIF
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
Short and Sweet. Today’s blog will be short and sweet. I ran across a few verses of Scripture in my quiet time this morning that I’d like to share. Instead of interjecting my own two cents on this text via my blog this morning, I thought it might be nice to simply give you the text and let God give you His two cents.
“Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33 – 36)
So this morning, join me in reading this Scripture and asking God to reveal to us what exactly He’s saying to us that would fit our own lives. I’m pretty sure I got the message this morning in a big way, and I’m praying you do too. GIF
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, November 30, 2011
Quitter?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Quitter? I’m now living in my 14th year since I surrendered my life to the ministry of preaching God’s Word. I fully realize that many share their “tenure” with others as sort of a “bragging right.” At times, it’s almost as if some preachers wish they could wear stripes on their sleeve so the world could see how long they’ve been serving God in ministry as if it were a badge of honor. Don’t get me wrong, ministry is the greatest calling and life-focus on the planet, and I believe that with all of my heart. However, my length of service to Him isn’t a reason to brag on myself, but rather is something that impresses me about Him.
You see, it’s not that I’ve somehow remained faithful to Him all this time because of some great thing in me. Honestly, why wouldn’t I continue serving Him? After all, He’s so good! I’ve got everything to gain in this scenario! The past 14 years haven’t been years of great “sacrifice” or laboring with no reward. It’s actually been just the opposite! Ministry is the greatest “job” of sorts in the world – and I have had the greatest “Boss” anyone could ever ask for. Serving Him isn’t a great sacrifice at all – it’s the most rewarding and blessed life there is. So why wouldn’t I have “hung in there?”
The remarkable thing isn’t me at all, friend – it’s Him! You see, for 14 years now He hasn’t quit on me! That’s incredible!
In any given week I give God dozens of reasons to quit on me. I fail so much more often than I succeed, and no matter how passionate or committed I think I am for Him, I’ll find ways to drop the ball. If there’s anyone that pushes the limits of grace it’s me. Paul said he was the “chief of sinners,” but that was before I lived.
Yet He has never walked away. Time after time after time – failure after failure after failure – in times when I lived more by the flesh than by faith – He was and still remains always faithful.
So no, I’ve never walked away from God and been a quitter as it relates to the life of ministry, but that’s not remarkable. It would be crazy to walk away from this God I know.
The incredible truth is that He has never quit on me. If there’s anyone that deserves a pat on the back for tenure and longevity, it’s Him, by far.
Join me today in praising Him for His unmatchable, unquestionable, mind-blowing, amazing grace! Commit your day to bringing Him honor, glory, and praise for His maintained and continuing faithfulness toward us.
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
Quitter? I’m now living in my 14th year since I surrendered my life to the ministry of preaching God’s Word. I fully realize that many share their “tenure” with others as sort of a “bragging right.” At times, it’s almost as if some preachers wish they could wear stripes on their sleeve so the world could see how long they’ve been serving God in ministry as if it were a badge of honor. Don’t get me wrong, ministry is the greatest calling and life-focus on the planet, and I believe that with all of my heart. However, my length of service to Him isn’t a reason to brag on myself, but rather is something that impresses me about Him.
You see, it’s not that I’ve somehow remained faithful to Him all this time because of some great thing in me. Honestly, why wouldn’t I continue serving Him? After all, He’s so good! I’ve got everything to gain in this scenario! The past 14 years haven’t been years of great “sacrifice” or laboring with no reward. It’s actually been just the opposite! Ministry is the greatest “job” of sorts in the world – and I have had the greatest “Boss” anyone could ever ask for. Serving Him isn’t a great sacrifice at all – it’s the most rewarding and blessed life there is. So why wouldn’t I have “hung in there?”
The remarkable thing isn’t me at all, friend – it’s Him! You see, for 14 years now He hasn’t quit on me! That’s incredible!
In any given week I give God dozens of reasons to quit on me. I fail so much more often than I succeed, and no matter how passionate or committed I think I am for Him, I’ll find ways to drop the ball. If there’s anyone that pushes the limits of grace it’s me. Paul said he was the “chief of sinners,” but that was before I lived.
Yet He has never walked away. Time after time after time – failure after failure after failure – in times when I lived more by the flesh than by faith – He was and still remains always faithful.
So no, I’ve never walked away from God and been a quitter as it relates to the life of ministry, but that’s not remarkable. It would be crazy to walk away from this God I know.
The incredible truth is that He has never quit on me. If there’s anyone that deserves a pat on the back for tenure and longevity, it’s Him, by far.
Join me today in praising Him for His unmatchable, unquestionable, mind-blowing, amazing grace! Commit your day to bringing Him honor, glory, and praise for His maintained and continuing faithfulness toward us.
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, November 29, 2011
Bruised Shins.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Bruised Shins. Common sense would tell you that wandering around in a dark house is dangerous. Most people would agree that simple furniture such as coffee and end tables aren’t in dangerous places unless the lights are off. And anyone that is the average height would also agree that the heights of the aforementioned articles of living room furniture are strategically and coincidentally the same as the average person’s shins.
I suppose this is a good time to mention that I, personally, have two deeply bruised shins right now. Both bruises were not earned at the same time, but rather are two separate and equally exciting examples of my desire to do things my own way. They are distinct and noticeable, not just in color but also in shape, as they are both nice sized knots on both shins. Each time I catch eye of them they are simple reminders of my terrible abilities to both see and navigate an all too familiar house while in the dark.
Darkness makes things dangerous. A familiar parking lot during the daytime can become a haven for crime and violent acts after dark. Simple roads that are easily driven during the day suddenly become dangerous and risky when the sun goes down. And yes, even a living room can become a virtual minefield for the average person when the lights are off. But there’s a simple solution to the presence of darkness.
Light shatters darkness. The inability of darkness to exist in the light should serve as a huge dose of truth to us every time we see it. Each time we turn on a light switch we should, at least for a moment, take into account and allow ourselves to remember that darkness flees from the light. This is so very true in the spiritual realm.
Our lives are often filled with bruised shins, right? Spiritually speaking, we find ourselves bruised and beaten by sin time and time again. We wonder how sin can continue to defeat us over and over, often in the same ways. And darkness is never satisfied with partial control, but rather once sin begins to sneak in, eventually its chains bind us in total ways. Darkness never stays confined to a corner, but will slowly but surely take over a room if light is turned off.
My shins would be okay today if I’d made a simple choice the other night. You see, there is a switch, a simply operated switch, that could have eliminated BOTH my painful experiences. I was in a hurry, however, and simply thought I didn’t have time to reach for that switch. I could just get what I came for each time and go back to bed. And now my shins are paying the price.
Take the time to turn on the switch, friend. Spend regular time with God in prayer, and let Him speak back to you through His Word. “Hide His Word in your heart that you might not sin against Him,” as the Psalmist said. Darkness will flee when the Light is turned on. Don’t let yourself become convinced that darkness isn’t that big of a deal. The truth is, a life lived in darkness will produce a lot more scary consequences than simple bruised shins.
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
Bruised Shins. Common sense would tell you that wandering around in a dark house is dangerous. Most people would agree that simple furniture such as coffee and end tables aren’t in dangerous places unless the lights are off. And anyone that is the average height would also agree that the heights of the aforementioned articles of living room furniture are strategically and coincidentally the same as the average person’s shins.
I suppose this is a good time to mention that I, personally, have two deeply bruised shins right now. Both bruises were not earned at the same time, but rather are two separate and equally exciting examples of my desire to do things my own way. They are distinct and noticeable, not just in color but also in shape, as they are both nice sized knots on both shins. Each time I catch eye of them they are simple reminders of my terrible abilities to both see and navigate an all too familiar house while in the dark.
Darkness makes things dangerous. A familiar parking lot during the daytime can become a haven for crime and violent acts after dark. Simple roads that are easily driven during the day suddenly become dangerous and risky when the sun goes down. And yes, even a living room can become a virtual minefield for the average person when the lights are off. But there’s a simple solution to the presence of darkness.
Light shatters darkness. The inability of darkness to exist in the light should serve as a huge dose of truth to us every time we see it. Each time we turn on a light switch we should, at least for a moment, take into account and allow ourselves to remember that darkness flees from the light. This is so very true in the spiritual realm.
Our lives are often filled with bruised shins, right? Spiritually speaking, we find ourselves bruised and beaten by sin time and time again. We wonder how sin can continue to defeat us over and over, often in the same ways. And darkness is never satisfied with partial control, but rather once sin begins to sneak in, eventually its chains bind us in total ways. Darkness never stays confined to a corner, but will slowly but surely take over a room if light is turned off.
My shins would be okay today if I’d made a simple choice the other night. You see, there is a switch, a simply operated switch, that could have eliminated BOTH my painful experiences. I was in a hurry, however, and simply thought I didn’t have time to reach for that switch. I could just get what I came for each time and go back to bed. And now my shins are paying the price.
Take the time to turn on the switch, friend. Spend regular time with God in prayer, and let Him speak back to you through His Word. “Hide His Word in your heart that you might not sin against Him,” as the Psalmist said. Darkness will flee when the Light is turned on. Don’t let yourself become convinced that darkness isn’t that big of a deal. The truth is, a life lived in darkness will produce a lot more scary consequences than simple bruised shins.
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, November 28, 2011
Idol Minds.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Idol Minds. “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” We read those words from the 10 Commandments, and automatically our minds go to the idolatrous worship that Israel found itself wrapped up in so often in the Old Testament, or at least my mind does. We think of a golden calf or some strange little statue of a 2-headed god sitting in some false temple somewhere. We think of pagans, or of those foreign to the true worship of the One, true God. But maybe that command should land a little closer to home for us.
A “god” or an idol can be defined as anything that steals the worship away from the One who is truly deserving of it, Jehovah God. Worship can be defined as the giving of adoration or the highest place of priority in a life. So if worship is giving someone/something the first priority in our life and a “god” is anything that steals glory from the true God, so much of what we consider everyday life is a god today!
We need not go down a list of things in our own lives and ask the question, “Is this a god?” We only, really, need to ask ourselves the question, “Does this matter more than Him?” And please, when you ask that question, give yourself and Him an honest answer. He knows your heart anyway.
Does this extra hour or two of sleep on Sunday morning matter more than Him? Does this dinner or entertainment matter more than Him? Does this hobby matter more than the worship He deserves? Does this animal that grunts, snorts, oinks, quacks, or has a trophy rack matter more than giving Him the praise and worship He deserves?
The more I’ve thought about this issue over the past few weeks, the more I’ve come to believe that so many of my generation feel as if they have a minimum requirement they have to fulfill with God. In other words, so long as we give Him our Sunday morning we can keep our Sunday nights and be ok. So long as we’re serving Him enough on other nights of the week, we can skip times when we need our rest. We’re bargaining with our worship to a God that doesn’t NEED it but DESERVES it at every single opportunity we have to GIVE it to HIM.
When our walk with God becomes more obligation and necessity than a relationship motivated by a LOVE for a Savior Who is deserving of every single ounce of who we are, our minds become focused on doing the least we can for Him. We begin to compare ourselves to others, and that becomes our justification. After all, we’re still more faithful than someone else. The only problem is that our lives are measured against someone else.
We all have some work to do in this area of idolatry. All I’m asking is that we honestly examine our hearts, and ask God to do the same. When He begins to show us things or areas where we are lacking, let’s give them to Him. Let’s recommit ourselves to a life of whole-hearted commitment to Him. Let’s allow ourselves to fall in love with a God that is head over heels in love with us. Let’s treasure every single privileged opportunity that we have to worship Him, whether it’s Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, or some other blessed time when the doors of the church are opened and we can worship with other believers.
Let’s put Him first, and not allow any other “god” to be before Him in our lives, not even for a minute. He’s worthy.
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
Idol Minds. “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” We read those words from the 10 Commandments, and automatically our minds go to the idolatrous worship that Israel found itself wrapped up in so often in the Old Testament, or at least my mind does. We think of a golden calf or some strange little statue of a 2-headed god sitting in some false temple somewhere. We think of pagans, or of those foreign to the true worship of the One, true God. But maybe that command should land a little closer to home for us.
A “god” or an idol can be defined as anything that steals the worship away from the One who is truly deserving of it, Jehovah God. Worship can be defined as the giving of adoration or the highest place of priority in a life. So if worship is giving someone/something the first priority in our life and a “god” is anything that steals glory from the true God, so much of what we consider everyday life is a god today!
We need not go down a list of things in our own lives and ask the question, “Is this a god?” We only, really, need to ask ourselves the question, “Does this matter more than Him?” And please, when you ask that question, give yourself and Him an honest answer. He knows your heart anyway.
Does this extra hour or two of sleep on Sunday morning matter more than Him? Does this dinner or entertainment matter more than Him? Does this hobby matter more than the worship He deserves? Does this animal that grunts, snorts, oinks, quacks, or has a trophy rack matter more than giving Him the praise and worship He deserves?
The more I’ve thought about this issue over the past few weeks, the more I’ve come to believe that so many of my generation feel as if they have a minimum requirement they have to fulfill with God. In other words, so long as we give Him our Sunday morning we can keep our Sunday nights and be ok. So long as we’re serving Him enough on other nights of the week, we can skip times when we need our rest. We’re bargaining with our worship to a God that doesn’t NEED it but DESERVES it at every single opportunity we have to GIVE it to HIM.
When our walk with God becomes more obligation and necessity than a relationship motivated by a LOVE for a Savior Who is deserving of every single ounce of who we are, our minds become focused on doing the least we can for Him. We begin to compare ourselves to others, and that becomes our justification. After all, we’re still more faithful than someone else. The only problem is that our lives are measured against someone else.
We all have some work to do in this area of idolatry. All I’m asking is that we honestly examine our hearts, and ask God to do the same. When He begins to show us things or areas where we are lacking, let’s give them to Him. Let’s recommit ourselves to a life of whole-hearted commitment to Him. Let’s allow ourselves to fall in love with a God that is head over heels in love with us. Let’s treasure every single privileged opportunity that we have to worship Him, whether it’s Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, or some other blessed time when the doors of the church are opened and we can worship with other believers.
Let’s put Him first, and not allow any other “god” to be before Him in our lives, not even for a minute. He’s worthy.
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, November 17, 2011
Floating Upstream?
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Floating Upstream? If I were swimming in a river going upstream against the current and I decided to stop swimming and merely float for a few minutes, which direction would I immediately begin to go? Would I magically continue upstream, going against the direction of the current even though I was simply floating?
I’m sure we all understand that if I were to stop putting effort into going upstream I would automatically begin to float downstream, right? I would be at the mercy of the current, going wherever it chose to take me. Even if I weren’t actively swimming with the current, I wouldn’t be sitting still. My decision to not intentionally swim against that current would be a decision to float along with it.
I’m pretty confident that’s a great analogy of our relationship with God. Scripture tells us that if we will “draw near to God He will draw near to us.” There’s some effort involved in “drawing near,” friend.
Every relationship takes work – and effort. Please understand that I am not, even for a moment, insinuating that we gain a relationship with Christ because of our work. We understand clearly that the Word says it’s “by grace we are saved through faith, that not of ourselves, it’s the gift of God and not of works so that no one can boast.” That’s Ephesians 2:8-9, and we can all quote that well. I challenge you, however, to look up that text so you can read the next verse. You see, verse 10 speaks of the “good works” that God “created us” for.
If I want to be actively pursuing God and in a growing relationship with Him, it takes some work on my part. I can’t allow myself to fall prey to the false notion that once we know Christ we can simply float through life and be drawing closer to Him at the same time. If I’m not investing my time in the Word, prayer, giving, serving – basically nourishing my relationship with Him – I’m drifting. If I’m drifting, it’s important for me to understand that the natural direction of man’s drift is away from God, not toward Him. Therefore, if I’m not actively pursuing God, I’m drifting farther away.
I believe with all my heart, based on the Word, that once a person is in a relationship with Christ that they’ve received by grace, that we are also kept by grace and enjoy the blessing of security. However, intimacy and closeness isn’t guaranteed simply because we have a relationship. I dare say that there are many who know Christ that are walking defeated, miserable lives because they are being lived in great distance from Him – simply because they are floating.
So today, ask yourself if you’ve become a floater in your relationship with Christ. How much time do you spend with Him? How actively are you pursuing closeness with the Almighty? A great place to start is to open up the Word and do some reading, then tell God how much you want to know Him more.
It’s time to start swimming upstream. After all, I’ve seen where the river ends, and the current you might be currently floating in doesn’t lead anywhere very pretty or pleasant.
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
Floating Upstream? If I were swimming in a river going upstream against the current and I decided to stop swimming and merely float for a few minutes, which direction would I immediately begin to go? Would I magically continue upstream, going against the direction of the current even though I was simply floating?
I’m sure we all understand that if I were to stop putting effort into going upstream I would automatically begin to float downstream, right? I would be at the mercy of the current, going wherever it chose to take me. Even if I weren’t actively swimming with the current, I wouldn’t be sitting still. My decision to not intentionally swim against that current would be a decision to float along with it.
I’m pretty confident that’s a great analogy of our relationship with God. Scripture tells us that if we will “draw near to God He will draw near to us.” There’s some effort involved in “drawing near,” friend.
Every relationship takes work – and effort. Please understand that I am not, even for a moment, insinuating that we gain a relationship with Christ because of our work. We understand clearly that the Word says it’s “by grace we are saved through faith, that not of ourselves, it’s the gift of God and not of works so that no one can boast.” That’s Ephesians 2:8-9, and we can all quote that well. I challenge you, however, to look up that text so you can read the next verse. You see, verse 10 speaks of the “good works” that God “created us” for.
If I want to be actively pursuing God and in a growing relationship with Him, it takes some work on my part. I can’t allow myself to fall prey to the false notion that once we know Christ we can simply float through life and be drawing closer to Him at the same time. If I’m not investing my time in the Word, prayer, giving, serving – basically nourishing my relationship with Him – I’m drifting. If I’m drifting, it’s important for me to understand that the natural direction of man’s drift is away from God, not toward Him. Therefore, if I’m not actively pursuing God, I’m drifting farther away.
I believe with all my heart, based on the Word, that once a person is in a relationship with Christ that they’ve received by grace, that we are also kept by grace and enjoy the blessing of security. However, intimacy and closeness isn’t guaranteed simply because we have a relationship. I dare say that there are many who know Christ that are walking defeated, miserable lives because they are being lived in great distance from Him – simply because they are floating.
So today, ask yourself if you’ve become a floater in your relationship with Christ. How much time do you spend with Him? How actively are you pursuing closeness with the Almighty? A great place to start is to open up the Word and do some reading, then tell God how much you want to know Him more.
It’s time to start swimming upstream. After all, I’ve seen where the river ends, and the current you might be currently floating in doesn’t lead anywhere very pretty or pleasant.
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, November 16, 2011
Good Coaching.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Good Coaching. Give me a basketball, a gym, and a group of players and I’ll tell you what you’ll have: a mess! Give me a football, a field, and a group of players, and I’ll tell you, again, what you’ll have: another mess! Someone that leads a group of athletes is expected to have a more advanced knowledge of the sport than those they are leading, right?
I have a good friend that is a coach, and she does a great job at it. She knows basketball like the back of her hand, and she knows how to teach it to the players she’s entrusted with. In order to believe that, all you have to do is go and watch her team play while she coaches and you’ll quickly realize that she knows what she’s doing. She knows the sport, and she knows it well. The result is simple: some changed lives by a person whose knowledge is being imparted to them.
Do you have a coach in your walk with Christ? The truth is, God never intended for believers to be “free agents,” wandering through life on their own without any spiritual instruction. All throughout the Word we are told of teachers, preachers, pastors, etc. God has specifically called out many to teach the Word, and we need them desperately!
In my own life I have several spiritual coaches, and I’m thankful for them. I’ve been blessed to know many great men of God throughout my lifetime. I have some great women of God in my life, too, that have made tremendous impacts on me.
We need to be coached – we need to be mentored. I would challenge you to spend some time figuring out who your primary coach on your walk with God is. Treasure that person. Pray for that person. And spend as much time with that person as you can, soaking up every bit of teaching and wisdom from them as possible.
But also realize this: you may be someone else’s coach. Someone else may be looking at you for spiritual wisdom and leadership. Whether you choose or not, you are leading others in their search for or walk with God. How well do you know the subject matter? Are you growing in Him – or just floating?
I couldn’t coach a basketball team if you paid me, and I’m thankful for folks like my friend that can. I have been called to lead, though. Join me today in recommitting ourselves to a fresh passion of growing in Him so we can better lead them, would ya?
(Tomorrow’s blog: “Floating Upstream?”)
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
Good Coaching. Give me a basketball, a gym, and a group of players and I’ll tell you what you’ll have: a mess! Give me a football, a field, and a group of players, and I’ll tell you, again, what you’ll have: another mess! Someone that leads a group of athletes is expected to have a more advanced knowledge of the sport than those they are leading, right?
I have a good friend that is a coach, and she does a great job at it. She knows basketball like the back of her hand, and she knows how to teach it to the players she’s entrusted with. In order to believe that, all you have to do is go and watch her team play while she coaches and you’ll quickly realize that she knows what she’s doing. She knows the sport, and she knows it well. The result is simple: some changed lives by a person whose knowledge is being imparted to them.
Do you have a coach in your walk with Christ? The truth is, God never intended for believers to be “free agents,” wandering through life on their own without any spiritual instruction. All throughout the Word we are told of teachers, preachers, pastors, etc. God has specifically called out many to teach the Word, and we need them desperately!
In my own life I have several spiritual coaches, and I’m thankful for them. I’ve been blessed to know many great men of God throughout my lifetime. I have some great women of God in my life, too, that have made tremendous impacts on me.
We need to be coached – we need to be mentored. I would challenge you to spend some time figuring out who your primary coach on your walk with God is. Treasure that person. Pray for that person. And spend as much time with that person as you can, soaking up every bit of teaching and wisdom from them as possible.
But also realize this: you may be someone else’s coach. Someone else may be looking at you for spiritual wisdom and leadership. Whether you choose or not, you are leading others in their search for or walk with God. How well do you know the subject matter? Are you growing in Him – or just floating?
I couldn’t coach a basketball team if you paid me, and I’m thankful for folks like my friend that can. I have been called to lead, though. Join me today in recommitting ourselves to a fresh passion of growing in Him so we can better lead them, would ya?
(Tomorrow’s blog: “Floating Upstream?”)
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, November 10, 2011
Boundaries.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Boundaries. Today I’m speaking at one of our junior high schools during an abstinence workshop. I’ll be spending the day in 7th grade health classes speaking on the topic of “Boundaries.” There are some common misconceptions about this idea of boundaries, though.
Many people think that when I bring up boundaries that I’m automatically limiting their freedom. They begin to think that I’m some type of legalist that wants to take all the fun out of their life in every way. We associate boundaries with fences, and we view them as holding us back and keeping us in. But boundaries are so much more than that.
There are boundaries on the roadways, aren’t there? Surely no one complains that there are lines on the highway, telling us where to keep our car? Hopefully we all understand that those boundaries protect us – they keep us from driving off a cliff or over into oncoming traffic! Those boundaries are there to protect us.
It’s much like my new adopted dogs. They live inside a fenced in area, and for good reason. They’ve lived in the city all their lives (8 years thus far), and they’ve never lived in the country. Where I live there are dangers that they didn’t contend with in their fenced in back yard in the city. If they were to be running out of the fenced area out in the country, there’s no telling what dangers and risks they would encounter that they wouldn’t be prepared to handle.
And so it is with life. With school students we speak of boundaries in dating, specifically. We tell them where to draw lines and limits, with the main goal of helping them see that boundaries protect them from facing temptations that they need to avoid as much as possible. The truth is, however, that we all need to practice the placement of boundaries in our lives.
Regardless of our age, there are some places we have no business going, and there are some things we have no business doing. If you belong to Christ, your boundaries should be especially firm and clear, because wherever you go you wear the name of Christ there.
Boundaries matter, and they are important. Take some time today and consider some positive boundaries for your life. Think through some areas that you face the most temptation in, and ask God to show you where He wants your boundaries drawn to illuminate as much unneeded temptation as possible. Draw yourselves some lines that will help you stay focused on life’s most important goal: drawing closer to the God that gave His only Son to break down the boundaries and barriers that existed between us and Him!
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
Boundaries. Today I’m speaking at one of our junior high schools during an abstinence workshop. I’ll be spending the day in 7th grade health classes speaking on the topic of “Boundaries.” There are some common misconceptions about this idea of boundaries, though.
Many people think that when I bring up boundaries that I’m automatically limiting their freedom. They begin to think that I’m some type of legalist that wants to take all the fun out of their life in every way. We associate boundaries with fences, and we view them as holding us back and keeping us in. But boundaries are so much more than that.
There are boundaries on the roadways, aren’t there? Surely no one complains that there are lines on the highway, telling us where to keep our car? Hopefully we all understand that those boundaries protect us – they keep us from driving off a cliff or over into oncoming traffic! Those boundaries are there to protect us.
It’s much like my new adopted dogs. They live inside a fenced in area, and for good reason. They’ve lived in the city all their lives (8 years thus far), and they’ve never lived in the country. Where I live there are dangers that they didn’t contend with in their fenced in back yard in the city. If they were to be running out of the fenced area out in the country, there’s no telling what dangers and risks they would encounter that they wouldn’t be prepared to handle.
And so it is with life. With school students we speak of boundaries in dating, specifically. We tell them where to draw lines and limits, with the main goal of helping them see that boundaries protect them from facing temptations that they need to avoid as much as possible. The truth is, however, that we all need to practice the placement of boundaries in our lives.
Regardless of our age, there are some places we have no business going, and there are some things we have no business doing. If you belong to Christ, your boundaries should be especially firm and clear, because wherever you go you wear the name of Christ there.
Boundaries matter, and they are important. Take some time today and consider some positive boundaries for your life. Think through some areas that you face the most temptation in, and ask God to show you where He wants your boundaries drawn to illuminate as much unneeded temptation as possible. Draw yourselves some lines that will help you stay focused on life’s most important goal: drawing closer to the God that gave His only Son to break down the boundaries and barriers that existed between us and Him!
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, November 9, 2011
Input - Output.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Input – Output. The other day I had an epiphany. Please understand, I have these moments when some small thing will occur to me and I somehow manage to see some strange lesson in it. My mind, apparently, is slightly strange in that I sometimes look for “points to ponder” in everyday happenings. This was no exception.
I was performing the simple task of taking out the trash. That’s no big deal, and certainly not something that “great theological truths” could come from. Nonetheless, here I was, removing the old, nasty garbage bag from the can and replacing it, when a huge dose of truth hit me. Suddenly, as if it were written on the wall of my kitchen, I heard the words spoken to my heart, “This is much like the mind of many people – input and output.”
Just think about it for a moment, will you? When I throw something away it’s considered “trash” – right? I dispose of it in the “trash can” – follow me so far? When that trash can is full, I empty it – but the contents are still trash, right? I don’t know of anyone that would consider it anything else.
Why, then, do we somehow think that we can fill our minds with “trash” on a regular basis and it will miraculously convert itself to something other than trash when it works its way out of us?
If the music we listen to is full of profanity and messages that are contrary to the message of Christ and His Word, it’s trash. If we input that into our minds regularly, it will work its way out of us into the way we talk, the way we think, and even the way we live our lives.
If the video games we play are full of filth and trashy talk, those things will eventually work themselves out of us through our thoughts, words, and actions as well.
Are you catching a trend?
It’s the simple rule of “Input – output”: what goes in must come out, in some form. It’s just that simple.
So, choose you this day what your output will be. We could probably all use some work in the media department as it relates to our input. Join me in making the choice to only input things into my mind that will produce an output that honors and glorifies Christ! After all, life is short, and we will stand before Him someday. On that day, I don’t want my mind to be a media library filled with garbage I’m ashamed to “take out” in from of Him.
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
Input – Output. The other day I had an epiphany. Please understand, I have these moments when some small thing will occur to me and I somehow manage to see some strange lesson in it. My mind, apparently, is slightly strange in that I sometimes look for “points to ponder” in everyday happenings. This was no exception.
I was performing the simple task of taking out the trash. That’s no big deal, and certainly not something that “great theological truths” could come from. Nonetheless, here I was, removing the old, nasty garbage bag from the can and replacing it, when a huge dose of truth hit me. Suddenly, as if it were written on the wall of my kitchen, I heard the words spoken to my heart, “This is much like the mind of many people – input and output.”
Just think about it for a moment, will you? When I throw something away it’s considered “trash” – right? I dispose of it in the “trash can” – follow me so far? When that trash can is full, I empty it – but the contents are still trash, right? I don’t know of anyone that would consider it anything else.
Why, then, do we somehow think that we can fill our minds with “trash” on a regular basis and it will miraculously convert itself to something other than trash when it works its way out of us?
If the music we listen to is full of profanity and messages that are contrary to the message of Christ and His Word, it’s trash. If we input that into our minds regularly, it will work its way out of us into the way we talk, the way we think, and even the way we live our lives.
If the video games we play are full of filth and trashy talk, those things will eventually work themselves out of us through our thoughts, words, and actions as well.
Are you catching a trend?
It’s the simple rule of “Input – output”: what goes in must come out, in some form. It’s just that simple.
So, choose you this day what your output will be. We could probably all use some work in the media department as it relates to our input. Join me in making the choice to only input things into my mind that will produce an output that honors and glorifies Christ! After all, life is short, and we will stand before Him someday. On that day, I don’t want my mind to be a media library filled with garbage I’m ashamed to “take out” in from of Him.
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, November 8, 2011
Sore Topix?
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Sore Topix? When we were little we quoted a little adage that we thought held great truth: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Though we may not have understood it then, there really isn’t a lot of truth in that saying. Words can’t break bones, true. However, what they can break is much more serious than a mere physical injury.
Yesterday I was made aware of a social website that some students in Cabot had been frequenting and using as a tool to degrade other students here in town. On that site were a vast array of topics being discussed, from “hottest teachers” to “top 10 *less virtuous* girls” in Cabot. (I changed some wording due to inappropriate language.) Much of what was being said on the site was grossly inappropriate, and was inflammatory in nature. Words can hurt, friend.
I had never heard of the site before a youth pastor friend brought it to my attention. As soon as I heard about it, I began to notice more and more talk about the controversy surrounding the site itself. Then I became aware that the Cabot Police Department, as well as the Arkansas State Police, had become involved to investigate the students posting the garbage. In this day and age, bullying is taken very seriously whether it be verbal, physical, or cyber. I’m thankful for the diligence of the administration of our school district for pursuing this.
This isn’t foreign to the Word of God, though. James wrote about the power of the tongue. He described it as a “fire”, which when under control can accomplish great things, but when let loose can destroy lives. There is an immense power found within the ability of the tongue. The words we speak, or type for that matter, can build up others or tear them down.
It breaks my heart to think that some student already struggling with depression, abuse, loneliness, or feelings of inadequacy might read the words posted about them on the site mentioned above and begin to consider the option of ending their life. That isn’t a farfetched scenario, either. Friends, it has happened elsewhere, and it could happen here.
I wish I could say that the reason some students use some cruel language towards other students is simply because they don’t know Christ yet, but I’m afraid that’s not always the case. Let’s be honest, Christians – we can sometimes say some pretty hurtful things, can’t we? Oh, but that shouldn’t be the case – ever!
Believers in Jesus Christ – we are called to be LIGHT in a dark world! We are called to bring HOPE to a desolate land! We are called to be SALT to a world in need of preservation! We are called to be LOVE in the midst of sins hatred! We are called to be DIFFERENT than those around us without Him!
So in response to the dramatic saga that was brought to light yesterday, I have a couple of simple words. First of all, THANKS to the administration of the Cabot School District for taking this seriously and very possibly saving some lives. Secondly, THINK before you speak or type, dear child of God. And finally, THIRST for more of Him in your life and let that thirst change the way you treat others. Our words matter – not just here, but for all eternity.
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 Topix? When we were little we quoted a little adage that we thought held great truth: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Though we may not have understood it then, there really isn’t a lot of truth in that saying. Words can’t break bones, true. However, what they can break is much more serious than a mere physical injury.
Yesterday I was made aware of a social website that some students in Cabot had been frequenting and using as a tool to degrade other students here in town. On that site were a vast array of topics being discussed, from “hottest teachers” to “top 10 *less virtuous* girls” in Cabot. (I changed some wording due to inappropriate language.) Much of what was being said on the site was grossly inappropriate, and was inflammatory in nature. Words can hurt, friend.
I had never heard of the site before a youth pastor friend brought it to my attention. As soon as I heard about it, I began to notice more and more talk about the controversy surrounding the site itself. Then I became aware that the Cabot Police Department, as well as the Arkansas State Police, had become involved to investigate the students posting the garbage. In this day and age, bullying is taken very seriously whether it be verbal, physical, or cyber. I’m thankful for the diligence of the administration of our school district for pursuing this.
This isn’t foreign to the Word of God, though. James wrote about the power of the tongue. He described it as a “fire”, which when under control can accomplish great things, but when let loose can destroy lives. There is an immense power found within the ability of the tongue. The words we speak, or type for that matter, can build up others or tear them down.
It breaks my heart to think that some student already struggling with depression, abuse, loneliness, or feelings of inadequacy might read the words posted about them on the site mentioned above and begin to consider the option of ending their life. That isn’t a farfetched scenario, either. Friends, it has happened elsewhere, and it could happen here.
I wish I could say that the reason some students use some cruel language towards other students is simply because they don’t know Christ yet, but I’m afraid that’s not always the case. Let’s be honest, Christians – we can sometimes say some pretty hurtful things, can’t we? Oh, but that shouldn’t be the case – ever!
Believers in Jesus Christ – we are called to be LIGHT in a dark world! We are called to bring HOPE to a desolate land! We are called to be SALT to a world in need of preservation! We are called to be LOVE in the midst of sins hatred! We are called to be DIFFERENT than those around us without Him!
So in response to the dramatic saga that was brought to light yesterday, I have a couple of simple words. First of all, THANKS to the administration of the Cabot School District for taking this seriously and very possibly saving some lives. Secondly, THINK before you speak or type, dear child of God. And finally, THIRST for more of Him in your life and let that thirst change the way you treat others. Our words matter – not just here, but for all eternity.
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, November 7, 2011
The God Option?
Monday, November 07, 2011
The God Option? God has recently begun to open my eyes and burden my heart with the reality of the condition of the Church at large in America. I love this nation as much as anyone, and am thankful that God has allowed me to live here. We have the bravest men and women fighting for our freedom, even as I write this blog this morning. There’s nowhere else I’d choose to live if the choice were left to me. I love the USA.
But it stands to reason that the Church in America isn’t a passionate, on fire church as it once was. There are ongoing debates among different circles of thought as to what the “primary problem” with our country is. Democrats say it’s Republicans, and Republicans say it’s Democrats. Occupy Wall Street says it’s the Tea Party and the Tea Part says it’s Occupy Wall Street. And many among my own “circles” would say it’s the ever declining moral climate of our nation that is to blame. May I submit something to you today?
We shouldn’t raise our fists and blame the moral climate of our nation on the lost among us, church. I dare say it’s not the abortionists that have caused our moral dip, nor is it the gay rights movement. I don’t believe it’s the crowd that wants to remove the Ten Commandments from public places that have gotten us here, nor is it the champions of the removal of school prayer. I believe we’re only blaming symptoms of the real problem, and that will never fix anything.
I believe the fault is lying at our own feet, church.
For generations we have allowed God to become an option in our lives. We have placed as higher priorities in our lives things that don’t deserve to rank higher than Him. Hobbies and recreation, relationships and careers, money and influence – all these things have climbed to the top of the priorities of the “happy American dream,” and God has been allowed to slip in as an option when things get bad.
When we are sick or a loved one is, we call on God. When we can’t pay our bills or our job situation looks shaky, we call on God. When there’s an election coming up and we’re concerned about who might win, we call on God. When there’s a national tragedy and we’re terrified of what’s next, we call on God. Catching the trend?
We’ve compartmentalized our lives, and only “allowed” God into a few areas. We put Him in our little God box and only open the lid when we need Him. Whether we’ll admit it or not, in our minds we’ve turned the God of the universe into a genie. He’s not, nor will He allow Himself to be considered as such without serious consequences.
When anyone puts other things before Him, their lives slip. It’s unavoidable. When He deserves our Sunday mornings but not our Sunday nights, it happens. When He deserves our “meal blessings” but not our life, it happens. When He is allowed to have control over some small areas of our lives, but not all of them, it happens. And as we go, Church, so goes the nation.
So the next time we get upset that God isn’t “allowed” into every area of our national scene or government, we all need to stop and ask ourselves the question, “Is He allowed into every area of my life?” And even more than that, “Is He LORD of every area of my life?” Until we address that, the nation we love so dearly will never change. He must be LORD – not an option.
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
The God Option? God has recently begun to open my eyes and burden my heart with the reality of the condition of the Church at large in America. I love this nation as much as anyone, and am thankful that God has allowed me to live here. We have the bravest men and women fighting for our freedom, even as I write this blog this morning. There’s nowhere else I’d choose to live if the choice were left to me. I love the USA.
But it stands to reason that the Church in America isn’t a passionate, on fire church as it once was. There are ongoing debates among different circles of thought as to what the “primary problem” with our country is. Democrats say it’s Republicans, and Republicans say it’s Democrats. Occupy Wall Street says it’s the Tea Party and the Tea Part says it’s Occupy Wall Street. And many among my own “circles” would say it’s the ever declining moral climate of our nation that is to blame. May I submit something to you today?
We shouldn’t raise our fists and blame the moral climate of our nation on the lost among us, church. I dare say it’s not the abortionists that have caused our moral dip, nor is it the gay rights movement. I don’t believe it’s the crowd that wants to remove the Ten Commandments from public places that have gotten us here, nor is it the champions of the removal of school prayer. I believe we’re only blaming symptoms of the real problem, and that will never fix anything.
I believe the fault is lying at our own feet, church.
For generations we have allowed God to become an option in our lives. We have placed as higher priorities in our lives things that don’t deserve to rank higher than Him. Hobbies and recreation, relationships and careers, money and influence – all these things have climbed to the top of the priorities of the “happy American dream,” and God has been allowed to slip in as an option when things get bad.
When we are sick or a loved one is, we call on God. When we can’t pay our bills or our job situation looks shaky, we call on God. When there’s an election coming up and we’re concerned about who might win, we call on God. When there’s a national tragedy and we’re terrified of what’s next, we call on God. Catching the trend?
We’ve compartmentalized our lives, and only “allowed” God into a few areas. We put Him in our little God box and only open the lid when we need Him. Whether we’ll admit it or not, in our minds we’ve turned the God of the universe into a genie. He’s not, nor will He allow Himself to be considered as such without serious consequences.
When anyone puts other things before Him, their lives slip. It’s unavoidable. When He deserves our Sunday mornings but not our Sunday nights, it happens. When He deserves our “meal blessings” but not our life, it happens. When He is allowed to have control over some small areas of our lives, but not all of them, it happens. And as we go, Church, so goes the nation.
So the next time we get upset that God isn’t “allowed” into every area of our national scene or government, we all need to stop and ask ourselves the question, “Is He allowed into every area of my life?” And even more than that, “Is He LORD of every area of my life?” Until we address that, the nation we love so dearly will never change. He must be LORD – not an option.
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, November 1, 2011
Mistaken Identity.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Mistaken Identity. I adopted 3 adult labs last week. They are beautiful dogs, too. There is a brother and his two sisters, all 8 years old. They have never been separated since birth, and they are just about the sweetest animals I’ve ever met. They have a bit of an identity crisis, though, or so it seems.
It would appear as though these beautiful pups think, deep down inside, that they are, in fact, roosters. They have come to believe over these past couple of days that they carry the distinct and somber responsibility of notifying the world, or at least me, that the sun is coming up. They are so good at the job that they actually begin notifying me well before the sun actually begins coming up, too. I guess it’s a gift of sorts that they just have.
I’m doing my best to school them in the way of “sleeping while it’s dark,” you can believe that. With gentle and kind words I rebuke them when they choose to begin their shifts of barking at 3:30am. Ok, maybe it’s not always so gentle and kind…busted. They just need to understand they are Labrador retrievers – not roosters!
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and have had your sins dealt with by what He did on the cross, do you ever find yourself living with a case of mistaken identity? Do you ever allow yourself to be convinced that you are a victim to the world’s system – that you‘re defeated by the enemy and all his forces? Oh friend, let me set you straight, may I?
Scripture says that we are “more than conquerors through Christ!” The victory has already been won by our Jesus, and we are no longer victims of anything! When that stone began to roll away from the mouth of the tomb where Jesus Christ was laid, the devil and his imps were put on notice! A sign was placed by the front door of hell facing inside with the clear notification: “All who belong to Me are permanently out of your reach – PERIOD!”
So today, stop living like a rooster if you’re a lab! Stop living like a beaten down, defeated little victim, Christian! You are offspring of the God of the Universe! He loves us, and has an eternal home signed, sealed, and almost delivered waiting for us! Give your struggles to Him and let Him turn them into victories!
If you don’t know Christ, would you consider giving Him your life? Begin by admitting your sinful state to Him (He already knows, but admitting it is part of repentance.) Ask Him to forgive your sin, turn from it, and begin walking in newness of life! If you’d like more info on a new life in Christ, email pastorblakeman@yahoo.com anytime!
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
Mistaken Identity. I adopted 3 adult labs last week. They are beautiful dogs, too. There is a brother and his two sisters, all 8 years old. They have never been separated since birth, and they are just about the sweetest animals I’ve ever met. They have a bit of an identity crisis, though, or so it seems.
It would appear as though these beautiful pups think, deep down inside, that they are, in fact, roosters. They have come to believe over these past couple of days that they carry the distinct and somber responsibility of notifying the world, or at least me, that the sun is coming up. They are so good at the job that they actually begin notifying me well before the sun actually begins coming up, too. I guess it’s a gift of sorts that they just have.
I’m doing my best to school them in the way of “sleeping while it’s dark,” you can believe that. With gentle and kind words I rebuke them when they choose to begin their shifts of barking at 3:30am. Ok, maybe it’s not always so gentle and kind…busted. They just need to understand they are Labrador retrievers – not roosters!
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and have had your sins dealt with by what He did on the cross, do you ever find yourself living with a case of mistaken identity? Do you ever allow yourself to be convinced that you are a victim to the world’s system – that you‘re defeated by the enemy and all his forces? Oh friend, let me set you straight, may I?
Scripture says that we are “more than conquerors through Christ!” The victory has already been won by our Jesus, and we are no longer victims of anything! When that stone began to roll away from the mouth of the tomb where Jesus Christ was laid, the devil and his imps were put on notice! A sign was placed by the front door of hell facing inside with the clear notification: “All who belong to Me are permanently out of your reach – PERIOD!”
So today, stop living like a rooster if you’re a lab! Stop living like a beaten down, defeated little victim, Christian! You are offspring of the God of the Universe! He loves us, and has an eternal home signed, sealed, and almost delivered waiting for us! Give your struggles to Him and let Him turn them into victories!
If you don’t know Christ, would you consider giving Him your life? Begin by admitting your sinful state to Him (He already knows, but admitting it is part of repentance.) Ask Him to forgive your sin, turn from it, and begin walking in newness of life! If you’d like more info on a new life in Christ, email pastorblakeman@yahoo.com anytime!
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, October 20, 2011
Get Real #4.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Get Real #4. He’d be raised in religion. He knew all the ins and out of what the religious crowd thought it took to please God. He knew the Law, and he knew the Prophets. He lived a clean life. He had zeal, and he had passion. He invested his time in pursuing those who he thought were following a cult leader, and then he had them arrested or executed. He was as religious as religious gets. And then he met Jesus.
He had set out on a journey to Damascus to hunt down and arrest more followers of “the Way,” as Christians were called in those days. Only God knows what would have awaited those believers, had Saul made it where he was headed. All we know is that he didn’t – he saw the Light first (literally). (See Acts 9)
Have you ever been knocked off your “high horse?” You thought you had it all together and were really something when suddenly, out of nowhere, something/someone came along and gave you a stiff reminder of what humility feels like? Saul literally was knocked off of his high horse by Jesus Himself, and the rest of his life was spent telling everyone, everywhere about it.
See, that’s what religion produces: pride and haughtiness. Just think about it: if I am following a “system of beliefs and rituals” that supposedly gives me the pattern to get to God, somewhere along the way I’ll begin to think I’m pretty good at it. If the responsibility for getting to/reaching God is in my hands, I’m pretty special – don’t ya think? The problem is that this teaching is not only false, but it’s a slap in the face to the God who sent His Son Jesus to get us to Him.
Jesus came to enter into relationship with us, not religion. What I have as a disciple of Christ isn’t about religion or a simple system of beliefs or rituals – it’s relational. I serve Him because I love Him, not because it’s earning me a seat at His table.
Saul learned that from Christ Himself on the Damascus road. As a matter of fact, the lesson was so life changing for him that God even changed his name. The man before Christ was Saul – the same man, after meeting Christ, was Paul. A total life-change merited a name change too.
So, you want change you can truly believe in? Come to Christ – ask Him to forgive your sins, be your Savior and Lord, and grow you in Him. Been chasing religion? Come get something better – the only Truth that will ever truly change you. Come get the Real thing – Jesus.
(If you’d like more information on knowing Jesus personally, please write to pastorblakeman@yahoo.com or contact me on Facebook anytime!)
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
Get Real #4. He’d be raised in religion. He knew all the ins and out of what the religious crowd thought it took to please God. He knew the Law, and he knew the Prophets. He lived a clean life. He had zeal, and he had passion. He invested his time in pursuing those who he thought were following a cult leader, and then he had them arrested or executed. He was as religious as religious gets. And then he met Jesus.
He had set out on a journey to Damascus to hunt down and arrest more followers of “the Way,” as Christians were called in those days. Only God knows what would have awaited those believers, had Saul made it where he was headed. All we know is that he didn’t – he saw the Light first (literally). (See Acts 9)
Have you ever been knocked off your “high horse?” You thought you had it all together and were really something when suddenly, out of nowhere, something/someone came along and gave you a stiff reminder of what humility feels like? Saul literally was knocked off of his high horse by Jesus Himself, and the rest of his life was spent telling everyone, everywhere about it.
See, that’s what religion produces: pride and haughtiness. Just think about it: if I am following a “system of beliefs and rituals” that supposedly gives me the pattern to get to God, somewhere along the way I’ll begin to think I’m pretty good at it. If the responsibility for getting to/reaching God is in my hands, I’m pretty special – don’t ya think? The problem is that this teaching is not only false, but it’s a slap in the face to the God who sent His Son Jesus to get us to Him.
Jesus came to enter into relationship with us, not religion. What I have as a disciple of Christ isn’t about religion or a simple system of beliefs or rituals – it’s relational. I serve Him because I love Him, not because it’s earning me a seat at His table.
Saul learned that from Christ Himself on the Damascus road. As a matter of fact, the lesson was so life changing for him that God even changed his name. The man before Christ was Saul – the same man, after meeting Christ, was Paul. A total life-change merited a name change too.
So, you want change you can truly believe in? Come to Christ – ask Him to forgive your sins, be your Savior and Lord, and grow you in Him. Been chasing religion? Come get something better – the only Truth that will ever truly change you. Come get the Real thing – Jesus.
(If you’d like more information on knowing Jesus personally, please write to pastorblakeman@yahoo.com or contact me on Facebook anytime!)
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, October 19, 2011
Get Real #3.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Get Real #3. If Jesus called someone the greatest, wouldn’t you agree that’s worth looking into? If Jesus gave someone the label of “Greatest Preacher,” wouldn’t that certainly carry some weight? The label of greatest, given by Jesus, is definitely worth paying attention to. It should make us pause to ask the question, “Who was this guy Jesus said this about, and what was so great about him?”
John the Baptist wasn’t a mega-church pastor. He never wrote a book that I know of. He never received a doctorate in theology. I’m pretty certain he never got an invitation to be the keynote speaker at a large function, or anywhere for that matter. Kings hated him and the religious avoided him. Yet Jesus said he was great. As a matter of fact, Jesus said there’s never been a greater prophet on this planet than John. Why?
I think it’s worth noting that much of the description of John the Baptizer would earn him the label “crazy” today, and most likely not “great.” He traveled the countryside wearing animal skin and eating locusts and wild honey. Imagine what a man living on the land would look like after a while, especially wearing clothes made from animal hide. I am pretty sure his apparel wouldn’t earn him any points in the fashion show we currently call “Sunday morning” in America.
Another poignant element of John’s ministry is also one that wouldn’t help him climb the latter of “ministry success” today: he only preached one sermon! He didn’t have a notebook (or laptop) full of outlines. He didn’t pull out his “Pastors’ Handbook” to look up appropriate Scriptures for the occasion. No, he preached one sermon, and it wasn’t a fun, uplifting, or even popular one. His one sermon could be boiled down to a one word title with a simple subtitle: Repent – The Kingdom of Heaven is At Hand.
Not only was that his title, but also the largest portion of his content! He was all about proclaiming the coming of Jesus, and not himself. As a matter of fact, when crowds asked him who he was on one recorded occasion, he didn’t even give them his name. He simply answered, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness saying, ‘Declare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’” If someone were building an empire on their self and storing up a reputation or fame, wouldn’t you think they would share their own name when they were given opportunities like that?
John existed to accomplish the will and purpose of God for the honor and glory of God, it’s that simple. I am pretty sure it’s those two elements that earn someone today the title of “crazy” in the eyes of the world, and even modern Christianity. Yet it’s pretty easy to see that to live a life in that way also matters to God – and in a big way. Who are you living for?
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
Get Real #3. If Jesus called someone the greatest, wouldn’t you agree that’s worth looking into? If Jesus gave someone the label of “Greatest Preacher,” wouldn’t that certainly carry some weight? The label of greatest, given by Jesus, is definitely worth paying attention to. It should make us pause to ask the question, “Who was this guy Jesus said this about, and what was so great about him?”
John the Baptist wasn’t a mega-church pastor. He never wrote a book that I know of. He never received a doctorate in theology. I’m pretty certain he never got an invitation to be the keynote speaker at a large function, or anywhere for that matter. Kings hated him and the religious avoided him. Yet Jesus said he was great. As a matter of fact, Jesus said there’s never been a greater prophet on this planet than John. Why?
I think it’s worth noting that much of the description of John the Baptizer would earn him the label “crazy” today, and most likely not “great.” He traveled the countryside wearing animal skin and eating locusts and wild honey. Imagine what a man living on the land would look like after a while, especially wearing clothes made from animal hide. I am pretty sure his apparel wouldn’t earn him any points in the fashion show we currently call “Sunday morning” in America.
Another poignant element of John’s ministry is also one that wouldn’t help him climb the latter of “ministry success” today: he only preached one sermon! He didn’t have a notebook (or laptop) full of outlines. He didn’t pull out his “Pastors’ Handbook” to look up appropriate Scriptures for the occasion. No, he preached one sermon, and it wasn’t a fun, uplifting, or even popular one. His one sermon could be boiled down to a one word title with a simple subtitle: Repent – The Kingdom of Heaven is At Hand.
Not only was that his title, but also the largest portion of his content! He was all about proclaiming the coming of Jesus, and not himself. As a matter of fact, when crowds asked him who he was on one recorded occasion, he didn’t even give them his name. He simply answered, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness saying, ‘Declare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’” If someone were building an empire on their self and storing up a reputation or fame, wouldn’t you think they would share their own name when they were given opportunities like that?
John existed to accomplish the will and purpose of God for the honor and glory of God, it’s that simple. I am pretty sure it’s those two elements that earn someone today the title of “crazy” in the eyes of the world, and even modern Christianity. Yet it’s pretty easy to see that to live a life in that way also matters to God – and in a big way. Who are you living for?
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, October 18, 2011
Get Real #2.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Get Real #2. I love biographies and autobiographies, especially when they are written about or by someone I really admire. There’s just something about reading the events of person’s life that fascinates me. It helps me not only to see some of the struggles they’ve overcome to achieve whatever level of success they realized, but I also try to understand why they made the decisions they did at various times. Seeing where someone has come from helps us understand how they got to where they ended up.
Consider this life story: as soon as he was born, his mom put him in a floating basket and placed him in the Nile River. The maiden voyage of the SS Baby Float took him directly to the arms of the Pharaoh’s daughter, who then raised him as her own son. By the providential hand of God his own mom got the job of being his caregiver in Pharaoh’s house, too.
He grew to the point of maturity and began to realize how mistreated the slaves of Egypt were. He eventually learned that he was a Hebrew just like they were. That knowledge led him to ultimately react in anger to an Egyptian soldier who was abusing one of the Hebrew slaves, and it cost the soldier his life. After burying him in the sand, this man took off and left Egypt behind.
He found his new home among sheep, working as a shepherd in the wilderness lands for years. It was in those lands that God spoke to him via a burning bush that wasn’t being consumed. God told him that his calling and purpose would be to deliver the people of God from that slavery into the Promised Land. After a bit of discussion and, dare I say it, slight arguing, he consented.
Now – imagine being told to go before a dictator who could easily have you executed to demand the release of millions of slaves on the simple premise that God said so. The story of Moses isn’t just a fairytale, friend – these events are actual historical record. The Bible contains details of this man’s life that help us understand why he was who he was. He had a faith that was real, even though he had been raised among the worship of the pagan gods of Egypt.
You know the rest, right? He eventually walked out of Egypt with millions of Hebrews. God led them by fire at night and cloud by day through the wilderness. Their hard-headness would ultimately prolong their journey before reaching the land God had promised them.
The journey would lead them through times of hardship and times of plenty. They would face desert wandering and Red Sea crossing. They would spend time worshiping and also whining. Yet through it all, even though they made life hard on Moses at times and tested God’s patience even more often, God was faithful. He provided every need they had, even though they sorely lacked the total trust in Him that He deserved.
God is calling you too, friend. Just let this blog be your burning bush, and let His Word be your voice from it: “Go preach My Gospel to everyone, make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey all I’ve commanded. I’m going to be with you always, even until the end of age.” God’s command – yes, I said command – is to take His Gospel to the lost, and help them grow into disciples of His.
Moses had to leave his comfort zone to obey God. Though it wasn’t easy, it was worth it, not only for him but also for the millions of people trapped in slavery. Billions today live in slavery to sin, and they are desperately waiting for someone to rise up and bring them deliverance. Will that be you – or will you look straight into the eyes of a holy, righteous, almighty God and say the word no other creation in this universe has the audacity to say to Him: “No”?
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
Get Real #2. I love biographies and autobiographies, especially when they are written about or by someone I really admire. There’s just something about reading the events of person’s life that fascinates me. It helps me not only to see some of the struggles they’ve overcome to achieve whatever level of success they realized, but I also try to understand why they made the decisions they did at various times. Seeing where someone has come from helps us understand how they got to where they ended up.
Consider this life story: as soon as he was born, his mom put him in a floating basket and placed him in the Nile River. The maiden voyage of the SS Baby Float took him directly to the arms of the Pharaoh’s daughter, who then raised him as her own son. By the providential hand of God his own mom got the job of being his caregiver in Pharaoh’s house, too.
He grew to the point of maturity and began to realize how mistreated the slaves of Egypt were. He eventually learned that he was a Hebrew just like they were. That knowledge led him to ultimately react in anger to an Egyptian soldier who was abusing one of the Hebrew slaves, and it cost the soldier his life. After burying him in the sand, this man took off and left Egypt behind.
He found his new home among sheep, working as a shepherd in the wilderness lands for years. It was in those lands that God spoke to him via a burning bush that wasn’t being consumed. God told him that his calling and purpose would be to deliver the people of God from that slavery into the Promised Land. After a bit of discussion and, dare I say it, slight arguing, he consented.
Now – imagine being told to go before a dictator who could easily have you executed to demand the release of millions of slaves on the simple premise that God said so. The story of Moses isn’t just a fairytale, friend – these events are actual historical record. The Bible contains details of this man’s life that help us understand why he was who he was. He had a faith that was real, even though he had been raised among the worship of the pagan gods of Egypt.
You know the rest, right? He eventually walked out of Egypt with millions of Hebrews. God led them by fire at night and cloud by day through the wilderness. Their hard-headness would ultimately prolong their journey before reaching the land God had promised them.
The journey would lead them through times of hardship and times of plenty. They would face desert wandering and Red Sea crossing. They would spend time worshiping and also whining. Yet through it all, even though they made life hard on Moses at times and tested God’s patience even more often, God was faithful. He provided every need they had, even though they sorely lacked the total trust in Him that He deserved.
God is calling you too, friend. Just let this blog be your burning bush, and let His Word be your voice from it: “Go preach My Gospel to everyone, make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey all I’ve commanded. I’m going to be with you always, even until the end of age.” God’s command – yes, I said command – is to take His Gospel to the lost, and help them grow into disciples of His.
Moses had to leave his comfort zone to obey God. Though it wasn’t easy, it was worth it, not only for him but also for the millions of people trapped in slavery. Billions today live in slavery to sin, and they are desperately waiting for someone to rise up and bring them deliverance. Will that be you – or will you look straight into the eyes of a holy, righteous, almighty God and say the word no other creation in this universe has the audacity to say to Him: “No”?
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, October 17, 2011
Get Real #1.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Get Real #1. How often do you read Scripture while subconsciously thinking it’s just a book of stories? Sure, we proclaim for all to hear that we believe the “Bible is the inspired Word of God,” as well we should. Yet when we read it, so many times we don’t allow the events recorded within to awe us! We’ve become so familiar with the episodes written about in Scripture that we almost read out of habit. Years of Sunday school flannel board stories have seemingly dulled our senses to the miraculous deeds of God through the ages.
Just think, for a moment, about the story of Noah. Noah was a family man, who had been faithful to demonstrate faithfulness to God before the watchful eyes of his wife and children. It is evident that he practiced regular obedience to the voice of God in his life, because when God spoke to him about a gigantic boat he was to build for a world-wide flood, he listened and obeyed. I think it’s safe to say that if a track record of obedience hadn’t been established by that point the Ark project would have been a little too big a pill to swallow.
It had never rained on the earth that Noah lived on. A dew rose from the ground and watered the vegetation. Bible scholars believe that a moisture sphere circled the earth, thus explaining the longer lifespan of people at this time.
So follow me: God spoke to a man who had never experienced rain with the instructions to build a gigantic boat to hold all his family and animals from all over the globe because rain was coming that would cause a flood that would cover the face of the earth. That’s both a mouth full and a tall order, friend! Yet the truly remarkable thing about this man named Noah: he only had to be told once, and he obeyed.
Fast-forward to my lifetime. When I began hearing God’s voice leading me into the ministry at 14 years old I got a lot of advice. Time and time again I remember hearing well wishing people, many of which were preachers themselves, tell me to “just wait a while, and then you’ll know if it’s real.” I heard testimony after testimony of men who said they waited months or even years before submitting their lives to God’s calling to preach. The waiting, I was told, would give God time to make His voice clear to me.
Delayed obedience is disobedience. The truth of the matter is that God calls us when He wants us to respond. Had Noah chosen to “wait so God’s voice would be clearer” he would have been disobeying His voice to begin gathering materials for the project! Let me say it once more: delayed obedience is disobedience.
For over 120 years we can see Noah’s faithfulness in building the Ark. He endured mocking and belittlement from his neighbors and friends, yet he continued to build. For more than what we would consider a lifetime Noah labored alongside his family to obey the calling of God for his life. The result: civilization survived the “fresh start” of the flood.
Is God telling you something? Is it bigger than you think you can handle? Will it be hard, and maybe even seem impossible? Take a glance at Noah making a worship sacrifice after the flood waters have receded and let God remind you of three simple, yet profound words: God is faithful. Now trust Him – you’ll not be sorry.
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
Get Real #1. How often do you read Scripture while subconsciously thinking it’s just a book of stories? Sure, we proclaim for all to hear that we believe the “Bible is the inspired Word of God,” as well we should. Yet when we read it, so many times we don’t allow the events recorded within to awe us! We’ve become so familiar with the episodes written about in Scripture that we almost read out of habit. Years of Sunday school flannel board stories have seemingly dulled our senses to the miraculous deeds of God through the ages.
Just think, for a moment, about the story of Noah. Noah was a family man, who had been faithful to demonstrate faithfulness to God before the watchful eyes of his wife and children. It is evident that he practiced regular obedience to the voice of God in his life, because when God spoke to him about a gigantic boat he was to build for a world-wide flood, he listened and obeyed. I think it’s safe to say that if a track record of obedience hadn’t been established by that point the Ark project would have been a little too big a pill to swallow.
It had never rained on the earth that Noah lived on. A dew rose from the ground and watered the vegetation. Bible scholars believe that a moisture sphere circled the earth, thus explaining the longer lifespan of people at this time.
So follow me: God spoke to a man who had never experienced rain with the instructions to build a gigantic boat to hold all his family and animals from all over the globe because rain was coming that would cause a flood that would cover the face of the earth. That’s both a mouth full and a tall order, friend! Yet the truly remarkable thing about this man named Noah: he only had to be told once, and he obeyed.
Fast-forward to my lifetime. When I began hearing God’s voice leading me into the ministry at 14 years old I got a lot of advice. Time and time again I remember hearing well wishing people, many of which were preachers themselves, tell me to “just wait a while, and then you’ll know if it’s real.” I heard testimony after testimony of men who said they waited months or even years before submitting their lives to God’s calling to preach. The waiting, I was told, would give God time to make His voice clear to me.
Delayed obedience is disobedience. The truth of the matter is that God calls us when He wants us to respond. Had Noah chosen to “wait so God’s voice would be clearer” he would have been disobeying His voice to begin gathering materials for the project! Let me say it once more: delayed obedience is disobedience.
For over 120 years we can see Noah’s faithfulness in building the Ark. He endured mocking and belittlement from his neighbors and friends, yet he continued to build. For more than what we would consider a lifetime Noah labored alongside his family to obey the calling of God for his life. The result: civilization survived the “fresh start” of the flood.
Is God telling you something? Is it bigger than you think you can handle? Will it be hard, and maybe even seem impossible? Take a glance at Noah making a worship sacrifice after the flood waters have receded and let God remind you of three simple, yet profound words: God is faithful. Now trust Him – you’ll not be sorry.
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, October 14, 2011
Holy Cartwheels...?
Friday, October 14, 2011
Holy Cartwheels...? The word “holy” is a pretty misunderstood word, I think. The literal translation of the word is basically “set apart.” We drop it lightly in conversation, though. “Holy cow!” My personal favorite makes even less sense: “holy guacamole!” Yet the word “holy” itself carries weight, as it reminds us of things that aren’t just ordinary.
Throughout the existence of the human race we’ve always been really quick to give the title “holy” to things that really weren’t. Idolatry plagued the early children of God as we see their journeys through the Old Testament lands. We’ve placed people, graven images, geographical locations, even periods of time, under the heading of “holy.” But does that truly do justice to the word?
Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking to the Christian Club (called JUST Club) at Cabot Junior High North in both their lunches. God has been challenging me lately with the issue of “followship vs. discipleship”, so I chose to dive into that issue with these students.
I asked both groups to define “discipleship” to me. I got all sorts of answers, the majority of which were along the lines of basically following. So I decided an object lesson was in order.
I asked for a volunteer. I gave them simple instructions to just start walking around the room. I fell in right behind them (literally, only inches behind them…it was pretty funny). I followed them everywhere they went around the room before we finally stopped and I gave them their next instruction: be goofy this time.
As they proceeded to walk around the room this time doing various crazy things like running into things, flapping their arms violently or spinning in circles, I mimicked every move. And then came the kicker – the cartwheel. So, staying true to my object lesson for the sake of the message I was delivering, I did the cartwheel. Let me just bring you into the loop: I’ve never been too good at cartwheels, especially if I were under the pressure of a closely watching audience. I pulled it off, though, for which I am forever thankful.
Sure, that was a silly little exercise. Hopefully, though, it demonstrated in a clear way the difference in simply “following” and actually committing to be a “disciple.” Immediately the students began to answer the question from early differently. They began to realize that “following Christ” and being a “true disciple of Christ” were two different levels of commitment to Him.
If I desire to be like Jesus – if I desire to obey what He’s told me He wants from my life – I must choose discipleship. I must choose, for my own life, to learn of Him, from Him, and make my time with Him a priority that I treasure. I must dive into the Word regularly, allowing God to change me as a result. I must fall on my face before Him very often to have conversations with Him. And I must obey His voice when He calls me to new levels of service, commitment or obedience to Him. I must imitate Him - mimic Him - be LIKE Him.
No, the cartwheel wasn’t “holy,” but hopefully it was used of God to accomplish a greater work. Hopefully the students remember the message much more than the message bringer at those meetings yesterday. And hopefully they’re taking the challenge to not only be real disciples, but also be disciple-makers, and invest themselves into the lives of the people God has placed in their lives for such a task.
Maybe, just maybe, you and I will too.
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
Holy Cartwheels...? The word “holy” is a pretty misunderstood word, I think. The literal translation of the word is basically “set apart.” We drop it lightly in conversation, though. “Holy cow!” My personal favorite makes even less sense: “holy guacamole!” Yet the word “holy” itself carries weight, as it reminds us of things that aren’t just ordinary.
Throughout the existence of the human race we’ve always been really quick to give the title “holy” to things that really weren’t. Idolatry plagued the early children of God as we see their journeys through the Old Testament lands. We’ve placed people, graven images, geographical locations, even periods of time, under the heading of “holy.” But does that truly do justice to the word?
Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking to the Christian Club (called JUST Club) at Cabot Junior High North in both their lunches. God has been challenging me lately with the issue of “followship vs. discipleship”, so I chose to dive into that issue with these students.
I asked both groups to define “discipleship” to me. I got all sorts of answers, the majority of which were along the lines of basically following. So I decided an object lesson was in order.
I asked for a volunteer. I gave them simple instructions to just start walking around the room. I fell in right behind them (literally, only inches behind them…it was pretty funny). I followed them everywhere they went around the room before we finally stopped and I gave them their next instruction: be goofy this time.
As they proceeded to walk around the room this time doing various crazy things like running into things, flapping their arms violently or spinning in circles, I mimicked every move. And then came the kicker – the cartwheel. So, staying true to my object lesson for the sake of the message I was delivering, I did the cartwheel. Let me just bring you into the loop: I’ve never been too good at cartwheels, especially if I were under the pressure of a closely watching audience. I pulled it off, though, for which I am forever thankful.
Sure, that was a silly little exercise. Hopefully, though, it demonstrated in a clear way the difference in simply “following” and actually committing to be a “disciple.” Immediately the students began to answer the question from early differently. They began to realize that “following Christ” and being a “true disciple of Christ” were two different levels of commitment to Him.
If I desire to be like Jesus – if I desire to obey what He’s told me He wants from my life – I must choose discipleship. I must choose, for my own life, to learn of Him, from Him, and make my time with Him a priority that I treasure. I must dive into the Word regularly, allowing God to change me as a result. I must fall on my face before Him very often to have conversations with Him. And I must obey His voice when He calls me to new levels of service, commitment or obedience to Him. I must imitate Him - mimic Him - be LIKE Him.
No, the cartwheel wasn’t “holy,” but hopefully it was used of God to accomplish a greater work. Hopefully the students remember the message much more than the message bringer at those meetings yesterday. And hopefully they’re taking the challenge to not only be real disciples, but also be disciple-makers, and invest themselves into the lives of the people God has placed in their lives for such a task.
Maybe, just maybe, you and I will too.
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, October 13, 2011
Time's Not A Healer.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Time’s Not A Healer. We’ve all heard the expression, “Time heals all wounds.” Yet, how often do we stop and question such sayings? How often do we stop and ask, “I know I’ve ALWAYS said that in the past, but is it truth?” I submit to you this morning that this phrase isn’t.
Time has no healing ability. Let’s compare our hurts, heartbreaks, and emotional injuries to a pothole, an object that I’m sure we all understand all too well. Let’s say our daily commute comes complete with an annoying pothole that is positioned in such a place in the road that there’s just no avoiding it. Every day – every single day – we hit that pothole. Its existence has become the thorn in our side. There’s no doubt in our minds that it is real – very, very real.
For months and months we’ve been driving over this stupid, backbreaking hole in the road. We’ve often wondered why on earth someone from the highway department hasn’t come and fixed this monstrosity. Obviously their commute doesn’t include this mammoth crater, or else it would have been filled in by now. We wonder how much more of this our tires – or our patience – can take.
One day as we’re driving into work we realize how smooth the road has become. We’ve become so accustomed to the massive elephant sized indention in the road that we don’t even expect it anymore. Yet today, there was no hole that reached halfway to China on our way in. It had been fixed!
How much sense would it make if I looked at you and simply said, “Well, I knew it was a matter of time. After all, time heals all wounds. I knew eventually that hole would fill itself in.” You’d look at me as if I were crazy, right? Of course you would, and you’d be justified. We understand that physical craters like that don’t fix themselves with time. As a matter of fact, they only get worse.
And so it is with our emotional craters. If you’ve been hurt or broken by the actions of yourself or the actions of others, please don’t sit around and wait for “time” to heal those wounds. Friend, time has no healing ability in and of itself. The only thing that time itself can do is make injuries wider, deeper, and more painful, just like potholes.
I have good news, though. Sure, time can’t heal, but I know a Man who can. From the deaf to the blind, the mute to the diseased, the broken hearted to the wicked – He’s healed all sorts! Don’t think for a minute your heartbreak is too big for His abilities!
The only catch us – He won’t force Himself on you. You have to make the choice to bring yourself, and all your “emotional potholes”, to Him.
Just like it takes a highway crew to fix a physical pothole, it takes a Healer to heal emotional ones.
So today, come to Jesus. Give Him your aches and pains of the heart. Let Him begin His healing work that time could never do on its own. Come today – so you can start living again!
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
Time’s Not A Healer. We’ve all heard the expression, “Time heals all wounds.” Yet, how often do we stop and question such sayings? How often do we stop and ask, “I know I’ve ALWAYS said that in the past, but is it truth?” I submit to you this morning that this phrase isn’t.
Time has no healing ability. Let’s compare our hurts, heartbreaks, and emotional injuries to a pothole, an object that I’m sure we all understand all too well. Let’s say our daily commute comes complete with an annoying pothole that is positioned in such a place in the road that there’s just no avoiding it. Every day – every single day – we hit that pothole. Its existence has become the thorn in our side. There’s no doubt in our minds that it is real – very, very real.
For months and months we’ve been driving over this stupid, backbreaking hole in the road. We’ve often wondered why on earth someone from the highway department hasn’t come and fixed this monstrosity. Obviously their commute doesn’t include this mammoth crater, or else it would have been filled in by now. We wonder how much more of this our tires – or our patience – can take.
One day as we’re driving into work we realize how smooth the road has become. We’ve become so accustomed to the massive elephant sized indention in the road that we don’t even expect it anymore. Yet today, there was no hole that reached halfway to China on our way in. It had been fixed!
How much sense would it make if I looked at you and simply said, “Well, I knew it was a matter of time. After all, time heals all wounds. I knew eventually that hole would fill itself in.” You’d look at me as if I were crazy, right? Of course you would, and you’d be justified. We understand that physical craters like that don’t fix themselves with time. As a matter of fact, they only get worse.
And so it is with our emotional craters. If you’ve been hurt or broken by the actions of yourself or the actions of others, please don’t sit around and wait for “time” to heal those wounds. Friend, time has no healing ability in and of itself. The only thing that time itself can do is make injuries wider, deeper, and more painful, just like potholes.
I have good news, though. Sure, time can’t heal, but I know a Man who can. From the deaf to the blind, the mute to the diseased, the broken hearted to the wicked – He’s healed all sorts! Don’t think for a minute your heartbreak is too big for His abilities!
The only catch us – He won’t force Himself on you. You have to make the choice to bring yourself, and all your “emotional potholes”, to Him.
Just like it takes a highway crew to fix a physical pothole, it takes a Healer to heal emotional ones.
So today, come to Jesus. Give Him your aches and pains of the heart. Let Him begin His healing work that time could never do on its own. Come today – so you can start living again!
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, October 12, 2011
A Known Future?
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A Known Future? For as long as I can remember society has always seemed to have an obsession with knowing the future. From psychics to self proclaimed prophets, just let someone claim to know what lies ahead and they’ll have a flock following them. Predicting everything from the fall of America to the actually date and time of the return of Christ, time after time their predictions are wrong. Just think about the fallacy of human beings knowing the future.
I remember when I was a child there were always commercials for the “Psychic Friends Network” on tv. For only a small fee of around $2 a minute you could call and have your future foretold by these “gifted” people. I remember hearing how it was a scam by folks when I would ask questions, which makes sense now since I don’t ever hear about their “network” anymore. Turns out, the very group of people who could supposedly see the future had to close down their business due to – you guessed it – going broke.
And then there are those who claim to know the precise date and time of Christ’s return. One such man made himself a celebrity this past year. He predicted, based on his expert studies of Scripture among other things, that Jesus would return in May. He even had an exact date it would happen, even pinpointing 6PM as the exact time of the event. My only question was, “Is Jesus on Central Time like me?” That date came and went, as did the time, and we all hung around. Maybe this man missed, in his deep studies of Scripture, when Jesus Himself said He didn’t even know the day nor the hour, but “only His Father in heaven” did.
Some use calculations to justify their predictions, and others simply claim a new revelation is behind theirs. Regardless of what they proclaim produces their advanced knowledge of specific future events, egg continues to magically show up on their face after the fact. They silently shrink back into the crowd they’ve so boldly pushed to the front of after their predictions come and go with no substantiation. It’s almost sad.
However, one set of predictions, better yet Prophecies, has yet to ever be wrong. From the first day of time as we know it, when the God’s voice thunders a proclamation, it happens. Today we can open up His Book, the Bible, and see what lies ahead for each of us.
Throughout the ages, Scripture hasn’t been playing catch up. No, friend, the opposite is very true. Down through the portals of time, the knowledge of man has been catching up to the Truths of Scripture. From the fact that the earth is round and not flat all the way to the realization that the “life of the body is in the blood”, man’s science can only slowly discover what has already been established in the Word.
So when we read words about the return of Christ, we should listen up. When we read that it can happen, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” we should make sure we’re prepared. When we read about the glory of God being more than our minds here can even comprehend, we can live with some joy in our hearts. And when we read that anyone not trusting in Christ for salvation will live in eternal separation from Him in a place so horrendous our minds can't wrap themselves around it either, it should press us into service sharing Him as much as we can.
No human being knows every detail of the future. That knowledge is reserved for God alone. But He’s given us a Book that outlines what is to come, and all we have to do is read it. I think that’s a pretty handy deal, don’t 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
A Known Future? For as long as I can remember society has always seemed to have an obsession with knowing the future. From psychics to self proclaimed prophets, just let someone claim to know what lies ahead and they’ll have a flock following them. Predicting everything from the fall of America to the actually date and time of the return of Christ, time after time their predictions are wrong. Just think about the fallacy of human beings knowing the future.
I remember when I was a child there were always commercials for the “Psychic Friends Network” on tv. For only a small fee of around $2 a minute you could call and have your future foretold by these “gifted” people. I remember hearing how it was a scam by folks when I would ask questions, which makes sense now since I don’t ever hear about their “network” anymore. Turns out, the very group of people who could supposedly see the future had to close down their business due to – you guessed it – going broke.
And then there are those who claim to know the precise date and time of Christ’s return. One such man made himself a celebrity this past year. He predicted, based on his expert studies of Scripture among other things, that Jesus would return in May. He even had an exact date it would happen, even pinpointing 6PM as the exact time of the event. My only question was, “Is Jesus on Central Time like me?” That date came and went, as did the time, and we all hung around. Maybe this man missed, in his deep studies of Scripture, when Jesus Himself said He didn’t even know the day nor the hour, but “only His Father in heaven” did.
Some use calculations to justify their predictions, and others simply claim a new revelation is behind theirs. Regardless of what they proclaim produces their advanced knowledge of specific future events, egg continues to magically show up on their face after the fact. They silently shrink back into the crowd they’ve so boldly pushed to the front of after their predictions come and go with no substantiation. It’s almost sad.
However, one set of predictions, better yet Prophecies, has yet to ever be wrong. From the first day of time as we know it, when the God’s voice thunders a proclamation, it happens. Today we can open up His Book, the Bible, and see what lies ahead for each of us.
Throughout the ages, Scripture hasn’t been playing catch up. No, friend, the opposite is very true. Down through the portals of time, the knowledge of man has been catching up to the Truths of Scripture. From the fact that the earth is round and not flat all the way to the realization that the “life of the body is in the blood”, man’s science can only slowly discover what has already been established in the Word.
So when we read words about the return of Christ, we should listen up. When we read that it can happen, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” we should make sure we’re prepared. When we read about the glory of God being more than our minds here can even comprehend, we can live with some joy in our hearts. And when we read that anyone not trusting in Christ for salvation will live in eternal separation from Him in a place so horrendous our minds can't wrap themselves around it either, it should press us into service sharing Him as much as we can.
No human being knows every detail of the future. That knowledge is reserved for God alone. But He’s given us a Book that outlines what is to come, and all we have to do is read it. I think that’s a pretty handy deal, don’t 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
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Language Barriers.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Language Barriers. I’m sure if you’ve read this blog very much you’re aware that in addition to being in youth ministry full-time, I’m also a school bus driver in the morning and afternoon. I’ve been doing that for quite some time, and I’ve grown to love it. Most probably don’t realize how much ministry can be done on a school bus, especially when you build relationships of trust with the students that ride. They share burdens and prayer requests with you, as well as just venting to you after a rough day. It’s a blessing.
All of the kids on my bus are awesome in their own ways. There’s a group that gets on at one stop that I’ve become particularly attached to. They are all family, and they are all from Spanish speaking countries. 8 of them speak English very well (better than me, actually.) They have a family member that just came to our country this past Friday, so she hasn’t learned much English at all yet. Yesterday was her first day on the bus.
I want to be able to communicate with her so badly! All I could say yesterday that made any sense in conversation was “Hello (Hola)” and “Goodbye (adios).” I did my best to give it my best accent, too. I even said “gracias” once, just to see how well I can roll my r’s. It wasn’t too impressive.
So I’ve decided each day I’ll learn to say something new. Yes, it’ll take me forever at that rate. But, one day at a time, phrase by phrase, hopefully it will at least show that I’m making effort to be able to communicate. More than anything, I want to communicate that I care enough to try. That’s a pretty good foundation for the Gospel to be shared eventually, don’t you think?
The fact that I don’t speak a certain language is preventing me from sharing Him with someone. What I’ve found is that even though I can’t stand in front of the entire bus, as a captive audience, and present the Gospel, I have plenty of chances outside of that school bus to show them Him, too. Oh, make no mistake about it, they know where I am on issues of Christ on the bus, just because they've gotten to know me fairly well. But I can actually share how to know Him apart from the context of being their bus driver.
I want each student God has entrusted to my safe keeping every day to know how to know Him. That takes extra effort to be a little more patient at times than I naturally desire to be. It takes more grace when I could easily enforce punishments as strict as I initially desire them to be. It takes more energy than just biting off the heads of unruly riders. But it’s worth it – if in some small way by my actions on the bus they see that Christ can make you different.
If something is preventing me from communicating Christ to someone, I want to learn to bridge that gap. If something in my life needs to go for that to happen, I want to release it freely. If I need to learn a new language for that to happen, I want to have a burning desire to do so. Whatever it takes, no matter the cost, I want to make Him known to the world. Will ya join me on this adventure?
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
Language Barriers. I’m sure if you’ve read this blog very much you’re aware that in addition to being in youth ministry full-time, I’m also a school bus driver in the morning and afternoon. I’ve been doing that for quite some time, and I’ve grown to love it. Most probably don’t realize how much ministry can be done on a school bus, especially when you build relationships of trust with the students that ride. They share burdens and prayer requests with you, as well as just venting to you after a rough day. It’s a blessing.
All of the kids on my bus are awesome in their own ways. There’s a group that gets on at one stop that I’ve become particularly attached to. They are all family, and they are all from Spanish speaking countries. 8 of them speak English very well (better than me, actually.) They have a family member that just came to our country this past Friday, so she hasn’t learned much English at all yet. Yesterday was her first day on the bus.
I want to be able to communicate with her so badly! All I could say yesterday that made any sense in conversation was “Hello (Hola)” and “Goodbye (adios).” I did my best to give it my best accent, too. I even said “gracias” once, just to see how well I can roll my r’s. It wasn’t too impressive.
So I’ve decided each day I’ll learn to say something new. Yes, it’ll take me forever at that rate. But, one day at a time, phrase by phrase, hopefully it will at least show that I’m making effort to be able to communicate. More than anything, I want to communicate that I care enough to try. That’s a pretty good foundation for the Gospel to be shared eventually, don’t you think?
The fact that I don’t speak a certain language is preventing me from sharing Him with someone. What I’ve found is that even though I can’t stand in front of the entire bus, as a captive audience, and present the Gospel, I have plenty of chances outside of that school bus to show them Him, too. Oh, make no mistake about it, they know where I am on issues of Christ on the bus, just because they've gotten to know me fairly well. But I can actually share how to know Him apart from the context of being their bus driver.
I want each student God has entrusted to my safe keeping every day to know how to know Him. That takes extra effort to be a little more patient at times than I naturally desire to be. It takes more grace when I could easily enforce punishments as strict as I initially desire them to be. It takes more energy than just biting off the heads of unruly riders. But it’s worth it – if in some small way by my actions on the bus they see that Christ can make you different.
If something is preventing me from communicating Christ to someone, I want to learn to bridge that gap. If something in my life needs to go for that to happen, I want to release it freely. If I need to learn a new language for that to happen, I want to have a burning desire to do so. Whatever it takes, no matter the cost, I want to make Him known to the world. Will ya join me on this adventure?
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, October 10, 2011
Against?
Monday, October 10, 2011
Against? It’s a strong thing to say you are “against” someone. There’s no gray area with that word – it’s obvious what you mean. You can understand, then, why it was a shock of sorts on Saturday when we saw a man wearing a shirt that proclaimed “Youth Against Christ.” Against is a strong word, especially when it precedes the Name above all names.
He and his friends were sitting about 3 rows in front of us at a marching band contest here in Cabot. I was sitting with several of our youth group students when one of them pointed it out to me. A few quiet gasps were felt by the other students with us when they noticed it, too. The reactions to the shirt were mixed between quiet anger and pity. It became a teaching moment.
I reminded the students sitting around me that he just obviously didn’t know the Jesus we knew. He was most likely operating on a view of Christ that had been fed to him by someone else, and then was possibly reinforced by zealous folks who were angered by his t-shirt’s message. Every time he encountered an “angry Christian” when we wore that shirt, it probably further drove home his belief that what we believe was simply a fairy tale that we were insecure about defending.
I shared with them that to be “against Christ” was a sure sign that one didn’t know Who Christ really was. After all, if you only viewed Christ as a religious leader among many, it would be easy to simply say you were “against” Him. After all, why should He be singled out and held in a higher regard than other religious leaders?
We know better, and we need to thank God that we do. We know that Christ isn’t simply another religious leader among many. We know that Christ isn’t simply a religious leader at all – He’s so much more. We know that no one else ever died for us and rose again 3 days later to bring us victory too. We know the difference He has made in our lives. And we know He desires to do the same in each heart alive today.
The simple question is: does our life say the same thing that man’s shirt said? We may not be brazen enough to wear a shirt that proclaims ourselves “against Christ,” but what is the message of the life we live? Do the words I say and the actions I live out proclaim “For Christ” or “Against Christ” to a lost and dying world that are watching for the answer?
I don’t know the man’s name, and to be quite honest I’m ashamed of that fact. If everyone avoids the Gospel conversation with him as I did he will continue in his lostness. That “teaching moment” could have turned into a “salvation moment” for this man, or at least an “obedience moment” for this believer. It didn’t, and I’m ashamed. I’m praying for him, and since God has etched his face into my heart, if I ever have the opportunity again I pray I’ll take the chance to try to show him the Christ I know is real. And I pray my life is screaming to the world around me “I’m with Christ.”
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
Against? It’s a strong thing to say you are “against” someone. There’s no gray area with that word – it’s obvious what you mean. You can understand, then, why it was a shock of sorts on Saturday when we saw a man wearing a shirt that proclaimed “Youth Against Christ.” Against is a strong word, especially when it precedes the Name above all names.
He and his friends were sitting about 3 rows in front of us at a marching band contest here in Cabot. I was sitting with several of our youth group students when one of them pointed it out to me. A few quiet gasps were felt by the other students with us when they noticed it, too. The reactions to the shirt were mixed between quiet anger and pity. It became a teaching moment.
I reminded the students sitting around me that he just obviously didn’t know the Jesus we knew. He was most likely operating on a view of Christ that had been fed to him by someone else, and then was possibly reinforced by zealous folks who were angered by his t-shirt’s message. Every time he encountered an “angry Christian” when we wore that shirt, it probably further drove home his belief that what we believe was simply a fairy tale that we were insecure about defending.
I shared with them that to be “against Christ” was a sure sign that one didn’t know Who Christ really was. After all, if you only viewed Christ as a religious leader among many, it would be easy to simply say you were “against” Him. After all, why should He be singled out and held in a higher regard than other religious leaders?
We know better, and we need to thank God that we do. We know that Christ isn’t simply another religious leader among many. We know that Christ isn’t simply a religious leader at all – He’s so much more. We know that no one else ever died for us and rose again 3 days later to bring us victory too. We know the difference He has made in our lives. And we know He desires to do the same in each heart alive today.
The simple question is: does our life say the same thing that man’s shirt said? We may not be brazen enough to wear a shirt that proclaims ourselves “against Christ,” but what is the message of the life we live? Do the words I say and the actions I live out proclaim “For Christ” or “Against Christ” to a lost and dying world that are watching for the answer?
I don’t know the man’s name, and to be quite honest I’m ashamed of that fact. If everyone avoids the Gospel conversation with him as I did he will continue in his lostness. That “teaching moment” could have turned into a “salvation moment” for this man, or at least an “obedience moment” for this believer. It didn’t, and I’m ashamed. I’m praying for him, and since God has etched his face into my heart, if I ever have the opportunity again I pray I’ll take the chance to try to show him the Christ I know is real. And I pray my life is screaming to the world around me “I’m with Christ.”
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, October 7, 2011
Irreconcilable Differences?
Friday, October 07, 2011
Irreconcilable Differences? Last night I got to hang out with some truly great guys for a couple of hours. These guys are in the trenches of youth ministry, which gives us much to talk about when we get together. We understand the struggles of one another. We understand the challenges that come up against each of the ministries God has given us to be a part of. We have so much in common. Yet, we also have our differences.
I’m so blessed to be doing ministry in a town where these meetings are possible. Several of us in the Cabot Youth Ministry Network have shared on occasions how much of a dream it’s been for many of us to cooperate with other churches like we are now. Many times, dare I say MOST of the time, this isn’t possible everywhere. There are several reasons, too.
One glaring reason is the “competition factor.” As sad as it is, in most towns many student ministries feel like they are competing with one another. No, they may not say it, but in reality they feel that they have to outdo the church down the street in order to reach more kids. The ideas have to be better and more catchy, and the music has to be just a step above, otherwise all their kids will slowly migrate away to the other ministries. If this sounds silly to you congratulations – you’ve just instantly realized what it’s taken years for some to accept.
And then there are the differences. It seems like the most daunting hurdle to cooperation in ministry with other churches is that one word “differences.” Whether you’re working alongside churches of the same “denomination” or daring to venture outside the context of the same label that you bear, there are differences. We often view those as insurmountable – too large to overcome. It’s that misconception that prevents us from realizing so much of the potential the church has today.
I’m fully prepared for the onslaught of emails I will be receiving today as a result of this blog. Many of you will no doubt have strong words to say to me about “pulpit affiliation” or other terms we’ve coined throughout the decades. The truth of the matter is, last night I enjoyed some sweet fellowship with some guys that don’t agree with me on many things. A few in our meeting hold denominational ties to other places than I. But we all agree, wholeheartedly, on one major thing together: knowing Christ as Savior is the only hope students in Cabot, Arkansas have of being ready for life and death. And we agree on what it takes to know Him.
Sure there’s more involved in discipleship than that, and we all understand that. That’s the reason we’ve left discipleship up to our local churches, and chosen to cooperate on what we can do together: evangelism. There’s also a great deal to be said about our fellowship and, dare I say it, friendship with one another. I value these guys – I treasure their service to Christ, students, and their desire to encourage one another as we serve together in the trenches of this town’s student culture.
You’ve got every right to have a problem with that. It is, after all, America, and we are all entitled to freedom of speech. But know this before you prepare to write that email addressed to me this morning: I have no reservations whatsoever about the fellowship, friendship, and cooperation of the Cabot Youth Ministries Network. God used this crew to put together an event that brought Christ to thousands of students in this town through the Life Book movement last week, as well as just over 900 at one time as the Gospel was presented at the See You After The Pole event last Wednesday night. I’m pretty sure that's something I'm excited to be a part of...it's a trend I want to continue.
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
Irreconcilable Differences? Last night I got to hang out with some truly great guys for a couple of hours. These guys are in the trenches of youth ministry, which gives us much to talk about when we get together. We understand the struggles of one another. We understand the challenges that come up against each of the ministries God has given us to be a part of. We have so much in common. Yet, we also have our differences.
I’m so blessed to be doing ministry in a town where these meetings are possible. Several of us in the Cabot Youth Ministry Network have shared on occasions how much of a dream it’s been for many of us to cooperate with other churches like we are now. Many times, dare I say MOST of the time, this isn’t possible everywhere. There are several reasons, too.
One glaring reason is the “competition factor.” As sad as it is, in most towns many student ministries feel like they are competing with one another. No, they may not say it, but in reality they feel that they have to outdo the church down the street in order to reach more kids. The ideas have to be better and more catchy, and the music has to be just a step above, otherwise all their kids will slowly migrate away to the other ministries. If this sounds silly to you congratulations – you’ve just instantly realized what it’s taken years for some to accept.
And then there are the differences. It seems like the most daunting hurdle to cooperation in ministry with other churches is that one word “differences.” Whether you’re working alongside churches of the same “denomination” or daring to venture outside the context of the same label that you bear, there are differences. We often view those as insurmountable – too large to overcome. It’s that misconception that prevents us from realizing so much of the potential the church has today.
I’m fully prepared for the onslaught of emails I will be receiving today as a result of this blog. Many of you will no doubt have strong words to say to me about “pulpit affiliation” or other terms we’ve coined throughout the decades. The truth of the matter is, last night I enjoyed some sweet fellowship with some guys that don’t agree with me on many things. A few in our meeting hold denominational ties to other places than I. But we all agree, wholeheartedly, on one major thing together: knowing Christ as Savior is the only hope students in Cabot, Arkansas have of being ready for life and death. And we agree on what it takes to know Him.
Sure there’s more involved in discipleship than that, and we all understand that. That’s the reason we’ve left discipleship up to our local churches, and chosen to cooperate on what we can do together: evangelism. There’s also a great deal to be said about our fellowship and, dare I say it, friendship with one another. I value these guys – I treasure their service to Christ, students, and their desire to encourage one another as we serve together in the trenches of this town’s student culture.
You’ve got every right to have a problem with that. It is, after all, America, and we are all entitled to freedom of speech. But know this before you prepare to write that email addressed to me this morning: I have no reservations whatsoever about the fellowship, friendship, and cooperation of the Cabot Youth Ministries Network. God used this crew to put together an event that brought Christ to thousands of students in this town through the Life Book movement last week, as well as just over 900 at one time as the Gospel was presented at the See You After The Pole event last Wednesday night. I’m pretty sure that's something I'm excited to be a part of...it's a trend I want to continue.
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, October 6, 2011
Blank.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Blank. Occasionally when I sit down to write this blog I struggle with a certain “blankness” that frustrates me. This morning is such a time. On a normal morning I’ll leap from the shower with my blog inspiration flying through my mind. I almost have to rush to get dressed and run to my laptop so I can get the idea into writing! Not so this morning.
There’s a certain helpless feeling that comes from the blankness, I guess. It’s a regular reminder that I’m dependent on God for these blogs, and not just myself. Every writer has their occasional “writer’s block,” I suppose. I view these blogs differently, though.
I don’t view this as a “column” or anything remotely close. And I’m certainly not a “professional writer” of any sort at all. I don’t claim any artistic or creative rights to what’s written in “A Thought From Blake” each day at all. As a matter of fact, I really don’t claim that any of what I write is original.
In order for something to be classified as “original” it has to originate with that source. Very little, if any, of what I write “originates” with me. It comes to me from Him. He’s the One with the artistic and “creative rights.”
Which brings me back to the blankness that I’m experiencing this morning. I simply could not arrive at any title, subject, or even thought process for this blog today. I even walked around my house, searching for something to trigger a train of thinking. I got nothing. I had my quiet time and did a little Scripture reading before writing, as I always do, hoping for some inspiration of some sort to write about. Once again, I got nothing (to write about, anyway).
So when in doubt, share your heart. Maybe you’re blank today, too. Maybe when you woke up this morning you didn’t have the urge to leap out of bed and take the world on like there’s no tomorrow. Maybe you’re dragging today, and almost feel as if you’re just going through the motions. Maybe you’re struggling to even know what your purpose is for the day ahead. There’s some good news for you!
God already knows what your day has in store! He already knows how He’s going to use you today! Though you may feel blank, He’s just waiting to write another page in the book called your life!
So take great hope today – God has plans! Though you may have no idea what’s ahead, He does. And even if you think today will be just another rut of a day, God can do so much more with the 24 hours ahead. Give it to Him, and just watch and see how it turns out!
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
Blank. Occasionally when I sit down to write this blog I struggle with a certain “blankness” that frustrates me. This morning is such a time. On a normal morning I’ll leap from the shower with my blog inspiration flying through my mind. I almost have to rush to get dressed and run to my laptop so I can get the idea into writing! Not so this morning.
There’s a certain helpless feeling that comes from the blankness, I guess. It’s a regular reminder that I’m dependent on God for these blogs, and not just myself. Every writer has their occasional “writer’s block,” I suppose. I view these blogs differently, though.
I don’t view this as a “column” or anything remotely close. And I’m certainly not a “professional writer” of any sort at all. I don’t claim any artistic or creative rights to what’s written in “A Thought From Blake” each day at all. As a matter of fact, I really don’t claim that any of what I write is original.
In order for something to be classified as “original” it has to originate with that source. Very little, if any, of what I write “originates” with me. It comes to me from Him. He’s the One with the artistic and “creative rights.”
Which brings me back to the blankness that I’m experiencing this morning. I simply could not arrive at any title, subject, or even thought process for this blog today. I even walked around my house, searching for something to trigger a train of thinking. I got nothing. I had my quiet time and did a little Scripture reading before writing, as I always do, hoping for some inspiration of some sort to write about. Once again, I got nothing (to write about, anyway).
So when in doubt, share your heart. Maybe you’re blank today, too. Maybe when you woke up this morning you didn’t have the urge to leap out of bed and take the world on like there’s no tomorrow. Maybe you’re dragging today, and almost feel as if you’re just going through the motions. Maybe you’re struggling to even know what your purpose is for the day ahead. There’s some good news for you!
God already knows what your day has in store! He already knows how He’s going to use you today! Though you may feel blank, He’s just waiting to write another page in the book called your life!
So take great hope today – God has plans! Though you may have no idea what’s ahead, He does. And even if you think today will be just another rut of a day, God can do so much more with the 24 hours ahead. Give it to Him, and just watch and see how it turns out!
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, October 5, 2011
It.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
It. One of the universal games of children is “Tag.” Do you remember it? One person would be “it”, while everyone else tried to avoid being “tagged” by them. There was usually always a “base” and if you were touching it you couldn’t become “it”, but were safe from being “tagged.” One by one, the opportunity to be “it” would rotate among the kids playing. If you’re experience was ever anything like mine, however, there were always at least a couple of kids that never were tagged while playing.
Journey with me almost 2,000 years back in history. Jesus is gathered around with His 12 closest friends, called His disciples. He’s teaching them about what is going to happen to Him in the not too distant future. He’s talking about the sacrifice for sin, and teaching them why it’s necessary that He be that sacrifice. He’s telling them that when He’s gone away, it will be their turn to carry His message. He looks at them and, in effect, says, “Tag – you’re it.”
Fast forward a few years. Jesus has ascended back to heaven. Now the disciples are spreading His gospel to the ends of the earth, but it’s not coming without its tribulations. A number of them have been arrested already on numerous occasions. Many of them have been beaten, and even lost their possessions, a number of them even being executed already. They continue to carry the Gospel, in spite of all the pain and sacrifice it costs them. Many come to know Christ as the result of their preaching. They pass the torch – “tag.”
Travel farther ahead into what is now history to us. Believers are being hunted and captured for owning copies of Scripture. The Bible becomes so illegal that many Christians are choosing to memorize it instead of carry a copy of it on them. And so verse by verse, book by book, from Genesis to Revelation, they commit God’s Word to memory, hiding it in their heart. They are doing this so they can continue to pass it down to others who need to hear the message of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for their sin. They carry the torch, until the day comes for them to pass it on…”tag.”
Now we’re in the early days of America. Great men willingly leave the comforts of their homes and families to climb aboard the backs of horses and buggies to roam the wilderness countryside as circuit riding preachers. They travel night and day, Bible in one hand and horse reins in the other, preaching Jesus and His Word every time they encounter someone that will listen. Great revivals take place in remote places and large cities. As more and more come to Christ, the torch is passed, yet again…”tag.”
And we’re back to today. I don’t know who passed the Gospel message on to you, but I know that faithful grandparents and parents passed it to me. I was raised hearing about Jesus, and for that I’m thankful. Regardless of who did or didn’t tell you about Him growing up, you’re reading about Him now. Your excuse of ignorance is now abolished, if it weren’t before. You’re being told, as you read these words, that God loves you and the rest of the world, and wants the message of His Son’s death on Calvary to be proclaimed to all men, everywhere. It’s not going to take the sacrifice that it took those early Christians, at least in the majority of cases in our land. Nevertheless, your job – your responsibility – is clear. Consider the torch passed. “Tag” – you’re it.
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
It. One of the universal games of children is “Tag.” Do you remember it? One person would be “it”, while everyone else tried to avoid being “tagged” by them. There was usually always a “base” and if you were touching it you couldn’t become “it”, but were safe from being “tagged.” One by one, the opportunity to be “it” would rotate among the kids playing. If you’re experience was ever anything like mine, however, there were always at least a couple of kids that never were tagged while playing.
Journey with me almost 2,000 years back in history. Jesus is gathered around with His 12 closest friends, called His disciples. He’s teaching them about what is going to happen to Him in the not too distant future. He’s talking about the sacrifice for sin, and teaching them why it’s necessary that He be that sacrifice. He’s telling them that when He’s gone away, it will be their turn to carry His message. He looks at them and, in effect, says, “Tag – you’re it.”
Fast forward a few years. Jesus has ascended back to heaven. Now the disciples are spreading His gospel to the ends of the earth, but it’s not coming without its tribulations. A number of them have been arrested already on numerous occasions. Many of them have been beaten, and even lost their possessions, a number of them even being executed already. They continue to carry the Gospel, in spite of all the pain and sacrifice it costs them. Many come to know Christ as the result of their preaching. They pass the torch – “tag.”
Travel farther ahead into what is now history to us. Believers are being hunted and captured for owning copies of Scripture. The Bible becomes so illegal that many Christians are choosing to memorize it instead of carry a copy of it on them. And so verse by verse, book by book, from Genesis to Revelation, they commit God’s Word to memory, hiding it in their heart. They are doing this so they can continue to pass it down to others who need to hear the message of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for their sin. They carry the torch, until the day comes for them to pass it on…”tag.”
Now we’re in the early days of America. Great men willingly leave the comforts of their homes and families to climb aboard the backs of horses and buggies to roam the wilderness countryside as circuit riding preachers. They travel night and day, Bible in one hand and horse reins in the other, preaching Jesus and His Word every time they encounter someone that will listen. Great revivals take place in remote places and large cities. As more and more come to Christ, the torch is passed, yet again…”tag.”
And we’re back to today. I don’t know who passed the Gospel message on to you, but I know that faithful grandparents and parents passed it to me. I was raised hearing about Jesus, and for that I’m thankful. Regardless of who did or didn’t tell you about Him growing up, you’re reading about Him now. Your excuse of ignorance is now abolished, if it weren’t before. You’re being told, as you read these words, that God loves you and the rest of the world, and wants the message of His Son’s death on Calvary to be proclaimed to all men, everywhere. It’s not going to take the sacrifice that it took those early Christians, at least in the majority of cases in our land. Nevertheless, your job – your responsibility – is clear. Consider the torch passed. “Tag” – you’re it.
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, October 4, 2011
Missed Call.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Missed Call. Occasionally someone will call me and I won’t get to talk to them right then. I may be in a place where my phone can’t be on, or I'm in middle of something that needs my full attention and answering a call isn’t an option at the time. Regardless of the reason, they have the option of leaving a voicemail and getting a call back from me later. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend or if it were the President, sometimes that’s just the way it works out.
Some of us operate that way in our relationship with God, too. We go through legs of our journey with Him when we are “too busy” to answer His call at that particular moment. He has a purpose for us – a plan – a calling – yet we expect Him to leave a “voicemail” of sorts and we’ll come back to Him when it’s more convenient. I’ve known many men who confess they felt called into vocational ministry, but struggled for literally years before surrendering their lives to that calling. Why, on earth, have we come to accept that standard as ok?
Delayed obedience is, simply put, disobedience. And there is no such thing as “excused disobedience”, either. But we are professionals as excuses, though, aren’t we? We have as many excuses for why we don’t follow God’s commands for living as a friend of mine has tennis shoes! My favorite excuse used by so many (including myself at times): “I would do that, but it’s just not my calling.”
Did you know that sharing the Gospel isn’t a calling? No, it’s not a calling at all – it’s a command. Yet many walk through their daily lives disobeying the Great Commission of Christ to share the Gospel with “every creature” excusing themselves. It’s as if so many have the notion that sharing the news of how someone’s sin can be forgiven should be left up to the “professionals”, because they aren’t trained well enough.
Can you imagine me, as a child, telling my parents that I didn’t clean my room as they had asked me to because “it wasn’t my calling” or because “they, being professionals at cleaning rooms, knew more about it than I did, a novice”? I would have very quickly been schooled in the difference of “calling” and “command,” and probably with the assistance of some “visual aids!”
Yet we pull the same stunt with God! We delay obedience to Him until we learn more or are “more sure of ourselves.” We excuse our lack of obedience away with every possibly excuse that comes to mind. All the while, God sees countless men, women, boys and girls dying separated from Him. Excuses don’t change that reality.
So this morning, what are you excusing away with the title of “calling?” What obedience are you delaying because you don’t feel “called” to it? I challenge you – get up, start obeying the commands of Christ for the life of every believer, and don’t miss any more opportunities to serve Him. He’s too worthy and deserving to have to leave a voicemail…
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
Missed Call. Occasionally someone will call me and I won’t get to talk to them right then. I may be in a place where my phone can’t be on, or I'm in middle of something that needs my full attention and answering a call isn’t an option at the time. Regardless of the reason, they have the option of leaving a voicemail and getting a call back from me later. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend or if it were the President, sometimes that’s just the way it works out.
Some of us operate that way in our relationship with God, too. We go through legs of our journey with Him when we are “too busy” to answer His call at that particular moment. He has a purpose for us – a plan – a calling – yet we expect Him to leave a “voicemail” of sorts and we’ll come back to Him when it’s more convenient. I’ve known many men who confess they felt called into vocational ministry, but struggled for literally years before surrendering their lives to that calling. Why, on earth, have we come to accept that standard as ok?
Delayed obedience is, simply put, disobedience. And there is no such thing as “excused disobedience”, either. But we are professionals as excuses, though, aren’t we? We have as many excuses for why we don’t follow God’s commands for living as a friend of mine has tennis shoes! My favorite excuse used by so many (including myself at times): “I would do that, but it’s just not my calling.”
Did you know that sharing the Gospel isn’t a calling? No, it’s not a calling at all – it’s a command. Yet many walk through their daily lives disobeying the Great Commission of Christ to share the Gospel with “every creature” excusing themselves. It’s as if so many have the notion that sharing the news of how someone’s sin can be forgiven should be left up to the “professionals”, because they aren’t trained well enough.
Can you imagine me, as a child, telling my parents that I didn’t clean my room as they had asked me to because “it wasn’t my calling” or because “they, being professionals at cleaning rooms, knew more about it than I did, a novice”? I would have very quickly been schooled in the difference of “calling” and “command,” and probably with the assistance of some “visual aids!”
Yet we pull the same stunt with God! We delay obedience to Him until we learn more or are “more sure of ourselves.” We excuse our lack of obedience away with every possibly excuse that comes to mind. All the while, God sees countless men, women, boys and girls dying separated from Him. Excuses don’t change that reality.
So this morning, what are you excusing away with the title of “calling?” What obedience are you delaying because you don’t feel “called” to it? I challenge you – get up, start obeying the commands of Christ for the life of every believer, and don’t miss any more opportunities to serve Him. He’s too worthy and deserving to have to leave a voicemail…
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, October 3, 2011
Jaw-Flapper.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Jaw-Flapper. I have a confession to make, and it’s one that won’t come as a shocker to many of you who know me. All of my life I’ve had a problem. It began at a very young age. As a matter of fact, based on the stories I’ve heard about my early days, this issue began almost as soon as I could talk at all. From the time words began to come from my mouth as a small child, I’ve had the ability to not just say a few words, but to say many words. Okay, that’s just a nice way to say I talk a lot.
I have, however, in my recent years, identified what triggers my talkative-ness. It seems that when I’m very excited about something and my joy is overflowing, that I have a natural desire to talk about it. Like clockwork, just let God do something exciting in my life that makes my heart beat a little faster and I’ll be talking about it.
At times in my life my flapping jaw has gotten me in some trouble. At times it has cost me. Sometimes it has cost me more than I’d like to admit, even recently. This, in turn, leads to frustration and causes the trend to reverse itself temporarily. I become a man of much fewer words for a while. Don’t ask me why, I’m just observing the cycle.
Before you begin to write your emails about everything Scripture says about talking a lot, I dare say I’m not the only one with this problem. There are far too many of us who use far too many words far too often. Am I right?
But take great joy in knowing this: there is Someone that we can never talk about TOO much! As a matter of fact, we don’t talk about Him nearly enough to aptly describe His greatness. The truth of the matter is that if every word that came out of our mouth was about Him we wouldn’t have time in our lifespan to adequately voice who He is to the world!
The old song writer penned these words, “Everybody ought to know! Everybody ought to know! Everybody ought to know – Who Jesus is!” Words more true have never been written.
Today I’ve admitted something about myself that is, at times, a hindrance to my life. But if channeled in the right direction, I think this might just be useful. And if push comes to shove, I’ve got a God that never tires of hearing me talk to Him. If I feel like being “still” and just “knowing that He is God,” He welcomes me into His presence. But if I feel like venting and getting a lot off my chest, He still welcomes me. He’s faithful, always.
So this morning, ask God what is in your life that can be a hindrance or an asset. Ask Him to show you how to steer it in the direction of good instead of harm. And ask Him to help keep you on track with it. With His help, we might just use these little “weaknesses” to point some people to the God that uses even weaklings like us!
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
Jaw-Flapper. I have a confession to make, and it’s one that won’t come as a shocker to many of you who know me. All of my life I’ve had a problem. It began at a very young age. As a matter of fact, based on the stories I’ve heard about my early days, this issue began almost as soon as I could talk at all. From the time words began to come from my mouth as a small child, I’ve had the ability to not just say a few words, but to say many words. Okay, that’s just a nice way to say I talk a lot.
I have, however, in my recent years, identified what triggers my talkative-ness. It seems that when I’m very excited about something and my joy is overflowing, that I have a natural desire to talk about it. Like clockwork, just let God do something exciting in my life that makes my heart beat a little faster and I’ll be talking about it.
At times in my life my flapping jaw has gotten me in some trouble. At times it has cost me. Sometimes it has cost me more than I’d like to admit, even recently. This, in turn, leads to frustration and causes the trend to reverse itself temporarily. I become a man of much fewer words for a while. Don’t ask me why, I’m just observing the cycle.
Before you begin to write your emails about everything Scripture says about talking a lot, I dare say I’m not the only one with this problem. There are far too many of us who use far too many words far too often. Am I right?
But take great joy in knowing this: there is Someone that we can never talk about TOO much! As a matter of fact, we don’t talk about Him nearly enough to aptly describe His greatness. The truth of the matter is that if every word that came out of our mouth was about Him we wouldn’t have time in our lifespan to adequately voice who He is to the world!
The old song writer penned these words, “Everybody ought to know! Everybody ought to know! Everybody ought to know – Who Jesus is!” Words more true have never been written.
Today I’ve admitted something about myself that is, at times, a hindrance to my life. But if channeled in the right direction, I think this might just be useful. And if push comes to shove, I’ve got a God that never tires of hearing me talk to Him. If I feel like being “still” and just “knowing that He is God,” He welcomes me into His presence. But if I feel like venting and getting a lot off my chest, He still welcomes me. He’s faithful, always.
So this morning, ask God what is in your life that can be a hindrance or an asset. Ask Him to show you how to steer it in the direction of good instead of harm. And ask Him to help keep you on track with it. With His help, we might just use these little “weaknesses” to point some people to the God that uses even weaklings like us!
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 30, 2011
Surrender vs. Control
Friday, September 30, 2011
Surrender vs. Control. My theory is that deep down inside, every single one of us is slightly in love with control. Sure, we know people that are obsessed with being in control, and we can easily recognize that type of person. We may say we aren’t like that, and maybe we aren’t to that extreme. However, way down deep inside of who we really are, there are control issues. I really don't think I’m just speaking of myself.
We have a problem when we come to the crossroads of control and surrender, though. At various times in my journey with Christ, God has challenged different aspects of my relationship with and theology about Him. Various things that I’ve always believed are sometimes called into question as I grow in knowledge of Who He is, it seems. He’s challenged everything from the way I view people to the way I view worship. And now He’s challenging me on the way I view this idea of surrender.
I’m showing a video to our students Wednesday night called “Wrong Worship.” It’s on YouTube, and I’d encourage you to look it up. The “worship team” on this video sing worship songs and hymns that have been changed to reflect the truth of the hearts doing the singing every Sunday. One of those songs is “I Surrender All.” When changed to reflect reality, the singer actually sings, “I surrender some.” Is there any truth in that?
I think if someone uses the phrase “partial surrender” they are revealing the fact that they don’t understand the concept of surrender at all, really. That’s almost like saying they are “sort of married” or “kind of have cancer.” Some things are either in or out, you do or you don’t – there’s no middle ground. Surrender is such a principle.
When we come to Christ to surrender ourselves to Him as Lord of our lives, it must be complete. When it comes down to it, we often give God what we want to give Him, which in turn reveals what we truly believe He deserves. So the entire issue of complete or partial surrender hangs on one, single question: How much of you does God deserve?
If we even hesitate to ponder the answer we already need to reevaluate our view of and belief in God. He created all that is! He sent His One and only Son to redeem us from the sin that we chose to walk in! He is infinitely more than our minds can ever fathom! Think of any good, righteous, and holy adjective and He confounds your understanding of it entirely! He just IS!
All of creation sways in instant obedience to Him. The winds and waves obey His voice. The weather obeys His voice. The trees, plants, even animals obey His voice. We, humans, are the only element of creation that has the audacity to look God right in the face and say, “No.”
We will let Him have our Sundays, but not our Friday nights. We will let Him have our moments of need, but not our moments of pleasure. We will let Him have our occasional praise, but not our entire vocabulary. We will let Him have our relationships with church folks, but not our relationships with those who don’t like us. Get the idea?
Partial surrender is no surrender at all. We cannot come to God with conditions attached. It’s all or nothing; He deserves – even demands – nothing less.
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
Surrender vs. Control. My theory is that deep down inside, every single one of us is slightly in love with control. Sure, we know people that are obsessed with being in control, and we can easily recognize that type of person. We may say we aren’t like that, and maybe we aren’t to that extreme. However, way down deep inside of who we really are, there are control issues. I really don't think I’m just speaking of myself.
We have a problem when we come to the crossroads of control and surrender, though. At various times in my journey with Christ, God has challenged different aspects of my relationship with and theology about Him. Various things that I’ve always believed are sometimes called into question as I grow in knowledge of Who He is, it seems. He’s challenged everything from the way I view people to the way I view worship. And now He’s challenging me on the way I view this idea of surrender.
I’m showing a video to our students Wednesday night called “Wrong Worship.” It’s on YouTube, and I’d encourage you to look it up. The “worship team” on this video sing worship songs and hymns that have been changed to reflect the truth of the hearts doing the singing every Sunday. One of those songs is “I Surrender All.” When changed to reflect reality, the singer actually sings, “I surrender some.” Is there any truth in that?
I think if someone uses the phrase “partial surrender” they are revealing the fact that they don’t understand the concept of surrender at all, really. That’s almost like saying they are “sort of married” or “kind of have cancer.” Some things are either in or out, you do or you don’t – there’s no middle ground. Surrender is such a principle.
When we come to Christ to surrender ourselves to Him as Lord of our lives, it must be complete. When it comes down to it, we often give God what we want to give Him, which in turn reveals what we truly believe He deserves. So the entire issue of complete or partial surrender hangs on one, single question: How much of you does God deserve?
If we even hesitate to ponder the answer we already need to reevaluate our view of and belief in God. He created all that is! He sent His One and only Son to redeem us from the sin that we chose to walk in! He is infinitely more than our minds can ever fathom! Think of any good, righteous, and holy adjective and He confounds your understanding of it entirely! He just IS!
All of creation sways in instant obedience to Him. The winds and waves obey His voice. The weather obeys His voice. The trees, plants, even animals obey His voice. We, humans, are the only element of creation that has the audacity to look God right in the face and say, “No.”
We will let Him have our Sundays, but not our Friday nights. We will let Him have our moments of need, but not our moments of pleasure. We will let Him have our occasional praise, but not our entire vocabulary. We will let Him have our relationships with church folks, but not our relationships with those who don’t like us. Get the idea?
Partial surrender is no surrender at all. We cannot come to God with conditions attached. It’s all or nothing; He deserves – even demands – nothing less.
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
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