Credible Leadership

Photo: Cheryl and our friend Representative Rachel Burgin after her primary win last night. Great to have Christians of this caliber in office.

Thought for the Day

Nehemiah 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

In the middle of Nehemiah's task of leading the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he is faced with the problem of leaders who were taking advantage of the people. His response was decisive and clear. He rebukes the leaders, demands restoration and the work goes on.The thing that particularly jumps out at me is that Nehemiah held himself and those closest to him as examples of the correct behavior. Its been said that "more is 'caught' than is 'taught'." Nehemiah surely exemplified this principle.

With the election season in full swing and so many vying for office for a whole array of motives, it is so refreshing to occasionally see leaders who are willing to set the example not just in word, but in their personal lives. If authenticity and integrity are not restored in public office our current demise into mediocrity will only continue and accelerate.

Application

Pray for godly leaders who will exemplify integrity in their public and private lives. Stand behind those who do and count them as a rare blessing.

Two Sets of Hands

Photo: Cheryl and I enjoyed a meal with several of our widows at the Colonnade last night.

Thought of the Day

Nehemiah 2:18

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

It takes two sets of hands to accomplish anything of significance in the kingdom of God. First we see the good hand of God resting upon Nehemiah. This is the hand of vision, power, and authority. This is what orders and compels us to the task ahead. Then there is the strengthened hands of the people following and supporting Nehemiah. These are the hands of willingness, submission, and faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. In order for the Lord's desires to come to pass in our realm, His people must actively pursue Him in faith.

Application

Where are your hands today? Are they stuck in your pockets with a ho-hum attitude or are they actively engaged in advancing the kingdom of God in this world? Find where God is heading in your local church and strengthen your hands to get the job done.

Singing in the Shadows

Photo:Summer fun with the kids. The kids are starting back to school. Julianna and Annabeth began today. C.J., soon to follow.

Thought for the Day

Psalms 30:4-5

(4) Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

(5) For his anger endures but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Sometimes difficult circumstances and problems can tower over us to the point where we feel as if we are living in their shadows. David had experienced great difficulty in his life, but he understood the secret to getting out of their shadow was to "sing praise", "give thanks" and "remember the Lord" for who He is. "Weeping may endure for a night" - that is, it is a temporary thing for those who know the Lord. But "joy comes in the morning" - Magnify the Lord through praise and the shadows will disappear in the light of His overwhelming presence!

Application

Don't ignore your difficulties; they are real, but make a list of the character qualities of the Lord and allow this truth to be your source of real, abiding joy!

0 + 0 = Everything!

Photo: image from last week's "King of the Jungle" Kids Musical practice. Great job!

Thought for the Day

1 Corinthians 3:6-7

(6) I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

(7) So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

God's mathematics certainly seem strange. Paul says that he is nothing (0) and Apollos is nothing (0) but God is everything. This is an instance where 0+0=everything! So often we are trying to have our way and protect our interests to the point where we make such a mess that in the end there really is nothing. God says when we are willing to be nothing and those with whom we live and work have the same attitude then He can bless us with everything!

Application

Read Philippians 2:5-9 today and "let this mind be in you".

Be There!

People need to be able to count on us. In a world of instability and selfishness, Christians must be caring, dependable, steady- we must be there!

Thought for the Day

Nehemiah 1:3-4

(3) And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. (4) And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

Although Nehemiah is most noted for his leadership skills; he is truly a man of great compassion. Although safe and secure in his position as the kings cup-bearer, he still showed great compassion and concern for his less fortunate countrymen back in the land of Israel. This compassion was the result of...

1. Recognizing the Lordship of God (5,6a)

2. Remembering Where You Came From (6b-7)

3. Rehearsing the Promises of God (8-10)

4. Resting in God's Mercy (11)

Absolutely powerful worship at Fellowship this morning. I was lifted into the heavenlies. Thank you singers, musicians and Nathan for your leadership. I love our church and can hardly wait to see what the Lord has for us in the times to come.

Application

Get up; Go out; Look for someone to bless - This is what you are if you are a Christian - "A Blessing!"

Blessed Assurance

Photo: Uncle Al and Aunt Shirley's house in Neptune City, N.J.

Thought for the Day

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

I am speaking today at my Uncle Al's funeral. He was a bold witness for Christ and very influential in my life. I remember resisting his witness so often as a teen, but those words and lessons were in my heart and in His time God brought me to salvation through many witnesses of the Word.

In this passage, we see the testimony of one who had a firm confidence in His position with God. Paul says, "I know". This a statement of firm assurance. This is the faith my uncle possessed. I believe this kind of firm trust is the result of three things we see in this passage:

1. He was trusting in a Person, not a Pedigree. I know "whom" I have believed...

2. He was trusting in a Relationship, not a Religion. I know whom "I" have believed...

3. He was trusting from the Heart, not the Head. He is able to keep what I have "Committed"...

This is the basis of real faith, a personal real commitment of faith in the person of Jesus Christ! This is the faith my uncle possessed and that the Lord makes available to all who will receive Him.

Application

What are you trusting in today? Is your faith firmly planted in the saving work of Jesus Christ alone? Quit talking about faith in Christ, and started walking your faith in Christ.

God At Work

Good to be back after vacation. Photo of family at Toccoa Falls, Ga.

Thought for the Day

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Three times in this chapter Paul mentions "confidence". Why is this. What made him so confident even in the midst of hardship and deprivation while in prison? It was because the object of his faith was not himself or his circumstances, but in the Lord. It was the Lord who "began" the good work of salvation in us and it is the Lord who will "perform" or complete it until Jesus comes. This is the confidence of every child of God that our heavenly Father never sleeps or takes a vacation. He is at it 24-7 accomplishing his purposes in us for His glory and our good.

Application

Whatever that difficulty is that is staring you in the face today, remember the Lord is still at work in you and will be faithful to finish it! Give Him praise and reintroduce yourself to His goodness and care for you.

Faith Promise Sunday Blessings!

Thought for the Day

Romans 3:21-22 (21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Why The World Needs A Savior

I. Because of the Far Reach of Sin (3:1-12)

II. Because of the Condemnation of Sin (3:13-20)

III. Because of the Desire of God to Forgive Sin (3:21-26)

What a blessed day we enjoyed at Fellowship hearing mission reports from Joe Triplett who just returned from two weeks in China and Jared Duncan who just returned from six weeks in Peru. We were truly moved with compassion for the needs of the world as we looked at these two nations through the eyes of our faithful members who came back with a first hand report of the work that the Lord is accomplishing in these places.

I pray that our faith will be increased in the days to come to advance the work of Christ in our world. The need is universal; Our God is mighty to save; and The provision has been given to us. Now we must be faithful to distribute God's provision generously!

Application

Continue to pray as to what the Lord desires to give to the work of missions through you this year. Remember, the Lord will always give more through us than He will ever give to us!

The Praise of God

Photo: We had a great week with family. Keith and Marla celebrated 18 years of marriage.

Thought for the Day

Romans 2:29 For he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

After going through this entire chapter showing the futility of an insincere religious life, Paul comes to the conclusion that the true people of God are those whose spiritual lives are in Christ and from the heart. It is just amazing to me to consider God praising one of us. Does not He deserve all praise and honor and glory? Yet He is so pleased with worship that precedes from the heart and is based on a genuine relationship with Him that he praises us for it. This recognition of divine pleasure should compel each of us to examine the motive behind our life and service for Him. May I live each day truly seeking the "praise of God" rather than the "praise of man".

Application

Is the glory of God your chief aim? When its all been said and done that is all that will matter. Seek today the praise of God and rest in the enjoyment of His good pleasure on your life.

Perplexing Privilege

Photo: Anna in Togo. One of the most incredible people I know is Anna Chubb. She is one of my heroes of the faith. We are blessed to have her with us for the entire day tomorrow. I'm looking forward to a great day of worship and surrender.

Thought for the Day

John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit. (25) He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. (26) If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.

To think that the Creator of the universe would honor one of His fallen creatures is absolutely beyond my comprehension. What honor is there in me that has not proceeded from Him to begin with. God calls me by His grace, implants His divine nature within me, puts before me a world of opportunity like a giant candy store, and then honors me for simply following Him into service for that world which is my most reasonable service. WOW! simply incredible.

Application

Father, May my life honor You today as I set out to serve others through You. I am most inadequate for this task, but incredibly grateful for the privilege.