Sunday, August 12, 2007
readSimple - Getting to Know the Bible
I so appreciate the Bible. It is a book that has survived bans, burns and banishments... it has continued to thrive as the world's best selling book in spite of extreme scrutiny, judement and attempts to discredit... and yet... it sits on shelves and in the back seats of many believers' cars... unread and unheeded.
Okay, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, I just want you to understand what an amazing book you, as a follower of Jesus, have in your possession. It consists of 66 books written by over 40 authors in multiple languages over thousands of years and yet maintains consistency and integrity concerning the plan of God for His creation.
Difficult to understand? It can be, yet it's worth the effort to dig in and study. It speaks to all of life's issues, not always in specifics, but definitely in principle.
Translations? Take your pick, there are more than I can count at this time. I prefer a combination of the New American Standard (more literal and accurate) and the New Living Translation (more casual and narrative in it's style).
Why am I telling you this? Because if you don't get into God's Word, then God's Word cannot get into you and like I always say, "No Word, No Power! No Word, No Victory! No Word, No Life!"
Another amazing thing about reading the Bible, is that you are not reading it alone! The Apple Store has the "MacGenuis." These are people who know Mac computers backwards and forwards and can take complex procedures and break them down for those who have made the switch from PC to Mac.
As a Christ Follower, you have the Holy Spirit of God to assist you in reading and understanding the Bible. It's like having Steve Jobs in your living room while you're unpacking your new MacBook! "Hey Steve? Why did you put the x button in the left corner instead of the right? What are these Widgets all about?" Because it was his idea, he can tell you exactly why he built it that way.
It's the same way with the Bible... because it was God's idea, He can tell you exactly why it says what it says! There's nothing like having the author of book living inside of you to help you understand the book! LOL!
So what? Read it. Saturate in it. Ask God to help you understand it and then do what it says! Maybe it's time to fish that Bible out of the back floorboard of your car and sit down with a triple grande, non-fat vanilla latte and dive back in to God's Word for you... and remember to keep it Simple.
Reading Simple,
Jimmy
PS: For a more personal-tone blog you can go to: http://jnapruitt.typepad.com
Okay, I'm not trying to make you feel bad, I just want you to understand what an amazing book you, as a follower of Jesus, have in your possession. It consists of 66 books written by over 40 authors in multiple languages over thousands of years and yet maintains consistency and integrity concerning the plan of God for His creation.
Difficult to understand? It can be, yet it's worth the effort to dig in and study. It speaks to all of life's issues, not always in specifics, but definitely in principle.
Translations? Take your pick, there are more than I can count at this time. I prefer a combination of the New American Standard (more literal and accurate) and the New Living Translation (more casual and narrative in it's style).
Why am I telling you this? Because if you don't get into God's Word, then God's Word cannot get into you and like I always say, "No Word, No Power! No Word, No Victory! No Word, No Life!"
Another amazing thing about reading the Bible, is that you are not reading it alone! The Apple Store has the "MacGenuis." These are people who know Mac computers backwards and forwards and can take complex procedures and break them down for those who have made the switch from PC to Mac.
As a Christ Follower, you have the Holy Spirit of God to assist you in reading and understanding the Bible. It's like having Steve Jobs in your living room while you're unpacking your new MacBook! "Hey Steve? Why did you put the x button in the left corner instead of the right? What are these Widgets all about?" Because it was his idea, he can tell you exactly why he built it that way.
It's the same way with the Bible... because it was God's idea, He can tell you exactly why it says what it says! There's nothing like having the author of book living inside of you to help you understand the book! LOL!
So what? Read it. Saturate in it. Ask God to help you understand it and then do what it says! Maybe it's time to fish that Bible out of the back floorboard of your car and sit down with a triple grande, non-fat vanilla latte and dive back in to God's Word for you... and remember to keep it Simple.
Reading Simple,
Jimmy
PS: For a more personal-tone blog you can go to: http://jnapruitt.typepad.com
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Doing Way Better!
I really hung my heart out there on that last blog... depressing to read! LOL! I'm doing much much better. The biggest difference?... a couple of good night's sleep. That's it mostly... it's amazing that sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is sleep!
I also realized I had been listening to some music that was causing me to "go inside" way too much! The last place I need to be gazing is inside of me... no, I tend to function much better when my gaze is on God. If I look inside for too long all I begin to see is me... a dangerous situation!
Solution? I put on some Daughtery and rocked out for a couple of days... ahhh... much better!
Rockin'
Jimmy
I also realized I had been listening to some music that was causing me to "go inside" way too much! The last place I need to be gazing is inside of me... no, I tend to function much better when my gaze is on God. If I look inside for too long all I begin to see is me... a dangerous situation!
Solution? I put on some Daughtery and rocked out for a couple of days... ahhh... much better!
Rockin'
Jimmy
Monday, August 06, 2007
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
I woke up early this morning. Partly because my neck was hurting and partly because my mind was running. I do this fairly often. At 45 you begin wondering, "Have I really accomplished anything of significance? Have I made a difference in this world? Am I considered successful?"
I suppose many of these kinds of questions can be attributed to the natural developmental stages of any individual. Perhaps I'm more "normal" and prone to typical human patterns of behavior than I would like to admit.
There was a song running through my mind at about 3:45am. It was a line from a song by U2 that says, "But I still haven't found what I'm looking for." Obviously this begs the question, "So, Pruitt, what are you looking for?" The answer is fairly obvious, "If I knew what I was looking for I wouldnt' be asking the question!" Okay, that made me laugh!
To be really honest, simplistic and trite answers aren't cutting it for me these days. No, something deeper is nagging at me. It's a sense that time is running out. For the first time in my life I don't feel like I have my whole life in front of me. It's a sobering thought and an usettling feeling.
Time to pray.
I suppose many of these kinds of questions can be attributed to the natural developmental stages of any individual. Perhaps I'm more "normal" and prone to typical human patterns of behavior than I would like to admit.
There was a song running through my mind at about 3:45am. It was a line from a song by U2 that says, "But I still haven't found what I'm looking for." Obviously this begs the question, "So, Pruitt, what are you looking for?" The answer is fairly obvious, "If I knew what I was looking for I wouldnt' be asking the question!" Okay, that made me laugh!
To be really honest, simplistic and trite answers aren't cutting it for me these days. No, something deeper is nagging at me. It's a sense that time is running out. For the first time in my life I don't feel like I have my whole life in front of me. It's a sobering thought and an usettling feeling.
Time to pray.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
On a More Personal Note
On a More Personal Note
I've been in a lot of pain lately. I have had chronic neck and headaches for about 20+ years. I've managed it, lived with it, medicated it, cried over it and prayed about it. I recently went to my doctor and told him about the situation and he had x-rays taken of my neck and shoulder area. He came back saying I have athritus in my neck due to football injuries in high school and a college swimming accident. Great.
Over the last few days it's been raining, cloudy and extremely humid... thank God for the rain, but the headaches and neckaches are almost unbearable. Why am I writing this... just to whine I suppose or perhaps someone somewhere will read this and breathe my name before Abba Father just one more time.
It Just Works!
I love this ad slogan from Apple. Steve Jobs and his genius marketing gurus have tapped into a nerve in our culture. They realize that people are tired, stressed and overloaded. So, they have brilliantly marketed the concept of "Simple." They have taken what has for years been a major source of stress and fear to the general public, i.e. computers, and have alleviated the "fear factor" of not knowing how to operate a complicated computer program. How did they do this? They simplified the process. Just plug in a Mac right out of the box and "presto!" It just works!
When it comes to life and faith, things can get complicated pretty quick! We become overloaded, overstressed and overwhelmed! It feels like we are in the Hitchcock movie "Vertigo." We can't tell which way is up... we've lost our point of reference. Frankly, we need help!
God's word, the bible, has much to say about overload, stress and busyness in general. One such passage reminds me of Apple's motto, "It just works." It's found in the book of Hebrews chapter 4 verse 12, it says, "For the word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword." It has that ring of "It just works!" I love it! Nothing complicated, no periherals or add ons necessary... the Word of God "just works!"
Let's take a hint from Apple. Let's simplify our faith and get back to the simple things that just work. Start today with the word of God... keep it simple and basic. Pray today, but I'm not talking about deep and ethereal, I mean just talk to God, like He's real and like He's right there with you... (smiling).
Spend some time journaling your thoughts and feelings. Document your walk with Jesus and keep it simple. De-clutter your faith. Delete those unecessary "trial programs" that came with the package when you were born and simplify.
Keeping it Simple,
Pastor Jimmy
MSCC Abilene
Loving God, Loving People, Loving the World
When it comes to life and faith, things can get complicated pretty quick! We become overloaded, overstressed and overwhelmed! It feels like we are in the Hitchcock movie "Vertigo." We can't tell which way is up... we've lost our point of reference. Frankly, we need help!
God's word, the bible, has much to say about overload, stress and busyness in general. One such passage reminds me of Apple's motto, "It just works." It's found in the book of Hebrews chapter 4 verse 12, it says, "For the word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword." It has that ring of "It just works!" I love it! Nothing complicated, no periherals or add ons necessary... the Word of God "just works!"
Let's take a hint from Apple. Let's simplify our faith and get back to the simple things that just work. Start today with the word of God... keep it simple and basic. Pray today, but I'm not talking about deep and ethereal, I mean just talk to God, like He's real and like He's right there with you... (smiling).
Spend some time journaling your thoughts and feelings. Document your walk with Jesus and keep it simple. De-clutter your faith. Delete those unecessary "trial programs" that came with the package when you were born and simplify.
Keeping it Simple,
Pastor Jimmy
MSCC Abilene
Loving God, Loving People, Loving the World
Monday, July 23, 2007
The Value of Staying Behind
Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics was not the fastest, the tallest or the most coordinated player on a basketball court, but for years this "white man who couldn't jump" dominated the game all because he knew the value of staying behind.
You see when the rest of the players would head in to the locker room after yet another long boring practice session, Bird would stay behind and shoot another 3,000 shots in order to perfect his craft.
Tiger Woods will go down in golf history as the greatest player who ever picked up a golf club all because he understood the value of staying behind.
You see when all the other boys were out on in the neighborhood riding bikes and chasing girls, Tiger was out on the driving range hitting thousands of balls with his dad. Staying behind has payed off for Tiger Woods. He's now a household name.
There was also a biblical character who became a household name in the shadow of the man whom he served. Joshua also understood the value of staying behind. You see when Moses forfeited his opportunity to take God's people over the river into the promised land, it was Joshua who was ready all because he knew the value of staying behind.
Ex 33:11 Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. NASU
There is something about a person that marks them when they are willing to forego the crowd and stay behind, you know, go the extra mile. It affords them opportunities to make an impact in their sphere of influence.
When was the last time you decided to stay a little longer in the "tent of meeting?" Would you decide today that like Joshua, you will tarry in God's presence a little longer than the crowd?
As for me, "I'm going to hang back in the tent for a while. No, you go on ahead, I'll catch up with you later. I'm just going to stay in His presence a bit longer."
In the Tent,
Jimmy
You see when the rest of the players would head in to the locker room after yet another long boring practice session, Bird would stay behind and shoot another 3,000 shots in order to perfect his craft.
Tiger Woods will go down in golf history as the greatest player who ever picked up a golf club all because he understood the value of staying behind.
You see when all the other boys were out on in the neighborhood riding bikes and chasing girls, Tiger was out on the driving range hitting thousands of balls with his dad. Staying behind has payed off for Tiger Woods. He's now a household name.
There was also a biblical character who became a household name in the shadow of the man whom he served. Joshua also understood the value of staying behind. You see when Moses forfeited his opportunity to take God's people over the river into the promised land, it was Joshua who was ready all because he knew the value of staying behind.
Ex 33:11 Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. NASU
There is something about a person that marks them when they are willing to forego the crowd and stay behind, you know, go the extra mile. It affords them opportunities to make an impact in their sphere of influence.
When was the last time you decided to stay a little longer in the "tent of meeting?" Would you decide today that like Joshua, you will tarry in God's presence a little longer than the crowd?
As for me, "I'm going to hang back in the tent for a while. No, you go on ahead, I'll catch up with you later. I'm just going to stay in His presence a bit longer."
In the Tent,
Jimmy
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Shift Happens... On Purpose!
Shift Happens... On Purpose!
Current mood: Alive and Well!
Category: Life
When I was a mere 14 years of age my dad got the bright idea that he was going to teach me to drive his 1974 F150 Custom pick up. It was a three-on-the-tree standard... a frightening endeavor to say the least!
It's interesting to me how that experience mirrors my own spiritual journey, especially when it comes to going to new levels and growing in my faith.
For example to grow spiritually and get to the next level you need these things: Guidance, Timing, Power, and Experience.
Guidance. Isn't funny how we think we can somehow do it alone? We pride ourselves on our independence... our ability to go it alone. It's a good thing Dad was sitting in the passenger seat the first time I popped the clutch on that truck! In the same way, we need those who have gone before us to "show us the ropes" in this walk of faith.
Timing. You can't just start out in third gear! Trust me. I know... I tried! You have to go through the gears in the proper sequence. In the same way we can't skip any steps on the road to spiritual maturity. Are you trying to skip some steps in your faith experience right now? Go back to the proper gear! That may be why you're stalling out!
Power. You have to constantly be accelerating in order to shift to the next gear. When you are stagnant spiritually, you can't shift to the next gear without stalling your spiritual motor! I remember Dad saying, "Give it more gas!" Perhaps our Heavenly Dad is saying the same thing! So step on it! LOL!
Experience. Theory is great... to a degree! But at some point you have to get behind the wheel, turn the key and give it your best shot. So many Christians read endless books, go to conferences and listen to teaching tapes and CD's and yet they never get behind the wheel and step on the gas! They are stagnant, stalled out and set back.
So, let's get behind the wheel and take this baby for a spin! Yes, you might lurch and stall a bit, but keep trying, you'll get the hang of it!
Enjoying the Drive,Jimmy aka Pastor JMSCC AbileneLoving God - Loving People - Loving the World!
Current mood: Alive and Well!
Category: Life
When I was a mere 14 years of age my dad got the bright idea that he was going to teach me to drive his 1974 F150 Custom pick up. It was a three-on-the-tree standard... a frightening endeavor to say the least!
It's interesting to me how that experience mirrors my own spiritual journey, especially when it comes to going to new levels and growing in my faith.
For example to grow spiritually and get to the next level you need these things: Guidance, Timing, Power, and Experience.
Guidance. Isn't funny how we think we can somehow do it alone? We pride ourselves on our independence... our ability to go it alone. It's a good thing Dad was sitting in the passenger seat the first time I popped the clutch on that truck! In the same way, we need those who have gone before us to "show us the ropes" in this walk of faith.
Timing. You can't just start out in third gear! Trust me. I know... I tried! You have to go through the gears in the proper sequence. In the same way we can't skip any steps on the road to spiritual maturity. Are you trying to skip some steps in your faith experience right now? Go back to the proper gear! That may be why you're stalling out!
Power. You have to constantly be accelerating in order to shift to the next gear. When you are stagnant spiritually, you can't shift to the next gear without stalling your spiritual motor! I remember Dad saying, "Give it more gas!" Perhaps our Heavenly Dad is saying the same thing! So step on it! LOL!
Experience. Theory is great... to a degree! But at some point you have to get behind the wheel, turn the key and give it your best shot. So many Christians read endless books, go to conferences and listen to teaching tapes and CD's and yet they never get behind the wheel and step on the gas! They are stagnant, stalled out and set back.
So, let's get behind the wheel and take this baby for a spin! Yes, you might lurch and stall a bit, but keep trying, you'll get the hang of it!
Enjoying the Drive,Jimmy aka Pastor JMSCC AbileneLoving God - Loving People - Loving the World!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
New Every Morning!
New Every Morning! Current mood: Expectant! Category: Life
I love the fact that every morning I get a clean slate! No matter what the day before has brought my way, no matter how bad I have blown it and no matter what I thought, did or said, today is a new day! His grace is truly amazing!
I have spent a lot of time meeting with people through the years, most of whom are plagued by echoes of their past. Tapes that play the same old recordings of how ugly they are and how bad they messed up and how God could never really love them like He loves others.
What most believers have not come to understand is that every day is literally a NEW DAY! That's right! His mercies are new every morning according to Lam 3:23! Yes, new EVERY morning! When you woke up this morning, you got a fresh start and a clean slate as though He removed your mistakes (iniquity) as far as the East is from the West! That's pretty far! LOL!
So enjoy your brand new day, your brand new life and your brand new faith!
Contending for You!Jimmy aka Pastor J
I love the fact that every morning I get a clean slate! No matter what the day before has brought my way, no matter how bad I have blown it and no matter what I thought, did or said, today is a new day! His grace is truly amazing!
I have spent a lot of time meeting with people through the years, most of whom are plagued by echoes of their past. Tapes that play the same old recordings of how ugly they are and how bad they messed up and how God could never really love them like He loves others.
What most believers have not come to understand is that every day is literally a NEW DAY! That's right! His mercies are new every morning according to Lam 3:23! Yes, new EVERY morning! When you woke up this morning, you got a fresh start and a clean slate as though He removed your mistakes (iniquity) as far as the East is from the West! That's pretty far! LOL!
So enjoy your brand new day, your brand new life and your brand new faith!
Contending for You!Jimmy aka Pastor J
Sunday, January 21, 2007
The Shame Game
The Shame Game
Have you ever been walking through a crowd and felt a tug on the back of your shirt? What is your first response? If you're like me, you stopped, turned around and looked to see who was behind you.
That's the nature of "Shame." It's like a rope that keeps you "tethered" to your past and allows your past to follow you in close pursuit constantly tugging on you and reminding you of your mistakes and past sin.
Here's a definition of SHAME - acute awareness of inadequacy, guilt, failure or disappointment; a strong sense of inferiority; abiding feeling of unworthiness.
Shame robs an otherwise productive and powerful believer of confidence, enthusiasm and authority. It's the "constant tug" that reminds you of how you failed and how unworthy you are. So how do we "cut the tether to the past?"
Here's the "phrase that pays":
"Release what's behind to embrace what's in front."
We become what we behold. The eye is one of several doors to the soul and whatever we gaze at and behold is what we will become. Another way to say it is your internal reality will always become your external reality. Whatever is on the inside will eventually "leak out" and reveal the truth that's been hiding... good or bad.
Declare your freedom, not your feelings. Prov 18:21 tells us that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." It's critical that our words line up with God's words i.e. get your words in agreement with God's Word about who you are... you are NOT your past, you are who God says you are!
There is great Kingdom Power and Authority released when you Declare what God says versus what we think. When we "give voice" to His Word angels are released on assignment and they go to work to bring about God's Word that has been declared through your voice! Ps 103:21
So... open your mouth and say what God says! Cut the tether to your past as you declare that you truly are "the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, blessed coming in and blessed going out, that no weapon formed against you will prosper, that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, that your iniquity (your past) has been removed as far as the east from the west..!" All right... now I'm getting excited!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor J
2007 Breakthrough Beyond the Walls!
Have you ever been walking through a crowd and felt a tug on the back of your shirt? What is your first response? If you're like me, you stopped, turned around and looked to see who was behind you.
That's the nature of "Shame." It's like a rope that keeps you "tethered" to your past and allows your past to follow you in close pursuit constantly tugging on you and reminding you of your mistakes and past sin.
Here's a definition of SHAME - acute awareness of inadequacy, guilt, failure or disappointment; a strong sense of inferiority; abiding feeling of unworthiness.
Shame robs an otherwise productive and powerful believer of confidence, enthusiasm and authority. It's the "constant tug" that reminds you of how you failed and how unworthy you are. So how do we "cut the tether to the past?"
Here's the "phrase that pays":
"Release what's behind to embrace what's in front."
We become what we behold. The eye is one of several doors to the soul and whatever we gaze at and behold is what we will become. Another way to say it is your internal reality will always become your external reality. Whatever is on the inside will eventually "leak out" and reveal the truth that's been hiding... good or bad.
Declare your freedom, not your feelings. Prov 18:21 tells us that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." It's critical that our words line up with God's words i.e. get your words in agreement with God's Word about who you are... you are NOT your past, you are who God says you are!
There is great Kingdom Power and Authority released when you Declare what God says versus what we think. When we "give voice" to His Word angels are released on assignment and they go to work to bring about God's Word that has been declared through your voice! Ps 103:21
So... open your mouth and say what God says! Cut the tether to your past as you declare that you truly are "the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, blessed coming in and blessed going out, that no weapon formed against you will prosper, that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, that your iniquity (your past) has been removed as far as the east from the west..!" All right... now I'm getting excited!
Blessings and Love,
Pastor J
2007 Breakthrough Beyond the Walls!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Drama Drama Drama!
Drama, Drama, Drama!
Current mood: Thankful!
Category: Life
Do you know anyone who tends to be surrounded by "Drama!" It seems like there is always some catastophic or dramatic event happening? I know people who actually create their own drama if they feel things are too peaceful! Those people scare me!!
One thing is for certain, all of us have drama in our lives... and to be honest, if there is no drama, then life can get pretty boring. Think of it this way... what would a movie be like if there was no drama? Or a novel with no dramatic elements? BORING!
The Bible is full of drama! From Moses standing before God and telling him, "Look, I'm not very good with words, you've got the wrong guy!", to Peter saying to Jesus, "If it's you out there on the water, tell me to come to you!" Well, we know how that one ended... Peter gulped down a few gallons of lake water!
Here's one I like in Revelation 5, John writes "I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and they sang in a mighty chorus!" Then everyone was so caught up in the drama that they just all fell down before the throne and worshipped! Wow! Now that's heavenly drama!
So, how should we deal with the "Drama" that comes our way?
First of all, realize that life is dramatic... it's not good, it's not bad, it just IS. Drama happens if you are a living breathing human being.
Second, the lens through which you view drama is critical. Several months ago I got my eyes checked and I was informed that it was time for bifocals (not older, just better!). About a week later I picked up my glasses and tried them on for size... they were horrible! I was informed by the tech, "Oh, it takes a week or two to get used to them and you'll need to wear them all the time."
So, being the nice and cooperative guy I am... I wore them for two weeks! It was two weeks of seeing life through some funky lenses! I stopped wearing them, because everything was "off" and out of focus! Recently I took them in and the new lab tech said, "Let me check those out for you." He came back after a while and said, "Mr. Pruitt, we need to apologize to you. These are not your prescription. We put the wrong lenses in your glasses!"
I'm anxiously awaiting the right prescription as I write this blog! The point is, you have to look at life through the right lenses! You must have the right prescription! Clear sight is critical as you are going through the Drama of life!
Clear sight comes by seeing your drama through the lens of God's Word.
Jesus was able to see beyond the cross to the joy i.e. the reward that was set before him! Check out Heb 12:2 in the NLT! This is called HOPE and it's really about seeing beyond the current drama that you're in!
Remember, put on the right glasses and look beyond the drama of the moment! Is your prescription right? Are you looking through the right glasses?
Be sure and leave a comment if you read this blog... I appreciate it!
Looking Beyond the Drama,
Pastor J
www.morningstarabilene.com
Current mood: Thankful!
Category: Life
Drama, Drama, Drama!
Do you know anyone who tends to be surrounded by "Drama!" It seems like there is always some catastophic or dramatic event happening? I know people who actually create their own drama if they feel things are too peaceful! Those people scare me!!
One thing is for certain, all of us have drama in our lives... and to be honest, if there is no drama, then life can get pretty boring. Think of it this way... what would a movie be like if there was no drama? Or a novel with no dramatic elements? BORING!
The Bible is full of drama! From Moses standing before God and telling him, "Look, I'm not very good with words, you've got the wrong guy!", to Peter saying to Jesus, "If it's you out there on the water, tell me to come to you!" Well, we know how that one ended... Peter gulped down a few gallons of lake water!
Here's one I like in Revelation 5, John writes "I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and they sang in a mighty chorus!" Then everyone was so caught up in the drama that they just all fell down before the throne and worshipped! Wow! Now that's heavenly drama!
So, how should we deal with the "Drama" that comes our way?
First of all, realize that life is dramatic... it's not good, it's not bad, it just IS. Drama happens if you are a living breathing human being.
Second, the lens through which you view drama is critical. Several months ago I got my eyes checked and I was informed that it was time for bifocals (not older, just better!). About a week later I picked up my glasses and tried them on for size... they were horrible! I was informed by the tech, "Oh, it takes a week or two to get used to them and you'll need to wear them all the time."
So, being the nice and cooperative guy I am... I wore them for two weeks! It was two weeks of seeing life through some funky lenses! I stopped wearing them, because everything was "off" and out of focus! Recently I took them in and the new lab tech said, "Let me check those out for you." He came back after a while and said, "Mr. Pruitt, we need to apologize to you. These are not your prescription. We put the wrong lenses in your glasses!"
I'm anxiously awaiting the right prescription as I write this blog! The point is, you have to look at life through the right lenses! You must have the right prescription! Clear sight is critical as you are going through the Drama of life!
Clear sight comes by seeing your drama through the lens of God's Word.
Jesus was able to see beyond the cross to the joy i.e. the reward that was set before him! Check out Heb 12:2 in the NLT! This is called HOPE and it's really about seeing beyond the current drama that you're in!
Remember, put on the right glasses and look beyond the drama of the moment! Is your prescription right? Are you looking through the right glasses?
Be sure and leave a comment if you read this blog... I appreciate it!
Looking Beyond the Drama,
Pastor J
www.morningstarabilene.com
Sunday, August 27, 2006
When You Pray... Pray Like This!
Current mood: Expectant!
Category: Expectant! Religion and Philosophy
It's interesting to me that Jesus did not tell the disciples, "If you decide to pray..." No, he said, "When you pray..." Jesus just assumed that those who follow him would be people of prayer.
However, the more I speak to people about their prayer life, I'm finding that many followers of Jesus are not people of prayer. They listen to Christian music, cd's and tapes of great preachers, and they attend church for the most part. But when you go a little bit deeper I'm finding that many struggle with a quality prayer life.
I know this, because I too have struggled for years to maintain a consistent and vibrant prayer life... "Wait a minute... but you're a preacher!" Yep... I'm just being honest! I too have found it difficult to just sit down and purposefully, intentionally and systematically go through my prayer list. Did I say prayer list? I haven't had one for years!
Okay... either I'm a total loser as a Christian, much less a pastor, or like many of you, life has gotten busy and distracting. I'm choosing the later explanation (some may choose the former in my case!).
So, what to do... what to do? I read a quote that has helped me tremendously, "God's answer to prayer is always more prayer!" Well, I took that challenge and began to pray. I don't mean just a little bit more... I mean getting up earlier, keeping a journal, making a list, etc.
The result... God lit my fuse, fired me up, revived my spirit... I mean this thing is "off the chain!" I can't wait to get to my "secret place" and spend time filling my prayer bowls every morning (see Rev 5:8)!
Here's another good thing... it's contagious! Oh yeah... we tend to "leak" what we are full of (that can be good or bad, just depends on what you're full of!). I started preaching about prayer, teaching about prayer, talking about prayer, writing about prayer... and best of all I started really praying! The result? I've got this disease called "Prayer-itis!" I can't stop!
Okay, enough goofiness. Here's the real deal. Jesus did not offer prayer as an option. He knows that prayer is the "engine" that powers the Kingdom. Jesus not only assumed we would pray, he even told us how to pray!
In Matthew 6:5-15 he lays it out for his followers. Check out the New Living Translation... Jesus says in v5 "When you pray...", v6 "But when you pray...", v7 "When you pray..." and then in v9 "Pray like this..."
Read it for yourself... Jesus deals with motive, intimacy and authenticity throughout what has become known as the Lord's Prayer. Throughout the prayer he captures these crucial elements: Praise and adoration, Kingdom declaration, Provision, Repentance and forgiveness, Protection and Honor. Wow! This thing is loaded!
Here is a simple breakdown that has helped me through the years... even more lately! Spend time in each of these areas as a starting place.
P - Praise
R - Repentance
A - Ask (for others)
Y - Yourself
There it is... prayer made simple. The more you do it, the more you will want to do it! Try it! I triple-dog dare you! It's like eating the first Sour Cream and Onion Pringle off the top of the stack... you can't eat just one!
I hope this helps to encourage you to simply come before your heavenly Father who loves you more than you know... bottom line... He just wants to hear from you! Don't keep him waiting.
Expectant,
Pastor J
Category: Expectant! Religion and Philosophy
When You Pray... Pray Like This!
It's interesting to me that Jesus did not tell the disciples, "If you decide to pray..." No, he said, "When you pray..." Jesus just assumed that those who follow him would be people of prayer.
However, the more I speak to people about their prayer life, I'm finding that many followers of Jesus are not people of prayer. They listen to Christian music, cd's and tapes of great preachers, and they attend church for the most part. But when you go a little bit deeper I'm finding that many struggle with a quality prayer life.
I know this, because I too have struggled for years to maintain a consistent and vibrant prayer life... "Wait a minute... but you're a preacher!" Yep... I'm just being honest! I too have found it difficult to just sit down and purposefully, intentionally and systematically go through my prayer list. Did I say prayer list? I haven't had one for years!
Okay... either I'm a total loser as a Christian, much less a pastor, or like many of you, life has gotten busy and distracting. I'm choosing the later explanation (some may choose the former in my case!).
So, what to do... what to do? I read a quote that has helped me tremendously, "God's answer to prayer is always more prayer!" Well, I took that challenge and began to pray. I don't mean just a little bit more... I mean getting up earlier, keeping a journal, making a list, etc.
The result... God lit my fuse, fired me up, revived my spirit... I mean this thing is "off the chain!" I can't wait to get to my "secret place" and spend time filling my prayer bowls every morning (see Rev 5:8)!
Here's another good thing... it's contagious! Oh yeah... we tend to "leak" what we are full of (that can be good or bad, just depends on what you're full of!). I started preaching about prayer, teaching about prayer, talking about prayer, writing about prayer... and best of all I started really praying! The result? I've got this disease called "Prayer-itis!" I can't stop!
Okay, enough goofiness. Here's the real deal. Jesus did not offer prayer as an option. He knows that prayer is the "engine" that powers the Kingdom. Jesus not only assumed we would pray, he even told us how to pray!
In Matthew 6:5-15 he lays it out for his followers. Check out the New Living Translation... Jesus says in v5 "When you pray...", v6 "But when you pray...", v7 "When you pray..." and then in v9 "Pray like this..."
Read it for yourself... Jesus deals with motive, intimacy and authenticity throughout what has become known as the Lord's Prayer. Throughout the prayer he captures these crucial elements: Praise and adoration, Kingdom declaration, Provision, Repentance and forgiveness, Protection and Honor. Wow! This thing is loaded!
Here is a simple breakdown that has helped me through the years... even more lately! Spend time in each of these areas as a starting place.
P - Praise
R - Repentance
A - Ask (for others)
Y - Yourself
There it is... prayer made simple. The more you do it, the more you will want to do it! Try it! I triple-dog dare you! It's like eating the first Sour Cream and Onion Pringle off the top of the stack... you can't eat just one!
I hope this helps to encourage you to simply come before your heavenly Father who loves you more than you know... bottom line... He just wants to hear from you! Don't keep him waiting.
Expectant,
Pastor J
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Splash Attack!
"Splash Attack!"
My family was blessed with a vacation this last week. We spent 5 days in San Antonio, TX enjoying the River Walk, Rio Casa (great Mexican food restaurant!) and the ever famous Sea World. We had a wonderful time "doing life" together as a family.
While we were there we spent some time in the water park that is a part of Sea Word... its called The Lost Lagoon... a wonderful break from the heat and humidity of the hill country in August!
There's this great little area that is designed for children called "Splash Attack!" On this large open "structure" there is a huge bucket... I mean huge! It sits on a stand and continually fills with water. After a few minutes a bell begins to ring and children, both young and old (okay, me too!), begin to run to get underneath the bucket.
After a few moments the full bucket begins to tip and hundreds of gallons of water are dumped out upon the excited crowd gathered below! Its great fun and refreshment...er, for the kids I mean!
The Lord reminded me that this is like the bowls in heaven that are filled with the prayers of saints. Rev 5:8 Now when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Okay, did you catch that? The bowls contain the prayers of the saints! Yeah, that means every prayer you have prayed has been saved and stored up in heaven. God loves you so much that he treasures every prayer you have ever prayed! Now that's like me keeping some of the little "art projects" my 5 year old has created (we actually have a drawer, that's specifically for these works of art!).
Here's what the Lord spoke to me as I was meditating on this: Every time I pray, yes even for the same things, I am "filling my bowls!" In other words, not one word is wasted or lost! God is storing up each one for an appointed time. I can just picture him telling some angels (I like to think of big angels!) "Okay, it's time to tip Jimmy's bowl... he needs some more help, more power, more anointing, more grace..." etc.
Now here's the bottom line: What comes out when the bowl is tipped depends on how much time I have spent "filling the bowl" in my prayer closet (prayer porch for me!). Is it going to be a trickle or a flood? The truth is, that part is up to me! How many deposits of prayer have I made into my bowls?
Is is going to be a "Splash Attack?" I can just imagine how disappointed all of us would be if the bell began to ring and we gathered in great expectation of a downpour and then just when you were ready for a great deluge... the water stopped, the bell quit ringing and the bucket sat still! I can feel the disappointment just thinking about it!
What about you? Are your bowls filled to capacity? Are you about to enjoy a "Splash Attack" or an empty bucket? It's up to you. Keep P.U.S.H.ing in prayer (Persist Until Something Happens).
Expectant,
Pastor J
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Crying Out!
Crying Out!
Current mood: Hungry for More!
Category: Life
This "Prayer Thing!" I can't shake it... even if I try! For years prayer has just been hard labor for me... and now... well... its like I'm on "Auto-Pilot!" I can't stop... I'm being strangly, and wonderfully, drawn to the "secret place" i.e. the place of his presence.
Everytime I open my Bible its about prayer... does that ever happen to you? God speaks to me in themes or topics and then everything I hear, see or experience revolves around that theme or topic. On this theme of prayer... God will not let it go!
My back porch has become my "prayer closet" where I go to meet God every morning... okay, most every morning. My car has become a sanctuary... I'm turning my radio off so that I can talk with God about the stuff of life. Listen, it has to be God if I'm turning off the Bose!
God keeps speaking to me about this guy in the Bible named Bartimaeus, let's call him "Bart" for short. He was a blind beggar who had heard that Jesus was in his town. Jesus was on his way out of town when Bart heard that Jesus and this crowd (notice there is always a "crowd" bumping into Jesus) was coming by... so Bart begins to scream at the top of his lungs... "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Now, all of us have been at Walmart or Target and some insecure teenager (could be an adult on this one!) starts yelling to their friends across the store... it's disconcerting, disrupting and even embarrassing! Just shut up! You're disturbing my peace!
In this case the crowd starts to warn Bart... "Dude! Just shut up! You're embarrassing... get a hold of yourself" (The King Jimmy Version!)! I love Bart's response... "Oh no... I am desperate... so here goes... Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!"
This guy would not shut up! He understood something... Jesus was present and he was not going to miss his moment... his opportunity!
Here's the kicker! Jesus "stood still." Okay, now that you've got God's attention... can you imagine that moment? Everything goes silent, the crowd stops... I suspect babies quit crying and the birds quit chirping... Bart had Jesus' full attention!
Why? Because he refused to quit! He refused to give up even when the crowd (The Spirit of Religion) warned and threatened him! One desperate determined voice overcame the noise of the crowd... overcame the multitude of voices that were cheering Jesus on. (Interesting thought: The crowd always cheers Jesus on until a demand is placed on them as individuals).
As for me... I want to be like Bart. At the end of the day, he got God's attention, stopped Jesus in his tracks and received what he came for! He went from being a "Beggar" to a "Victor" in a matter of moments because he refused to listen to the crowd, he refused to shut up and cried out to Jesus all the more!
Refuse to give up... refuse to listen to the crowd... and be ready to give an answer when Jesus says, "What to you want Me to do for you!"
Crying Out!
Pastor J
Current mood: Hungry for More!
Category: Life
He Cried Out all the More!
This "Prayer Thing!" I can't shake it... even if I try! For years prayer has just been hard labor for me... and now... well... its like I'm on "Auto-Pilot!" I can't stop... I'm being strangly, and wonderfully, drawn to the "secret place" i.e. the place of his presence.
Everytime I open my Bible its about prayer... does that ever happen to you? God speaks to me in themes or topics and then everything I hear, see or experience revolves around that theme or topic. On this theme of prayer... God will not let it go!
My back porch has become my "prayer closet" where I go to meet God every morning... okay, most every morning. My car has become a sanctuary... I'm turning my radio off so that I can talk with God about the stuff of life. Listen, it has to be God if I'm turning off the Bose!
God keeps speaking to me about this guy in the Bible named Bartimaeus, let's call him "Bart" for short. He was a blind beggar who had heard that Jesus was in his town. Jesus was on his way out of town when Bart heard that Jesus and this crowd (notice there is always a "crowd" bumping into Jesus) was coming by... so Bart begins to scream at the top of his lungs... "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Now, all of us have been at Walmart or Target and some insecure teenager (could be an adult on this one!) starts yelling to their friends across the store... it's disconcerting, disrupting and even embarrassing! Just shut up! You're disturbing my peace!
In this case the crowd starts to warn Bart... "Dude! Just shut up! You're embarrassing... get a hold of yourself" (The King Jimmy Version!)! I love Bart's response... "Oh no... I am desperate... so here goes... Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!"
This guy would not shut up! He understood something... Jesus was present and he was not going to miss his moment... his opportunity!
Here's the kicker! Jesus "stood still." Okay, now that you've got God's attention... can you imagine that moment? Everything goes silent, the crowd stops... I suspect babies quit crying and the birds quit chirping... Bart had Jesus' full attention!
Why? Because he refused to quit! He refused to give up even when the crowd (The Spirit of Religion) warned and threatened him! One desperate determined voice overcame the noise of the crowd... overcame the multitude of voices that were cheering Jesus on. (Interesting thought: The crowd always cheers Jesus on until a demand is placed on them as individuals).
As for me... I want to be like Bart. At the end of the day, he got God's attention, stopped Jesus in his tracks and received what he came for! He went from being a "Beggar" to a "Victor" in a matter of moments because he refused to listen to the crowd, he refused to shut up and cried out to Jesus all the more!
Here's the takeaway: P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens!
Refuse to give up... refuse to listen to the crowd... and be ready to give an answer when Jesus says, "What to you want Me to do for you!"
Crying Out!
Pastor J
Sunday, July 30, 2006
P.U.S.H.
"P.U.S.H." Pray Until Something Happens!
Current mood: Prayerful!
Category: Prayerful! Life
For me, prayer has always been work. I like to pray as I go, but I have never been one that was good at just sitting down and waiting on the Lord. I've never been good at "waiting" on anthing for that matter .
However, something has changed... God is doing a wonderful work in me concerning prayer. I can't even articulate it... I can't wait to get to my prayer closet... actually it's my "Prayer Porch."
God has been calling me to extended times of prayer. Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle says this: "God has given us many and precious promises if we pray. If we don't pray, He promises nothing - nothing at all! It's just that simple."
Here's a simple takeaway that might help you in your prayer life:
I've broken it down into some simple PUSH Points...
1. Pray - Just do it!
2. Persist - Ask and keep on asking! (see Matt 7:7-8)
3. Prevail - Stay on it!
4. Pursue - Don't give up! Be a God-Chaser!
5. Prostrate - Humble yourself... get on your knees and fight like a man!
6. Pour out - Nothing moves the hand of God like spiritual hunger! Get desparate!
7. Press In - Believe that you receive what you ask of Him! (see Mk 11:24)
8. Press Through - In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, "Never quit. Never quit. Never quit."
I believe many of God's personal promises to us have been "DELAYED" because we have not learned to "P.U.S.H."
As for me... I'm PUSHing with everything I have!
Blessings,
Pastor J
Current mood: Prayerful!
Category: Prayerful! Life
P.U.S.H. - Pray Until Something Happens
For me, prayer has always been work. I like to pray as I go, but I have never been one that was good at just sitting down and waiting on the Lord. I've never been good at "waiting" on anthing for that matter .
However, something has changed... God is doing a wonderful work in me concerning prayer. I can't even articulate it... I can't wait to get to my prayer closet... actually it's my "Prayer Porch."
God has been calling me to extended times of prayer. Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle says this: "God has given us many and precious promises if we pray. If we don't pray, He promises nothing - nothing at all! It's just that simple."
Here's a simple takeaway that might help you in your prayer life:
P.U.S.H. - Pray Until Something Happens!
I've broken it down into some simple PUSH Points...
1. Pray - Just do it!
2. Persist - Ask and keep on asking! (see Matt 7:7-8)
3. Prevail - Stay on it!
4. Pursue - Don't give up! Be a God-Chaser!
5. Prostrate - Humble yourself... get on your knees and fight like a man!
6. Pour out - Nothing moves the hand of God like spiritual hunger! Get desparate!
7. Press In - Believe that you receive what you ask of Him! (see Mk 11:24)
8. Press Through - In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, "Never quit. Never quit. Never quit."
I believe many of God's personal promises to us have been "DELAYED" because we have not learned to "P.U.S.H."
As for me... I'm PUSHing with everything I have!
Blessings,
Pastor J
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Just Pray Up! Keeping it Simple
I was sitting in a coffee house a number of years ago in Southern California and I noticed a small and unpretentious sign hanging on a post. It read, "Sit long, Talk Much." I was captivated by this little sign and I kept glancing at it again and again. It became a good distraction to me at that time.
For me, this little phrase captures the essence of prayer. In our tendency to complicate everything in our world, we have even managed to complicate prayer to the point that most people begin to wonder, "Why bother?" I mean, after all, if you haven't read the latest book on "Governmental Intercession" or "Spiritual Mapping" then your prayers aren't going to do much good... or are they?
I have a simple takeaway today: "Just Pray Up!"
I tend to take the simpleton's philosophy: K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Saint!
Here are some Keys to Keeping it Simple when it comes to prayer.
Keep it Short, Focused and to the Point i.e. It doesn't have to be long to be effective. In Jesus' sermon on the lake (okay, "mount" if you have to be religious about it... I prefer to be accurate) he tells them not to babble or ramble on in prayer thinking they will be heard for their ability to "Go Long."
I've been in some prayer meetings where it became a "Pray Off" between wild-eyed intercessors and insecure pastors. Let's see who can go the longest and thereby be more "spiritual!" Okay, now I'm getting personal... just stay on task in this thing. Our Father already knows what we need before we ask... just ask.
Calm down, relax and speak directly - It doesn't have to be loud to be authoritative. We tend to associate volume with authority. It's as though we are trying to convince ourselves of our authority more than the principalities and powers that we are coming against! When Jesus rebuked the storm, cast out demons or healed someone, he simply spoke the word and it was done. Why? Because he was confident of his authority so he didn't need volume... just speak to your mountain, don't yell at it.
Pray with persistence and conviction - It doesn't have to be lavish (over the top) to be powerful. My Nanny (dad's mommy) prayed for all her grandchildren to be saved for years... and years! Talk about persistence! Eventually I caved because of the effectual and fervent prayers of this righteous woman (Jm 5:16). Just keep praying even if you don't get an answer the first week or two!
Remember, "Sit Long, Talk Much." Keep it Simple. Jesus is waiting to have a talk with you.
If you want to hear this message you can go to www.morningstarabilene.com and click on the "headphones" and it will take you to the messages page.
Keeping It Simple,
Pastor J
Friday, July 21, 2006
You're a Runner... So Run Your Race!
You're a Runner, so Run Your Race!
Current mood: Inspired!
Category: Life
It was 1988 in Seoul S. Korea. Derek Redmund was a heavy favorite to win the 400 meters. As the gun went off, eight men took off in a dead sprint for a one lap fast and furious race. At the midway point one runner, Derek Redmund, crashed onto the track in a heap writhing in pain, his achilles tendon had snapped. His Olympic gold dream was gone in a moment.
It was 1992 in Barcelona Spain. Dered Redmumd had spent four long and grueling years rehabilitating his injury and was in race form and again favored to win the 400 meters. The gun went off and again eight men started in a flury toward the finish line. The crowd was on it's feet and the media was covering this "comeback" story in hopes of a great Olympic moment. Then suddenly, as if an instant replay was happening, Derek Redmund crashed onto the track as his hamstring snapped!
The crowd was stunned as seven men went on to complete the race. Derek attempted to stand to no avail. The paramedics ran to him and tried to get him to sit down and yet he continued to try to get up.
Suddenly, one man broke through the security line and rushed to the wounded runner. They had a brief conversation and then they stood together and began to lumber toward the finish line in what would be a world record for the slowest Olympic 400 meter in history.
As they awkwardly approached the finish line, 100,000 fans stood to their feet in a thunderous show of support for the ailing runner who was determined to finish his race. As they crossed the finish line together the crowd was roaring and cheering... one of the Olympics greatest stories unfolded for the world to see.
Oh... and about that conversation... it went like this:
Jim: "You don't have to do this."
Derek: "Yes I do!"
Jim: "Then we will do it together!
At that moment, Jim Redmund, Derek's dad helped him to his feet and they ran the final stretch together.
"Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Heb 12:1
We need to realize that all of us have a race to run. In other words, God has given you an assignment, a lane assignment, if you will. It is unique to you. No one can run the race for you, but others can help and give you support.
Also, you're not running alone. There is a great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us that are standing to their feet and cheering us on! The heavenly host is doing the wave as you make each step toward completing your race!
And finally, God has not told you to win the race, only to run it! In our culture we have come to believe that being in first place is the only place. However, in God's eyes, to willingly participate and run the race the best you can is winning!
How about you? Are you running your race? Are staying in your lane? The Bible tells us in Isaiah, "If you be willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land." Some of us are obedient, but are we a willing runner in this race?
I want to inspire courage in you today to run your race and celebrate each step you take toward the finish line... we're all cheering you on! Remember, "You're a Runner, so Run Your Race!"
If you would like to hear this message then go to my website at www.morningstarabilene.com and click on "Click here to listen to Pastor Jimmy's Sermons."
Running,
Pastor J
Current mood: Inspired!
Category: Life
You're a Runner... So Run Your Race!
It was 1988 in Seoul S. Korea. Derek Redmund was a heavy favorite to win the 400 meters. As the gun went off, eight men took off in a dead sprint for a one lap fast and furious race. At the midway point one runner, Derek Redmund, crashed onto the track in a heap writhing in pain, his achilles tendon had snapped. His Olympic gold dream was gone in a moment.
It was 1992 in Barcelona Spain. Dered Redmumd had spent four long and grueling years rehabilitating his injury and was in race form and again favored to win the 400 meters. The gun went off and again eight men started in a flury toward the finish line. The crowd was on it's feet and the media was covering this "comeback" story in hopes of a great Olympic moment. Then suddenly, as if an instant replay was happening, Derek Redmund crashed onto the track as his hamstring snapped!
The crowd was stunned as seven men went on to complete the race. Derek attempted to stand to no avail. The paramedics ran to him and tried to get him to sit down and yet he continued to try to get up.
Suddenly, one man broke through the security line and rushed to the wounded runner. They had a brief conversation and then they stood together and began to lumber toward the finish line in what would be a world record for the slowest Olympic 400 meter in history.
As they awkwardly approached the finish line, 100,000 fans stood to their feet in a thunderous show of support for the ailing runner who was determined to finish his race. As they crossed the finish line together the crowd was roaring and cheering... one of the Olympics greatest stories unfolded for the world to see.
Oh... and about that conversation... it went like this:
Jim: "You don't have to do this."
Derek: "Yes I do!"
Jim: "Then we will do it together!
At that moment, Jim Redmund, Derek's dad helped him to his feet and they ran the final stretch together.
"Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Heb 12:1
We need to realize that all of us have a race to run. In other words, God has given you an assignment, a lane assignment, if you will. It is unique to you. No one can run the race for you, but others can help and give you support.
Also, you're not running alone. There is a great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us that are standing to their feet and cheering us on! The heavenly host is doing the wave as you make each step toward completing your race!
And finally, God has not told you to win the race, only to run it! In our culture we have come to believe that being in first place is the only place. However, in God's eyes, to willingly participate and run the race the best you can is winning!
How about you? Are you running your race? Are staying in your lane? The Bible tells us in Isaiah, "If you be willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land." Some of us are obedient, but are we a willing runner in this race?
I want to inspire courage in you today to run your race and celebrate each step you take toward the finish line... we're all cheering you on! Remember, "You're a Runner, so Run Your Race!"
If you would like to hear this message then go to my website at www.morningstarabilene.com and click on "Click here to listen to Pastor Jimmy's Sermons."
Running,
Pastor J
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Just Show Up
Current mood: Expectant!
Category: Life
In my time on this spinning ball (Earth) I've had quite an array of cars. Some stand out in a big and sometimes scary way! When I was in college I was given a 1972 Ford Pinto. Yes, that was model that would explode on impact if you were ever "rear ended!" I really learned about defensive driving when I had that car.
However, as ugly and dangerous as that car was, you could not kill it! It just ran and ran and ran... like the "Energizer Bunny!" It had an engine and wheels. No a/c, no radio, no upholstery! But it was dependable.
On another occasion I owned a Lexus SC300. Now that car had some bling bling! It had custom wheels and as for the features they would be too many to list! It was a sweet ride! On the other hand, one day it caught on fire... but that's for another message!
As I was praying the other day, the Lord reminded me of a simple but profound truth: Two cars, two styles, but at the end of the day they delivered the cargo!
In other words, whatever occupied those two very different vehicles, got delivered to it's destination just the same. Why is this important?
Because you are a "vehicle," a "carrier" of the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls you "The Temple of the Holy Spirit." The takeaway for today is "Just Show Up!" If you are there, then the presence of God is there! That's right... on the jobsite, at Walmart, at the office, on the ball field and in the bathroom for that matter!
Wherever you go "He" is there, because you are the vehicle i.e. the carrier of the Spirit of the Living God. When you "Just Show Up" He shows up. When you don't show up, He doesn't show up!
In other words, your presence is needed! God allows His presence, His "treasure" to be carried around in what the Bible calls "Earthen Vessels" or "Jars of Clay."
Remember, awareness is power! I want to remind you today that your presence is needed because whether you are a Pinto or a Lexus, you deliver the goods!
Be Encouraged and Blessed Today!
Showing Up,
Pastor J
Category: Life
Just Show Up!
In my time on this spinning ball (Earth) I've had quite an array of cars. Some stand out in a big and sometimes scary way! When I was in college I was given a 1972 Ford Pinto. Yes, that was model that would explode on impact if you were ever "rear ended!" I really learned about defensive driving when I had that car.
However, as ugly and dangerous as that car was, you could not kill it! It just ran and ran and ran... like the "Energizer Bunny!" It had an engine and wheels. No a/c, no radio, no upholstery! But it was dependable.
On another occasion I owned a Lexus SC300. Now that car had some bling bling! It had custom wheels and as for the features they would be too many to list! It was a sweet ride! On the other hand, one day it caught on fire... but that's for another message!
As I was praying the other day, the Lord reminded me of a simple but profound truth: Two cars, two styles, but at the end of the day they delivered the cargo!
In other words, whatever occupied those two very different vehicles, got delivered to it's destination just the same. Why is this important?
Because you are a "vehicle," a "carrier" of the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls you "The Temple of the Holy Spirit." The takeaway for today is "Just Show Up!" If you are there, then the presence of God is there! That's right... on the jobsite, at Walmart, at the office, on the ball field and in the bathroom for that matter!
Wherever you go "He" is there, because you are the vehicle i.e. the carrier of the Spirit of the Living God. When you "Just Show Up" He shows up. When you don't show up, He doesn't show up!
In other words, your presence is needed! God allows His presence, His "treasure" to be carried around in what the Bible calls "Earthen Vessels" or "Jars of Clay."
Remember, awareness is power! I want to remind you today that your presence is needed because whether you are a Pinto or a Lexus, you deliver the goods!
Be Encouraged and Blessed Today!
Showing Up,
Pastor J
Sunday, July 09, 2006
How Big Does it have to be to be God?
For many it seems that it has to be spectacular or extraordinary to be God. Unfortunately we tend to miss God in the normal & mundane moments of life. When we discuss the Gifts of the Spirit there is a tendency for us to "default" to the big stuff... revival, spiritual awakening or a miraculous intervention.
But what about the fact that God is interacting in your affairs everyday... yes, even in the small things.
How is this for a "takeaway": It doesn't have to be big to be God.
I wince to think how many times I have failed to connect my "prayer requests" with the answers from God in the small things in my daily life i.e. an encourging note, email or phone call when I needed a touch from God; a smile from a courteous clerk who had no idea of the kind of day I was having; a seemingly random hug from my 5 year old that made me feel that all my challenges or "issues" were insignificant.
Here's one for you. I went to bed a 11:15pm and awoke at 1:30am. I never went back to sleep. Stressed?... no. Worried?... no. In pain?... no. I simply spent the entire night praying and thanking God for anyone and everyone He brought to my mind. It's not a big thing... I didn't weep and wail in intercession... I simply asked the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind anyone He wanted me to pray for... wow... that got my tired mind moving. It was a glorious night... and morning!
That may not seem like a "Big-Thing" but I can tell you for sure it was a "God-Thing."
I want to encourage this week to look for God in the small things... you know... the daily things. He's there. Remember, it doesn't have to be big to be God.
Enjoying God in the Small Things!
Pastor J
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Focus on the Gifts of the Spirit
Focus on the Gifts of the Spirit
Current mood: Graced!
God is such a good Daddy that He has blessed his children with wonderful Gifts that enable us to live this life with victory, enthusiasm and power. He has not charged to live this live without giving us the equipment to do so. That would be cruel to tell someone to do something and yet not give them the tools to do it.
Spiritual Gifts are a topic that has been controversial in the church. It's just like the Enemy to bring confusion to something that is so needed and vital to each and every believer. Yet, the subject of spiritual gifts is really quite simple. I hope I can "de-clutter" the issue for you today.
1. The What and the Why - The Gifts of the Spirit are just that Gifts OF the Spirit given for empowerment of the individual and the encouragement of all.
-Empowerment you need power to live this life of faith and walk in victory.
-Encouragement these gifts are not for your entertainment, they are for building up the body of Christ i.e. the Church (Jesus Spiritual Family).
Rm 12:3-8 - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith NKJV
-We are not clones! All the members do not have the same function! Enjoy our differences! Thats why I love this church!!!
-There is Grace (Gods Power, Strength, Ability and Favor) to employ and activate the Gifts of the Spirit!
2. The How - Q: How do we receive the Gifts of the Spirit? A: By Faith.
-When you receive the Holy Spirit you receive His Gifts Its a Package Deal!
- How do I know I have Spiritual Gifts? They will surface naturally as needs arise.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them NKJV
3. The Result - People get equipped to do ministry and the Church/Body gets edified (build up, teach or encourage).
Eph 4:7-8 - But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." Eph 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. NKJV
-You fulfill your purpose for being on this earth and you make a big deal out of God!
-You enjoy the Blessed Life, walk in Victory, make an Impact on your world and get to see changed lives as a result of the Spirit working through you!
I do hope this helps to bring some clarity. Have an great week!
Blessings and Grace to You!
Pastor J
Current mood: Graced!
God is such a good Daddy that He has blessed his children with wonderful Gifts that enable us to live this life with victory, enthusiasm and power. He has not charged to live this live without giving us the equipment to do so. That would be cruel to tell someone to do something and yet not give them the tools to do it.
Spiritual Gifts are a topic that has been controversial in the church. It's just like the Enemy to bring confusion to something that is so needed and vital to each and every believer. Yet, the subject of spiritual gifts is really quite simple. I hope I can "de-clutter" the issue for you today.
Takeaway: It Doesnt Have to be Spooky to be Spiritual!
Getting a Grip on the Gifts of the Spirit
1. The What and the Why - The Gifts of the Spirit are just that Gifts OF the Spirit given for empowerment of the individual and the encouragement of all.
-Empowerment you need power to live this life of faith and walk in victory.
-Encouragement these gifts are not for your entertainment, they are for building up the body of Christ i.e. the Church (Jesus Spiritual Family).
Rm 12:3-8 - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith NKJV
-We are not clones! All the members do not have the same function! Enjoy our differences! Thats why I love this church!!!
-There is Grace (Gods Power, Strength, Ability and Favor) to employ and activate the Gifts of the Spirit!
2. The How - Q: How do we receive the Gifts of the Spirit? A: By Faith.
-When you receive the Holy Spirit you receive His Gifts Its a Package Deal!
- How do I know I have Spiritual Gifts? They will surface naturally as needs arise.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them NKJV
3. The Result - People get equipped to do ministry and the Church/Body gets edified (build up, teach or encourage).
Eph 4:7-8 - But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." Eph 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. NKJV
-You fulfill your purpose for being on this earth and you make a big deal out of God!
-You enjoy the Blessed Life, walk in Victory, make an Impact on your world and get to see changed lives as a result of the Spirit working through you!
I do hope this helps to bring some clarity. Have an great week!
Blessings and Grace to You!
Pastor J
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