Category: Uncategorized

Christ is everywhere

sgmcanLeave a comment

omnipresent.jpg

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20b (NIV).

You are not alone. You are not left to fend for yourself. And you are not powerless. That’s because Christ “fills everything everywhere with his presence” Ephesians 1:23 (NLT).

That said, some people choose to be alone. They cut themselves off from Christ, refuse to be filled with Christ, try to build an identity divorced from Christ, and exclude Him from their lives by denying His presence and power.

Of course the Devil is the one who drives a wedge between a person and Christ. He steers people away from Christ through counterfeit offers. And He fights against Christ using any and all means to prevent people from knowing Christ. Why? Because he hates the fact that you’re loved by Christ. And he knows that when you’re filled with Christ, you’ll see him (the Devil) for the sneaky little thief that he is (cf. John 10:10).

So don’t buy into the lies of the Devil. There’s not a second in a minute, a minute in a day, a day in the week, a week in the month, or a month in a year when Christ isn’t there for you. As long as we’re doing what Christ wants us to do we He assures us that He’ll be with us “day after day after day, right up to the end of the age” Matthew 28:20 (MSG).

Matthew 28:20 is a great promise. One that we can bank on. But take note. It’s a conditional promise. Christ will be with us, strengthening and providing, just as long as we’re doing what He wants us to do. And what should we be doing? Matthew 28:19-20a says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” So get on with this Great Commission and as you do take courage knowing that Christ will be “with you always” Matthew 28:20b (NIV).

Made in the likeness of God

sgmcanLeave a comment

Created-in-His-Image

When God created people, he made them in the likeness of God. Genesis 5:1 (NLT).

You are created in God’s image. Now think about that …

God doesn’t make junk. You may look in the mirror and think you’re less than perfect, but that’s a lie from the devil. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (cf. Psalm 139:14). At your core, your identity is rooted and established in Christ. You are patterned after God.

When I look at my children, I see the family resemblance. The evidence is there for all to see. Christie, Matthew and Jonathan, are Murray’s. Look at the shape of their faces, the colour of their eyes, their mannerisms, their physiques – you can’t miss it. Just look at them and you’ll see something of their mother and father.

Similarly, you’re a chip off the original block. Not externally. But internally. You’re made in the image of God. You’re your heavenly Father’s daughter – your heavenly Father’s son. Think about that …

When people look at you there are things about you that give them a glimpse of your heavenly Father. Not in your physical resemblance. People may get a glimpse of your heavenly Father in the way you instinctively know right from wrong, in your desire to love, in your values, in your yearning to go deeper than materialism, or in your desire for meaning and purpose in life.

And then there’s your creative side. People may get a glimpse of your heavenly Father through the way you write, dance, sing, think, draw, joke or play. Your identity is intrinsically rooted in God. You are created as one related to Him. You are uniquely and profoundly an image bearer of the heavenly Father.

In the town of Stepanavan, Armenia, there’s a woman whom everyone calls “Palasan’s Wife.” She had her own name, of course, but the townspeople call her by her husband’s name to honour her. When a devastating earthquake struck Armenia in 1988, Palasan rushed to the elementary school where his son was a student. With the building falling down around him he pulled twenty-eight children to safety before an aftershock completely collapsed the building and killed him. So the people of Stepanavan honour his memory by calling his young widow “Palasan’s Wife.”

Sometimes a person’s greatest honour is not who he or she is but to whom he or she is related. You are related to Christ. You are His image bearer. You are identified with Him. And that’s why believers are called by His name – that’s why God’s children are called Christians (Christ in).

 

Growing in Grace

sgmcanLeave a comment

download.png

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV).

There are few people more discouraging than grumpy old men. You know, the ones who humph and scowl a lot, who nit-pick, have sharp tongues, broadcast their displeasure, and douse other people’s dreams with icy water.

In my early twenties I made a pact with myself to never be a grumpy old man. I was determined, and still determined, to grow in grace. I don’t want to get to my eightieth birthday harbouring a life of regrets. I want to be careful with what I sow – intentional in the things I say and do. Tomorrow I want to be a little kinder, a little gentler, a little sweeter, a little blinder to the faults of those around me.

Growing in grace … What kind of an old person do you want to be? When I’m wrinkled and grey I hope I’ll be invited to parties and asked to dance. I want to be appreciated. I want young people to enjoy hanging out with me. I don’t want to be known for the clothes I wear, but for the love and acceptance I bring. I want my children and grandchildren to say, “The old guy’s cool!”

“Aging isn’t a choice, but our response to it is” Anonymous. I don’t have to be a grumpy old man, and neither do you.    So what do we need to do in order to be kinder, gentler and sweeter? Psalm 92:14 says, “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green” (NLT). Here’s how to stay out of mothballs: Keep on producing fruit. We remain virile by exercising patience, being kind, and showing love.

Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Listen. The day’s coming when the hairs in your nose will be bushier than the hairs on your head. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Start today. Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. It’s never too late to grow in grace – never too late to be enthusiastic and thankful. So get to it. Examine your life and work on the things the Holy Spirit’s impressed on your heart. Do what God’s brought to your attention, and anything else you may need to do to grow in grace.

By Faith

sgmcanLeave a comment

leap-of-faith_724_482_80.jpg

 

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT).

When I was a Boy Scout I was taught how to use a compass. When our Scout Master, Hans Vandenberg, completed the lesson, he told us we were going to be put to the test. Leaving the shelter of the barn, we went out into a pitch-black African night equipped with nothing more than a small flashlight, a whistle, and a compass.         The bush was thick – alive with the sounds of night creatures. I have to admit; I was somewhat apprehensive. What would we have to do? We didn’t have long to wait. One by one we were sent off into the night. My turn came and the Scout Master gave me a simple instruction. “Walk on a bearing of 280 degrees until you come to a stream, then walk on a bearing of 50 degrees and you will arrive safely at your destination. Trust your compass and don’t stray from the bearings I’ve given you.”

I set off and was immediately swallowed by the bush. All alone, and a little jumpy whenever I heard scurrying, slithering and the multitude of other strange sounds in the undergrowth, I nonetheless trusted my compass and stayed true to the bearing I’d been given. After what seemed like an eternity, though it was probably no more than about ten minutes, I reached the stream. My confidence and faith grew a little with my success. I took the new bearing and set off again. Twenty minutes later I saw a blazing campfire ahead, and, quickening my pace, arrived to a welcome cup of hot-chocolate.

The task completed, I got on with the serious business of roasting marshmallows …

What is faith? It’s the bird that senses the light and sings to greet the dawn while it’s still dark. It’s getting packed into an aluminum tube with hundreds of other passengers and believing there’s enough thrust in the engines, enough fuel in the tanks, and enough lift in the wings to take you to your destination. It’s when the farmer ploughs the field, sows the seed, and waits for the crop to grow. When a pastor asks, “Do you take this woman, whose hand you hold, to be your lawful wedded wife?” it’s saying, “I do.” And it’s writing these words and me daring to think that someone might read them!

Faith. Without it, we’re paralyzed. Everyone needs faith. We can’t make it through life without it. So how’s your faith shaping up? In Hebrews 11 we read about the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah and others. It was by faith that they accomplished great things with their lives. By faith …

Are you stepping out in faith? Are you putting your hand in the hand of the One you cannot see? “It is impossible to please God without faith …” Hebrews 11:6 (NLT). Do you want to please God? Then walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Keep on Keeping On

sgmcanLeave a comment

tumblr_njcsh5Jy3I1r3p96oo1_1280.jpg

But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Daniel 6:10 (NLT).

Many years ago I asked an elderly Christian gentleman why he didn’t attend the church prayer meeting. It was an honest question. Here was a man who had more than enough time on his hands, yet he no longer participated in the activities of the church. His response floored me. He said, “Lawson, I’ve made my contribution, now I’m retired.”

Hopefully you’re still praying with God’s people. Prayer should be like breathing, we should keep praying until we take our last breath. There’s never a good reason to stop praying. Even though it’s sometimes hard to pray, we should strive to “pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV).

Christians don’t retire from being Christian. We should never, for whatever reason, turn our backs on the practices and principles that frame our lives in Christ. Christians must keep on doing the things Christians do. It doesn’t matter how old we are, we should never be content to sit back and simply look on. “As long as you live, keep learning how to live” said the Roman statesman, Seneca.

Consider Daniel’s story. When colleagues conspired against him and planned his downfall (Daniel 6:1ff) he had a good reason to be bitter. He could have said, “Look where all my praying has got me … I’ve prayed three times a day giving thanks to God, and now I’m being thrown to the lions!” But Daniel refused to be cynical. He knew the purpose of life is to make it count, to stand for something, to make a difference, to keep on keeping on. So he stood firm in God and continued praying like he’d always done.

Let’s be like Daniel. Let’s make sure we make every moment of every day count for Christ. Let’s do what we know we should do, and keep doing it to the very end.

Facing Death

sgmcanLeave a comment

Life-And-Death-Utne jpg.jpg

 

My life constantly hangs in the balance. Psalm 119:109 (NLT).

Life is fragile and death is certain. When I was young I hardly ever thought about death, but as I grow older I’m more aware of my mortality and think about death more frequently.

Facing death. Some people get to a point where they give up on life. They stop living, look back instead of forward, start complaining and stop coping. Never ever give up on life. Life is meant to be lived to the full – to the very end.

About seven years before my father died the doctor said he had two years to live. I’ve often wondered what went through my father’s mind knowing he didn’t have long to live. While I don’t know what he was thinking, I do know he tried to hang onto life for all it was worth. He took more vitamins, health supplements, and alternative medicines than I could have possibly imagined. No cost was spared. After he died I threw out thousands of dollars worth of potions, powders, pills, and purgatives.

Sometimes a person knows more or less when they’re going to die. When a person is in their nineties they know they haven’t got long to go. When a person is diagnosed with terminal cancer, aids, or severe respiratory or circulatory problems, they know their days are numbered. And when a person’s neighbourhood is under constant rocket or mortar fire, like we’ve seen in wars in the Middle East, they know death is closer than it ever was before.

I’ve known a number of people who knew the end was near. Some were terrified, some ambivalent, some matter of fact, and some peaceful. So how does one live life to the end? How does one make every second count until one slips away? More importantly for Christians, how does one live “… so that the life of Jesus will be obvious in our dying bodies”? 2 Corinthians 4:11 (NLT).

The medical missionary, Albert Schweitzer, said, “Thinking about death … produces love for life. When we are familiar with death, we accept each week, each day, as a gift. Only if we are able thus to accept life – bit by bit – does it become precious.”

So how should a Christian live in the face of death? By living blamelessly, praying, and trusting continually. Jude 1:20-21 says, “But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you” (NLT).

Loving The Church

sgmcanLeave a comment

Loving-Others.jpg

 

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV).

Jesus loves the church (believers who live as his people under His authority) unreservedly, radically, second to none – like a bridegroom loves his bride. In fact He loves the church so much He paid the ultimate price: “… He gave up his life for her” Ephesians 5:25 (NLT). And His love doesn’t end with what He’s done. There’s what He’s yet to do. When He returns, He’s coming back for the church. He’s coming back to present the church to Himself in splendour (cf. Ephesians 5:27).

So if Christ loves the church, gave up His life for her, and is coming back for her, shouldn’t we likewise love the church and give up our lives for her? Most definitely. But how do we do that? How do we cultivate and nurture love for the church? Here are some things we can do:

Be genuine. Romans 12:10 says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other” (NLT). There are flaky people around who put on facades or hide behind masks. One of the most practical ways you can love the church is simply be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Don’t pretend or put on an act. Be authentic. Be whom God made you to be. Demonstrate real affection, show respect, encourage one another, and do everything for the fame of Christ’s name.

Extend grace. We all blow it. Unless we say, think or do nothing, at some point all of us will say, think or do something wrong. One of the things that saddens me is a person with an unforgiving spirit. For some people, sorry is never enough. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 says, “… May his grace and peace be yours” (NLT). God wants us to extend grace to others as He’s extended it to us. When we were cut off from God – He brought us near. When we were strangers – He made us His friends. When we were dead in our trespasses and sins, with our backs to God and Hell in our sights, He did what no other could or would do – He reached out and saved us. He extends grace for no other reason than that we need it. Shouldn’t we do the same?

Rejoice. God’s Word simply and profoundly says, “Be joyful.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT). But what is joy, real joy? It’s kind of like a long-lasting buzz that God dispenses that’s tied to being part of what God is doing. And it’s knowing that in loving others as Jesus loves you, the world is a better place. Do you have this kind of joy? Do you want to see lost people found, listless people come alive, and unloved people loved? If your answer is no, then you probably need to pray Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you” (NLT).

Are you one of God’s children? If you are, then love His church as He loves the church.

 

A Cheerful Heart

sgmcanLeave a comment

38489-A-Cheerful-Heart-Is-Good-Medicine.jpg

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 (NLT).

Did you hear about the single lady whose favourite verse was the first part of Matthew 16:24: “If any man would come after me …”

Did you laugh? “A glad heart makes a happy face …” Proverbs 15:13 (NLT). Laughter is cholesterol free, contains no saturated fats or MSG, and has no negative side effects. While it may sometimes get you into a little trouble, it’s never been known to start a war or cause someone to commit a crime. In fact it’s just the opposite. Laughter disarms, revives, motivates, encourages and cheers. It’s one of the greatest ways to connect people. And it’s one of the few things the government doesn’t tax!

Here are three good reasons why you should aim to have a cheerful heart:

  1. A cheerful heart is good for you physically. Psalm 16:9 says, “… my heart is glad, and my … flesh … dwells secure” (ESV). There’s a direct correlation between laughter and health. People who laugh a lot have fewer colds and respiratory diseases. Laughter releases endorphin in your body that boosts the immune system. That’s why people who laugh actually live longer than people who don’t laugh. A Norwegian proverb says, “He who laughs – lasts.”
  2. A cheerful heart is good for you emotionally. The psalmist says, “… my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices …” Psalm 16:9 (ESV). Are you down in the dumps? A good sense of humour is a powerful weapon in the struggle against discouragement, depression or distress. Catherine Ponder, an American motivational writer says, “A complete revaluation takes place in your physical and emotional being when you’ve laughed and had some fun.” For laughter and worry can’t coexist for long. So don’t let the enemy steal your joy (John 10:10a). Choose to see life through a different lens.
  3. A cheerful heart is good for you spiritually. “For the happy heart, life is a continual feast” Proverbs 15:15 (NLT). The fruit of the Spirit isn’t lemons. Christians should laugh more than anyone else. Laughter lines around the eyes are just as much a mark of faith as the lines of care and seriousness. After all, the most serious issues have already been dealt with at the cross; death has been swallowed up, forgiveness extended, hope instilled, and eternal life promised.

The French writer, Nicholas Chamfort said, “The most wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed.” So cultivate a cheerful heart and don’t let the worries of yesterday rob your strength today.

Seeing God in a New Way

sgmcanLeave a comment

seeing-god-photo

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.      1 Kings 18:21 (NIV).

Who are you following? We follow all sorts of people like Mark Zuckerberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, LeBron James, Neymar, Donald Trump, Adele, and so on. Who are you following? For many people, it’s not God. He’s very small in some people’s eyes – relegated to the sidelines …

Humanity has a tendency to try and push God into the margins. And that’s where we resonate with 1 Kings 18. The nation of Israel is worshipping Baal and Asherah and no longer following God while the few devout believers are hiding in caves or secretly following God because they’re afraid of the governing authorities (Jezebel) and in fear for their lives. Fortunately, most Christians in the Western World aren’t persecuted and don’t need to live in fear for our lives. But, like Israel during Ahab’s reign, we desperately need to be called to a whole new view of the living God.

So how is that done? How is a nation called to see God in a new way? Is there something we can learn from 1 Kings 18 that could change our nation – that would cause us to follow God? And do we, like Elijah, have a part to play in bringing change to our nation, i.e., creating an environment that leads to people proclaiming, “The Lord – he is God!” 1 Kings 18:39. Yes, absolutely, here are four things we should do:

  1. Repair the altar of your heart. Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord (1 Kings 18:30). Do you need to repair the altar of your heart? It’s scandalous to be luke-warm. “Why are we so icily regular, so splendidly null?” Leonard Ravenhill. God doesn’t want our leftovers, He wants our lives. And He wants us to be single-minded (1 Kings 18:21). The “Baals” of today are sex, entertainment and money. What and whom do we love? “If the Lord is God, follow him” 1 Kings 18:21. God does not want to share us with the world any more than I would share my wife with another man. He wants every ounce of our worship – every throb of our heart.
  2. Pray earnestly. Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord, then he stepped forward and prayed (1 Kings 18:36, James 5:17-18). Prayer should flow from us like water. But prayer that turns a nation to God is forged in the wilderness. Elijah spent three and a half years in the back side of the desert preparing for the showdown on Mt. Carmel – learning how to watch and wait on God. His extremity became God’s opportunity and his wretchedness became his strength. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Change isn’t something that’s drummed up at political rallies – it’s prayed down. Listen, the only power God yields to is that of prayer. We must keep on praying and not rest until the burden is lifted (James 5:16).
  3. Act on God’s command. Elijah acted on God’s command (1 Kings 18:36). Compliance was the key note of his character. He repaired the altar of the Lord, stepped forward and prayed because that’s what God told him to do. Do we want to see our families and communities following God? We need to act on God’s command. And what is God’s command? It took Elijah more than three years to find out what God wanted him to do and it may take some time to discover what God wants you to do. But look at Elijah’s outcome: a nation turning back to God and revival in the land!
  4. Expect God to act. In the conclusion of his prayer Elijah says, “Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again” 1 Kings 18:37 (NIV). Do you hear the intent in these words? It was all or nothing. He didn’t pray, “According to your will.” He knew it was God’s will. And he wanted two things – for God to be exalted and the people to be edified. When we want to see God’s glory, and people built up in Him, then we’re praying the will of God. Can God incline people to Himself today? Absolutely! But we need to be in one accord with Him. We must repair the altars of our hearts, pray earnestly, act on His command, and expect Him to act.

How To Know God’s Will For Your Life

sgmcanLeave a comment

 

6d62bade7f21ea8f8a470dd8c2e402d8--the-cross-cross-of-jesus

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NIV).

Here are ten things to consider if you want to know God’s will for your life:

  1. Read, reflect and respond to God’s Word. God speaks to us primarily through His Word. Know His Word and you’ll know His will. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” Psalm 119:105 (NIV).
  2. Confess sin. Sin separates us from God. When we sin, God won’t listen to us and we won’t hear from Him. “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” Isaiah 59:2 (NIV).
  3. Do what He wants, not what you want. Who is the Lord of your life, you or God? If you’re not 100% convinced that God wants you to do what you’re thinking about doing, then you shouldn’t do it. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to Him, and He shall make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).
  4. Act on what you already know God wants you to do. God is very clear about how we should, or should not, be doing many things e.g. no sex before marriage. If we don’t obey all the general things taught in the Bible, it’s unlikely that God will reveal specific things to us. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” James 1:22 (NIV).
  5. Seek godly input. Our world view (values and philosophy) and direction in life is often a composite of the five people we spend the most time with. When you surround yourself with godly people they’ll be instrumental in helping you discern God’s plan for your life. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers” Proverbs 11:14 (NIV). “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise” Proverbs 19:20 (NIV).
  6. Pay attention to how God has wired you. God’s plan/purpose/will for you will always be directly related to the gifts He’s given you. “All (the gifts) are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NIV).
  7. Listen to God’s Spirit. Discern what God is saying to you by listening internally to the One who is in you.”But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” John 14:26 (NIV).
  8. Listen to your heart. God has already wired you to fulfil His plans and purposes for your life. In addition to listening to the Spirit, you must act on the desires that God has placed in your heart.”Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this” Psalm 37:4-5 (NIV).
  9. Use common sense. If you’re all thumbs and no fingers, you’re probably not meant to be a carpenter! “Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense” Proverbs 10:13 (NIV).
  10. Ask the Lord. Don’t miss the obvious. Sometimes we don’t know God’s will/plan/purpose because we didn’t ask! “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” Matthew 7:7 (NIV). “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” 1 John 5:14 (NIV).