Saturday, December 15, 2012

Thoughts on the Tragedy in Connecticut

On Friday, most Americans were overwhelmed with grief and sorrow as the events in Connecticut began to unfold. How could there be such evil in this world? I know you have grieved with the families as we learn more of the horrific details of this very dark chapter in American history. Evil is alive and well in America. Where is God in the midst of this evil? If God were all powerful and all loving, why does He not intervene and stop this vile evil from occurring? How should a Christian respond? In dark times like this, these are all very justified questions. Job learned that God was big enough to be asked these tough, if not impossible, questions. But he also learned that God is big enough not to give answers but instead demand trust and faith. The following are a few anchor points for me in times of great tragedy and despair. They help me, not to get answers, but to have faith in God and to trust in Him fully and unconditionally. I pray they are a help for you too. God did not create evil. Chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis tell us that everything God created was good and very good. When God gave His created creatures free will, God allowed the possibility of evil. Man took what was good and very good and twisted it into evil. We live in a very fallen and incomprehensibly evil world. We live in a world where evil and depraved individuals choose to do very wicked, vile, and evil things. In the midst of evil, we can be certain of a couple of things: God is sovereign. God is over all and above all. In Isaiah 6, Isaiah was reminded that during a difficult time in his nation’s history, the real king was alive and well on the only authentic and true throne. As you wake up this morning, the events in Connecticut did not catch God off guard. He is still on His throne working all things according to His purposes. Therefore we can be certain of one singular truth: In the year the evil man killed 26 people in Connecticut, I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted. God is able to take that which is meant for evil and turn it into good. In the midst of the many trials Joseph faced in his lifetime, he learned this very valuable lesson: "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20). In times of deep national or personal tragedy, we must continually believe God will bring about good in any and every situation. At this moment, I cannot think of any good that can come from the killing of so many innocent lives. But I do know God is in the midst of their pain and suffering and He will produce good. Evil will never thwart God’s ultimate purpose and plan. God will be finally and forever victorious over evil. The Day of the Lord is coming. God will personally intervene in history. He will vindicate His people. He will finally destroy, not only the power of sin, but the presence of sin. He will establish His Kingdom on the New Heavens and New Earth and He will reign for all eternity. When faced with such a terrible tragedy, we must look at the bigger picture. Peter reminds us that our suffering on this earth is for a “little while” (1 Peter 5:10). God will be victorious. In the span of the eternal, our pain and suffering is but a little while our joy will be everlasting. On the cross, God identified Himself with our suffering. God knows what it is to suffer. In your darkest moment and in your deepest pain you must remember God loves you and God cares. He has personally and eternally proven that to you on the cross. He suffered and died so we might live. He suffered and died so we might have hope in the midst of pain. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Peter tells us to “Cast our cares upon Him. He cares for us” (1 Peter 5:7). In the resurrection, God gains victory over our greatest enemy, death. Because Jesus lives, I too shall live. When faced with such tragedy we must remember our greatest hope is in the resurrection. We know “a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out — those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned” (John 5:28-29). We anchor our hope to the promise of this ultimate victorious resurrection. For the Christian, death is our doorway from the land of the dying into the land of the living. The resurrection is our greatest hope as we face our ultimate enemy, death. Life is fleeting, fragile, and frail, therefore make the most of every day. 26 people woke up on Friday morning with no idea they would soon walk into eternity. It is true we never know when our time on this earth is done. We must love as if this is our last day. We must live as if we will hear our Savior’s voice of welcome at any time. We must live as if we have to give an account of our lives to the Judge on the last day. We must stop wasting our time on the petty and temporal and instead focus our attention on the eternal. We must love our families. Our greatest hope is Jesus Christ. We must therefore live every day as if Jesus really is the only answer to the despair of people. As a Christian, what should our response be? 1. Do not loose heart! Have faith in God. 2. Weep with those who weep – mourn with those who mourn. 3. Pray 4. Anchor yourself to the rock which is God and point others to their only hope, Jesus. 5. Live as if you will walk into eternity as any moment. 6. Above all, be agents of love not of speculation and hate. Finally, I do believe “Everything sad will come untrue.” In my readings this morning, I was reminded of a Lord of the Rings quote. Timothy Keller wrote: “In the last book of The Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee wakes up, thinking everything is lost and discovering instead that all his friends were around him, he cries out: ‘Gandalf! I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead! Is everything sad going to come untrue?’” The ultimate answer to this question is a resounding “YES!” The cross and resurrection assures us that one day everything sad will come untrue. The events of Friday are one page of one chapter in a story being told and ultimately controlled by God. He is the author of this story and already has the perfect ending in mind. Evil is alive in this world... for now. I grieve deeply for those most affected by this senseless tragedy. As long as there are evil men there will be evil acts. Today my heart is very sad and very heavy. But my hope is anchored in the truth of scripture. At the end of a day like Friday, I simply find myself echoing the great words of the Apostle John, “Come Lord Jesus come!” To God be the glory both now and forevermore.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Spending Time With God

I have always found it odd how people have such a difficult time spending time with the creator of the universe. Everything I have ever seen shows that most Chrisitans spend between 3-5 minutes a day in focused fellowship with God. After considering this idea I have come up with four good reasons not to spend adequate time with God: 1. You don't believe in God. 2. You believe in God but you know more than God. 3. Your time on facebook, the internet, t.v., or reading a fiction novel can have a greater impact on your family and eternity than your time with God. 4. God is just one of many gods vying for your time. You love Him enough to give Him whatever is leftover. (side note: Interesting how we often give God our leftovers but we demand His best.) Remember, spending time every day with the creator is not a duty to perform but a priveldge to enjoy. If you have not done it lately, begin to sanctify time every day to make it holy. Set apart at least 30 minutes a day to focus on God. Once or so a month, schedule an extended period of 3-4 hours with God. Be amazed in the knowledge that Jesus gave His life so we might have access into the throne room of God. Don't waste your opportunity to be blessed. If you need help in this area,especially in the extended time area, please let me know. Let's sit down and talk about the importance of a daily time with the awesome creator of the universe. You need never worry about wasted time in God's presence. Time with God is never wasted but always beneficial. Learn to take advantage of one of our greatest privileges.

"Radical Together" by David Plat

David Platt is an author, speaker, and preacher who continually challenges my church paradigm. He did it in his first book, “Radical” and did not disappoint in his follow-up book “Radical Together.” I never know for sure if I enjoy reading Platt’s books but I know I must read them. I am always convicted, challenged, confirmed, and compelled by Platt’s writing. “Radical Together” was no different. What is the vision of the church? Are we more concerned with the comforts of our call or the cost of reaching people? As you read Platt, you realize there are very few people who have a greater passion for reaching all people groups in the world. He gives some amazing numbers of the unreached people groups across the world. Believing it is the task of the church to reach all people groups, he challenges the church to be radical in completing this task to usher in the return of Jesus Christ. To accomplish this, the church must begin to remember she has been “entrusted by God with stewards of God’s Word to equip God’s people to be servants with God’s Word” (pg 71). The church must regain her focus on equipping people and not just planning events. Platt will argue throughout the book of the importance of a selfless people serving a self-centered God. We must our eyes off of our comfort and put them squarely on the greatness of an all-mighty and all-sufficient God. If I were to sum up Platt’s ideas I would with two quotes of the many I underlined while reading “Radical Together:” “We want to see God glorified by people everywhere because God wants to see himself glorified by people everywhere” (pg 106). “Radical Together” takes the ideas of “Radical” and asks the question “How can we in the church best unleash the people of God in the Spirit of God with the Word of God for the glory of God in the world?” (3, 125). I am always convicted and challenged by Platt. I would highly recommend the reading of “Radical Together.” Be ready to be challenged. Be ready to ask yourself in you are more concerned with the comforts of following Christ or are you willing to submit to His Lordship and accept the cost of fowling. As a Christian, are you ready to get busy in getting the Gospel to every people group in the world to help usher in the coming of our Lord? If that is a challenge you are ready to undertake, take a moment to read “Radical Together.” It is an easy read yet a challenging read.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Eagle Retreat

I am in the process of tying off a few loose ends before heading to Salina for the weekend. Every year our convention puts on, what I believe to be great program, the Eagle Retreat. This weekend is designed for the children of the staff in the KNCSB. We attended one of the early retreats when Brennan was in middle school. We have attended every retreat since. All three kids have been richly blessed by this retreat. They are able to talk with other kids who are going through some of the same struggles. It has truly been an amazing blessing for our kids. Heidi and I use the weekend to be recertified in our High Ropes training. We sure enjoy our weekend. We stay an evening at Webster then enjoy an evening out in Salina. It is always a refreshing time for Heidi and me. We also enjoy going to the parent and children worship service on Sunday morning and having a special time of worship with my family. It has also been our tradition to go to lunch at Chili's in Salina. It is around the table we hear of all the great stories from the weekend. I'm praying for Sean as he prepares to preach in my absence on Sunday. It will be a great weekend for everyone. If you happen to be on staff in a KNCSB church with kids between the grades of 7-12, find out about the Eagle Retreat. Don't miss out!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

February Reading List

Things seem to be going well. Here is my reading list for February: "Radical" by David Platt, "Revolve" by Nelson Searcy and Jason Hatley and "Making Change" by Ken Hemphill. I even read the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I actually enjoyed the book. I read Radical for the second time. It is really a challenging and convicting read. It helps me to prioritize my life and ministry. I have a lot of great books coming in March. I am well on my way to read 52 books this year. I'm looking forward to the release of "The Hunger Games" in month. My family and I are looking forward in seeing the movie together.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sunday Mornings and the Pastor

I guess you can say I'm an early riser. I enjoy getting up by 5:30 am every morning. I find a person can't get much done when they are sleeping. There is something special about those early pre-dawn hours. I began this practice early in my parenting years. I found those early hours to be the quietest of the day. My family was asleep and I could actually be alone with the Father. I have especially enjoyed the early hours of Sunday mornings. This is always when I polish my sermon, get the last few details out of the way, pray through my message one more time and, in general, begin to get my heart ready for the upcoming sermon. This is when I begin to really feel the weight of my job. This is when I feel the great responsibility to bring the Word of God to the people God has placed under my care. It is an amazingly awesome privilege but also a great responsibility. Unless you have ever preached before, you can't imagine the pressure a pastor feels. Most pastors love God with their entire being. They desire nothing more than to glorify the Father with their weekly sermons. People, pray for your pastor. Pray he honors God through his study and through his life. Pastors, take the responsibility of bringing the Word of God to your people serious. Study. Spend time in the Word and let the Word spend time in you. Come into your pulpit, not with cute catchy phrases, but come with the power of the Holy Spirit. Beg God to speak through you. As I prepare for today's sermon, I am reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians: "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (2:1-5). We have enough men in America who are able to bring sermons with wise and persuasive words. We are in need of a few more preachers who bring the message with demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit. Just a simple thought for a Sunday morning.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Psalm 51: The Psalm of Desperation

Psalm 51: The Psalm of Desperation Why do we continually fail in our walk with God? Why is it we so often ask God to forgive us of the same sin over and over again? With simple will power, we decide to stop the action that we know harms our witness and brings shame to the Father, but soon find we fall right back into the terrible habit we hate with all of our being. Why do we fail so often? I see this work itself out in my own spiritual journey and see it evidence itself in many of the people I council with on any given day. How do we overcome? Psalm 51 may be the perfect text for us to examine. I think of this Psalm as the “Psalm of Desperation.” As you read Psalm 51, can you sense the desperation in David’s spirit? I can almost see David writing this psalm through brokenness and tears. He is crying out to God in desperation. He cries out “Have mercy on me, O God.” He knows he is guilty and deserves God’s judgment. He begs God to have mercy on him. He begs God not to remove His Spirit from him. Have you ever been that desperate over your sin? Are you more disappointed that you got caught or that you brought shame to the Father’s name? Are you more worried that God won’t bless you any more or that you have embarrassed the only person who loves you unconditionally (God)? The first step in gaining victory over your sin is desperation. From desperation, God will lead you to a declaration of guilt. “Against you, you only have I sinned.” You must own your sin. It is neither your father nor your mother’s fault. You sinned, not because you were raised a certain way, but you sinned through a conscience choice to disobey God. We try to defend our actions before God telling Him we are too weak to do any better. We do our best to divert guilt to someone else. We disown our sin and deliberate our guilt and judgment with God. In other words, we play games with God. We try to make others look worse than ourselves and pray God will have mercy with us but bring judgment upon others. Once you have hit rock bottom and you are desperate for the hand of God, make your declaration of guilt before the Father. From your declaration, you will be led to a genuine dissatisfaction with your spiritual walk with the Father. You know there has to be more to this spiritual life but you are missing it. Through a genuine dissatisfaction, you will realize that only God can do the work in you that is needed to bring victory to you. In verse ten, David implores God to “create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” The Hebrew word David used for “create” is “bara.” This is an interesting word. In the creation account it is used three times in Genesis 1. God, and God alone, created in Genesis 1 verses 1, 21, and 27. God created the heavens and the earth. God created the animals and God created male and female. It was only God who created those things and David affirms that it is only God who can create a pure heart in you. Too often, we try by our own willpower to change those habits we hate so much. But we continually fail because we cannot create a pure heart within us. Only God can “bara” a pure heart within you and me. Release your strangle hold on your life. God will not override your self-sufficiency but will freely empower to victory if you humble yourself and let Him “bara” in you. Remember, God wants you to live a victorious Christian life more than you desire a victorious life. From your dissatisfaction with your current spiritual state, you will begin to uncover wonderful discovery: God is more concerned with your heart than what you do. David says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (vs 17). You will unchain yourself from the constant treadmill of trying to perform enough acts of righteousness to please God. As we surrender ourselves to God, we discover it is not about performance but about surrender. Finally, as you read and meditate over Psalm 51 there will be a deep, slow and gentle ebb of hope resonating within your spirit. Slowly but surely you will begin to dream again. This hope will begin to flood your soul and overflow out of your heart. David writes, “Then there will be righteous sacrifices…”(19). David believes God is not done with him and one day David will again be restored to the place of offering righteous sacrifices of a broken and contrite heart to God. David’s hope in restoration is what drove him to his knees. Hope for forgiveness permeates this Psalm. While the consequence of David’s sin is clearly taught in scripture, we also know David was listed in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. God is a god of second chances. If you are reading this and find yourself in a continual cycle of failing in your Christian walk, can I encourage you to humbly go before God with a singular desperation and offer God your genuine confession? In your desperation, go to God in the following way: It may feel a little awkward at first. Open your Bible to Psalm 51. Lay it on the ground before you. Humbly bow in the presence of God. Lay flat before the throne room of God and remain silent. Say nothing. In a few moments, begin to read the 51st Psalm to the Lord. As you come to portions of the Psalm, read them as if you are guilty. You are the one desperate for God. You are the one who is guilty. Beg God for your life. Plead with the Father for a second chance. Implore Him not to give up on you but humbly forgive and use you again. If you go to God with that attitude, I am confident that He will freely forgive your sins, restore your relationship with Him and faithfully use you again. Go to God humbly and in desperation and see what He might do through you.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Whose Life? Tebow or Brady

A couple of days ago, a new World Champion was crowned. A new Super Bowl MVP drove away in his new car. More people watched the 2012 Super Bowl than any other television show in history. The year produced one winner and 31 losers. Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge football fan and enjoyed watching the Super Bowl even though “my” team was not playing (Yes I really do know it is not “my” team but I like to think it matters a little that I’m a Bronco fan, though I know it really doesn’t). I am a huge Denver Bronco fan. It has been my habit for many years to check the Denver Post online a few times a week just to keep up with the news coming out of Bronco Nation. A few weeks ago, the Post ran a very interesting poll: Whose life would you want to live: Tom Brady’s or Tim Tebow’s? Whose life would I want to live? Interesting thought: they are both losers. Maybe I’d rather live Eli Manning’s life. The Denver Post had a few interesting reasons to want to live the life of Brady or Tebow. Consider these: Tom Brady has been a multiple Super Bowl Champion and a multiple Super Bowl loser. He has been the MVP of the NFL and will be a certain Hall of Famer. He is married to a “Top Model.” He has a contract with mega-millions and receives millions more in product endorsements. He has one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. Tom Brady is living an amazing life. Tebow doesn’t have it bad as well: He is a two-time National Champion, a Heisman Trophy winner, a first round draft pick, he is the hero of Bronco Nation, he has a contract worth multiple millions, receives millions in endorsements, and he has a very large cult following. He is also an amazing role model. So whose life would you live? The last time I checked, Tebow, was narrowly beating Brandy. But the poll was taken through the Denver Post so the results are surely skewed. But for you, whose life would you live? As a Christian, we do not have the luxury of asking that question. You see, Jesus Christ has bought us. He paid a very high ransom price for you and me. Therefore, He owns us. We are slaves of Christ and the life we live is not our own but it is Christ living His life through us. We must continually have a Christocentric view of life. Jesus did not come to make your life better. He came to kill your life and live His life through you. Paul says it this way: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). As we consider the process of sanctification (being transformed into the image of Christ), we need more Christians dreaming, not of becoming a Tebow or a Brady but dreaming of becoming mighty and valiant warriors in God’s Kingdom. We must be willing to surrender everything, to keep our eyes focused on Christ and obediently allow Christ to live His life through us. We We are certainly losers in this life. But let me assure you, if you are in Christ, you will be great winners in the next life. Don’t compare your life to Tebow or Brady. For that matter, don’t compare your life to anyone except Jesus Christ. Surrender every area of your life to God and allow Christ to live His life through you. Thoughts to consider: What habits or attitudes keep you from allowing Christ to live His life through you? Are you willing to surrender everything to Christ? Whose life would you rather live? Tim, Tom or Jesus’ life? What is keeping you from living God's dream for your life?

Thursday, February 2, 2012

January's Books

I have challenged myself to read 52 books this year. That is one book a week. I hope to keep my totals growing this year. Here are my books in January: "Radical Disciple" by John Stott, "Unlimiting God" by Richard Blackaby, "Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn, "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman, and "Limiting God" by John Hunter. Ok, five down only 47 to go. By the way, the next "Pastor's Book Club" read will be David Platt's "Radical." Join me in February as we read Platt's book.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Seeing Red - Seeing God

You will never see what you never look for! On January 8th, I challenged our church to see “red.” How many red items can you see in one week? As the people in the church began to train their eyes to see red, they were overwhelmed with how much red is in the world. It seems as if red is everywhere… if you are looking for it. The only way you will not see red, is if you are too busy to see red. On January 15th, I reported the findings to our church: There were over 54,000 red sightings during the week. Does that mean there were only 54,000 red items people came across? No! But they took the time, focus, and energy to see and report back to be the over 54,000 red sightings. I then gave them the ultimate challenge: Instead of seeing red this week, I want you to see God. What is God doing in, through, and around you? Again, you will never see what you never look for? Is God actively at work in our world? Can we really see God? They answer is a huge resounding, yes!! John affirms this truth in his Gospel, in chapter 5:17 “Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working’." God is at work around you, in you, and through you. Are you seeing Him? On January 22nd, I reported the findings to our church: There were 69 God sightings during the week. Does that mean there were only 69 movements of God in the lives of our people? No! But they took the time, focus, and energy to see and report back to be the 69 God sightings. How much of God do we miss? I have challenged our people to continue to look for God in 2012. During this year, we have created a bulletin board where our people will pin up their God sightings. It is my hope and prayer that we will see this bulletin board grow and grow with God sightings. I pray that on December 31, 2012 there will be no more room for even one more sighting of God. I pray that there will be layer after layer of God sightings from our people. Why is this important? Why should we make the effort to notice God’s work in our lives? Every time we see God, our faith grows just a little. The more we make an effort to see God and thank God for His faithfulness, the more our faith grows; the more our faith grows the more we see God. It is a never ending cycle. God is actively working in your life. Will you take the time and effort to see Him at work? Remember, just because you don’t see the hand of God, doesn’t mean He is not at work. You will never see what you never look for! Will you join us? No matter where you live or where you go to church, will you join us in watching to see God in 2012? When you see God actively working in your life, send me an email and tell me what He did? I will write it down and post in on our board. You can email me at: savage_greg@fsbcdodgecity.com. Here is one example of a God sighting: We have a precious family in our church who had not attended for a few months. This past Sunday they came back to much rejoicing. It was such a blessing for me to see them again. They were able to talk to people and really be encouraged in their faith. It was as if they were never gone. This family was also able to sit by a wonderful godly lady. Both the husband and wife were able to tell this lady how much she meant to them and their family. Their children were able to give her a huge hug – it was a wonderful time. They did not realize it would be the last time they saw her this side of heaven. A few hours later, this lady laid down to go to sleep; she woke up in the presence of our Savior. Was it just a coincidence that this family came to church on the last day of this lady’s life? I cannot express to you how important it was for this family to have that time with this godly lady. It was, without a doubt, a divinely orchestrated meeting between one family and one godly lady. If we aren’t careful, or if we are not looking, we will miss even God’s most apparent and clear dealings with you and me. Will you watch for God in 2012 and report back to the church? No matter where you live, email me with your God sightings.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Now That's Amazing

One of my goals in 2012 is to write more on the blog. So here it goes: I enjoyed preaching portions of John chapter 1 this Christmas Season. It overwhelms me to contemplate and meditate on all my Savior gave up to live on this earth and offer Himself as my Passover Lamb. Currently on TV there is a Geico commercial that has a character say "That's Amazing." But I want to share something that is truly amazing. We must realize and remember that the story of Christmas does not begin in a manger in Bethlehem. Instead, it begins in God's throne room in eternity past. John 1:1 states, "In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." There are many theological truths we hear so often we grow cold and miss the amazing truth behind God's Word. Don't miss this: Jesus existed in eternity past. He was with God; which means he enjoyed perfect fellowship with the Father. He was God; Jesus took His rightful place in the Godhead. Now that is amazing. Stop for a moment - meditate on the fact of Jesus' pre-existence as God. But the story doesn't end there. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh." A few years ago, God gave me a simple yet profound thought: In a moment in time, Jesus was enjoying the glory of Heaven and the perfect fellowship with the Father. At the next moment, He became a fetus in the womb of Mary. For you and me, he traded His throne for a womb. Now that is amazing. Don't miss this amazing truth. You may not be hearing this for the first time but you may need to hear for a fresh time. From His throne to a womb to a cross, Jesus gave up all. Now that is amazing. Oh God! I am overwhelmed when I contemplate all you have done for me. Lord Jesus, how can I express my gratitude? My words are so cheap and shallow. I pray that as I begin a new year that my deeds and actions will speak of my gratitude to you. May I be holy and pleasing to you. May I offer myself a living sacrifice holy and pleasing unto You. Thank you God! I am overwhelmed.