destinychurch

Uh, what was the question again?

If you’ve been around destiny, then you know that I believe it’s important to ask the “right” questions. Remember the series The Best Question Ever? Every kid should be praying this for their parent, and every employee their employer. Today as I pray for those in authority, I’m praying that those in authority are led to “ask the right questions”.

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Seeing is Believing!

The “do as I say, not as I do” principle doesn’t go far these days. The Apostle Paul demonstrated one of the ways leaders should lead, “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. “ I Cor. 11:1

It’s important that when we remember leaders and those in authority that we pray that they rule by example.

1Pet. 5:3 "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 

Punched in the Eyeball

I find myself quoting others more and more these days. Something about what was said, or how they said it seemed to leave a mark. While reading this morning a passage caught my eye... and it made me think, “Maybe our parents aren't the simple-minded ancients we once thought.” 

Then, after hearing my daughter's alarm going off the umpteenth time while I was trying to read, I decided I would "help her wake up"... just like I was woken up when I was her age. Oh, this is going to be fun!  I started by turning on every light in her room with a celebratory, “Good morning sunshine!” 

Startled, she immediately pulled the covers over her eyes and griped,  “Ouch, dad... you punched me in the eyeballs with the light!” I couldn’t help but to laugh. I left her with a quote from Homer Simpson, “Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand!”

Prov. 6:20 My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 21 Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. 23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life, "

Are You Crazy?

Knowing who “really” is in control changes everything. Failure to recognize God’s sovereignty is a precursor to madness... don't believe me? Just look at what God did to Nebuchadnezzar.

Pray for those in authority to acknowledge, honor, and praise God who is the only true ruler of heaven and earth.  

Dan. 4:32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Dan. 4:33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. Dan. 4:34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

"If" I Wanted to Have a Good Day

If I wanted to have a good day, then...

1. I'd read my Bible

2. I'd pray

3. I'd forgive 

4. I'd cut myself some slack

5. I'd talk less and listen more

6. I'd finish what I started

7. I'd write or call someone I appreciated

8. I'd be careful what I watched, read, or listened to 

9. I'd slow down

10. I'd remember all the good things God has done

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Would You Sing To Me?

This last week, in a restaurant parking lot, I watched something that brought me to tears. I found myself next to a little old man. He was standing outside of the restaurant where I had just eaten. He seemed lost and confused. I assumed by his actions that he was in the late stages of Alzheimer's. He seemed so disoriented and acted like he had just fallen from the sky and had no idea where he had landed. He walked fearfully in circles. I wondered what I should do... if anything. Then she came. An elderly lady walked out from the doors behind us and took his hand. "She has to be his wife", I thought. And then a strange thing happened. She began to sing. I couldn't help but to watch as she guided him. I don't know what she was singing, but she was definitely singing. It seemed unusual, but at the same time beautiful. She led him cautiously across the lot. Like some kind of Pied Piper, she sang and he followed, all the way to their car. She opened the door and he rested in the passenger seat. She shut the door and then sang louder - he watched her circle the front of the car. She sang until she was seated beside him. His face lit up as she sat next to him. He recognized her. He was back. She smiled as she started the car and prepared to pull away. As they left I teared up and called Renae. I asked her if she would sing to me. 

There's Freedom in Truth

Truth is paramount when making decisions. It’s hard enough to make decisions when you have all the information, but it’s impossible if you are surrounded by lies. As believers it is our right to know the truth… but are we praying for the truth to be revealed in others?

When praying for our family, friends, and leaders - we should always be praying that they come to know the Truth.

John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Is it "really" a bad word if it is in another language?

I was once asked to speak to a church in Khabarovsk, Russia. The pastor asked (just for fun) if I wouldn't greet the congregation with an American expression and try to say it in Russian. Fair enough, so I chose the expression, "what's up dogs?". Sounded easy enough and so I did my homework. The interpreter's reaction who was assigned to help me should have been the firs hint something was not right. So off to church we went, introductions were made, and then it was time preach. Standing on stage I boldly shouted into the microphone the new words I had learned. After saying what I thought was a Russian version of an American salutation, "what's up dogs?", there was a gasp, followed by an awkward pause. The pastor ran up to me and asked what I was doing. He let me know that I had called his congregation a very bad name, especially when used in that content. (It interpreted as "hello my b**ches". Oh, no.. this is not good! This is not good at all!

We had a good laugh (though latter), but I learned something... words definitely can have multiple meanings. Depending who you are talking to and what it is your talking about there is always room for misunderstanding. Because of all the literary devices tied to words like it's social, historical, and the etymological aspects you see one many reasons why God gives so many instructions with regard to our words. Things like culture, tone, and groupings with other words - among other things can add or take away.  

Proverbs 10:19 "When the words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."

When’s the last time you prayed for someone you were PO’d with?

My blood pressure is rising, my face is flush - I'm so angry I can barely think straight. What’s the first thing I do? Whether frustrated with an idiot driver or more frequently just plain PO’d (Purposefully Offended) with politics - God makes it clear what my next step is. P-p-p-pray...

As difficult as it is, God places a demand on our lives that we use every opportunity to grow… He (God) obviously knows something I don’t - because my nature is more inclined to blurt out an explicative than it is to pray. However, God is insistent that I learn to pray about everything, and that includes those in authority. So I'm learning before I say or do something I’ll regret that God told me to pray.

We are told clearly to pray for those in authority – yet it’s something believers seldom do. I wonder what things might change if we took this mandate from God more serious.

1Tim. 2:1-4 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

The first stop in praying those in authority is…

Pray for those in authority to get saved if they haven’t already been

2Tim. 2:3-4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

Funny How That Works

At the end of long day I sometimes feel overwhelmed and get frustrated. Somewhere in what "feels" like a title wave of problems I remember to pray. Gee, imagine that - a pastor who remembers to pray... :-)  It always amazes me – what seemingly was a mountain of problems narrows quickly to one or two real challenges. Nothing more. “Asking” in prayer gives me hope, but it also does something else. It changes the way I see things. Every time I give something to God in prayer it's like my eyes come into focus and I can't help but to feel a bit embarrassed at the molehills I allowed to become mountains. Funny how that works.

1Pet. 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."