“and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17)
"What do you do?" Isn’t this a standard conversation starter? There is really nothing wrong with the question, but there might be something wrong with how we answer it. Usually we answer by explaining our profession (that’s what people are most likely asking), but it should be more than that. “What do you do” is an identity question for us; and I believe it’s a challenge to make sure that we are defined by more than just our profession. The words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:17 are an ALL-encompassing exhortation. In our profession, no matter what task we “do”, Paul encourages us to “do” it in such a way that honors the Lord and represents Him. Secondly, how would you answer this question if you didn’t talk about your profession? What else do you “do”? Let me suggest that Paul is encouraging us to connect with something that is making a difference in the world. Are you serving in a ministry at your church? Are you participating in helping the less fortunate? Are your supporting a ministry that is changing lives? This is my challenge for us – to connect ourselves with something that is changing lives. I believe God has wired us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It might be what we “want to do”; but let’s take the next step and make it “what we do”. It will change the way we answer the initial question! Author: Brett Hersma
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"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2) I have found a theme that weaves its way through both my faith and my golf game. I wish I could tell you the answer is that I’m always “par for the course”; but the theme I’m referring to is trust. I need to exercise trust. In golf there are so many times where I’m holding my 7 iron for my 150 yard shot, but the wind is blowing at me and the pin is in the back. I really need my 6 iron, but I don’t trust what I know is true. So I usually find myself swinging too hard and landing in a hazard somewhere. The examples continue… I don’t trust the break on the green, or the feel of the wedge in my hand as I attempt to get out of the sand. You might be gaining some insight to my golf handicap. Trust is so necessary in my faith as well. I’ve been taught over and over again that God loves me and has a plan for me; but do I always trust that? Honestly I don’t. I find myself taking life in to my own hands, and thinking my plans can be better. God tells his people all throughout scripture to trust Him with life circumstances. What is it for you today? I think that God always has something for us to trust Him with. Is it your marriage that might not be as stable as it should? Is it your child who is getting ready to go off to college (welcome to my story)? Is it your job that isn’t totally satisfying? God wants to meet us in these places, and be the answer to our fears and doubts. It’s actually an opportunity to lean in to Him, which strengthens our relationship. Whatever it is that has already come to mind for you – trust Him with that today. Author: Brett Hersma Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 exhorts us fathers to disciple our children “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Isn’t this hard when the kids are absolutely on your nerves? It makes me crazy, and I justify my strong and curt reactions and demands as worthy discipline. However, have you ever noticed that the word “discipline” comes from the same root as the word “disciple”? Isn’t that was being a father really is – being a disciple to our children in the ways of the Lord? The purpose of discipline is always to instruct and to bring growth in a godly direction. Even when we do exercise appropriate correction, it shouldn’t be for the sake of punishment, but to bring about repentance, a change of heart, and a turning back to God and his righteousness. Let’s challenge ourselves as fathers to put the disciple back into discipline. Author: Ryan Rimington Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) This verse was highlighted at church this week as we discussed the importance of raising our children. The basic message; instead of just incorporating (making them believe what we believe) or just isolating (trying to keep them away from anything that could have a bad influence on them), we need to insulate them - instilling godly values in them so that they will make the right choices for themselves. As parents, this can be difficult. As my kids get older (oldest is 13), I find it much easier to just "lay down the law" and assume that they'll turn out OK. Sure, this tactic is necessary when the kids are younger, but as they mature they will need to learn how to make their own decisions. I won't be there every time they flip through the TV channels, or browse the internet, or hang out with friends. They will need the courage and maturity to make the right decisions for themselves, and I need to model that for them, teach them what God says, and listen to them as they struggle to make the right choices. This verse from Proverbs is very reassuring as my wife and I attempt to raise our kids in a godly manner. We need to teach them to trust and acknowledge God, and then God will direct their path. And as parents we need to trust and acknowledge Him as we raise our kids - and the end result will be up to Him. Author: Mark Dwyer “A man may have many plans in his heart. But the Lord’s purpose wins out in the end.” (Proverbs 19:21)
Our family has been a enjoying studying selected virtues for the past year. In dedicated time at dinner, bedtimes, and in the car, we have been covered virtues such as discipline, patience, self-control, orderliness, conviction, among several others. While my wife and I strive to provide wisdom to our kids in our studies and discussions, we have to admit that the refreshing, pure, burden-free perspectives and “wisdom” that our kids unabashedly communicate is often some of the most valuable. A dinner discussion last week was one of those times: We are currently studying hope for the month of April, which we define as “believing something good will come out of something bad”. In a dinner discussion, my “ice breaker” to the family was “tell us something you would like or want to do in the future?” After everyone shared, I was trying to pass along that we should always have hope in our lives, even if we are not troubled, hurt, sick, or sad. My 8-yr old son, Jack, then piped up and said “But Dad, there’s a difference between hope and simply wanting something. When we want something that doesn’t match what God is doing, doesn’t that makes us sad?” I was stopped in my tracks. Maybe Jack should lead our dinner sessions! I responded, “Absolutely right, Jack” and then I remembered and shared the aforementioned Proverb with the family. The Challenge: In what ways are your plans as a husband, father, and/or worker interfering or contradicting what God may be doing in your life? Is a lack of hope, joy, courage, or determination tied to this contradiction? What new habits can you activate to steer back in line with God? Author: Ryan Rimington "You are the light of the world..." (Matt 5:14a)
In other passages of scripture Jesus called himself the Light of the World. But here in the famed "Sermon on the Mount" Jesus uses this phrase to describe his followers. Jesus knew that His time on earth was limited, and that He would leave His Spirit to empower His followers. He also knew that the prejudice, injustice, war, poverty, ignorance, apathy and tyranny of this world - the "darkness" - would not subside. He knew that those who follow Him must be THE light to this dark world. Sometimes I feel like the light shines the brightest through me when I'm in church, but I hide it when I'm in the world. How backwards is that?! I am a follower of the only source of Light, and He's depending on me to shine it in the darkness. How about you? Are you the light of the world, or just a flickering bulb in the middle of a well-lit room? Author: Mark Dwyer From "Bond of Brothers" by Wes Yoder (thanks for the book, Bob!);
"At some point in life, being a man includes learning to say what you think about the things you do not want to talk about. It means being an initiator among friends and family about the things that really matter. It means being a provider, a defender, and a spiritual leader for your family and for the poor in your community who cannot do these things for themselves. It means you have the lifelong privilege of practicing kindness, of being a servant, of giving away your life in order to gain it, and of providing identity, strength, and character for your family. A man has the honor of being a keeper of wisdom and a sensible lifestyle, of nurturing a true understanding about God as a shelter from the lies of the culture." "As iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 17:27) On the radio the other week I heard about a VFW program who's mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Their purpose is trifold: 1) To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members; 2) To help injured service members aid and assist each other; 3) To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. I started this golf program 3 years ago because I saw another group of "Wounded Warriors" in my church, in my neighborhood, and in my family - men. We all have scars from unrealized goals, broken or unhealthy relationships, unfulfilling or monopolizing careers, addictions, physical ailments, and more. Some of these scars have debilitated us; other scars have only made us stronger. But we need to "aid and assist each other" to be the men God wants us to be. Why? Because we are in a battle, and we are the warriors. Our strength is vital to not only each other, but to our families and friends. Let's band together, as wounded warriors, and keep fighting the good fight! Author: Mark Dwyer Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6, NASB) On a recent trip to Ohio, I had the opportunity to visit an Amish community. I was impressed by the simplicity and devotion of these fine people and I learned of many interesting customs. Perhaps the most remarkable was the way they usher their young people into adulthood. At a certain age (around 18), a young Amish man or woman is allowed to explore the "real world". During this time the young person is allowed to wear modern clothing and even drive a car. But after a couple years, he or she must decide which lifestyle to live. As Christian fathers, we aren't much different. We have a short time in which we can influence our kids to live a life of devotion to God, but the time will come when they must decide for themselves. It is imperative that we use our time well and train them by our actions, our relationships, our words and the truth of the Bible. God (who loves them even more than we do) will use those seeds that we plant to produce a harvest in their lives! Author: Mark Dwyer Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Sometimes we make it harder than it has to be. The "good life", that is - the life God wants us to have. Do you find yourself struggling to do what you know is right? I do. So did the apostle Paul (read Romans 7:14-17). But James gives some very direct, very simple advice - submit to God and resist the devil. Have you tried this? Did it work for you? (click "add comment") God loves us. He wants the best for us. Do we believe he can make it happen? Then we must submit to Him. And when temptation comes, we must resist it. Let's commit this verse to memory and live it out! Author: Mark Dwyer |
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ContributorsBrett Lilly - Campus Pastor at Compass Church (95th campus), husband, father Archives
January 2017
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