Have you sinned lately?

   We usually define sin has something we do.  However, sin can also be something we don't do.   As I was reading in 1 Samuel this morning I read this comment from Samuel, "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you."  (1 Samuel 12:23)

    Do you know someone who is struggling - spiritual or otherwise?  Have you prayed for them?  Do  you know someone who is sick?  Have you prayed for them?  Do you know someone who hasn't made a decision about Jesus being the Lord of their lives?  Have you prayed for them?

    Have you prayed for your elders?  Have you prayed for your preacher?  For your neighbor?  For your spouse?  For your children?

    Have you prayed for our leaders?  For our nation?  For your city?

   Have you sinned today by not praying for others?

  Well, - go pray and stop sinning!

Most Unusual Easter Sermon

Today I preached my 20th Easter sermon for the Southside Church.   What more can I say about the Easter that I haven't already said? I began a few weeks ago thinking about today's sermon.   I was almost dreading today when I started thinking . . . .

 In our "Journey Thru The Bible in 2013" series I had a decision to make - do I continue the series and preach on the book of Ruth or do I have an "Easter" sermon?  The answer was yes!

In the story of Ruth the kinsman redeemer is the hero!  Boaz loves Ruth with an "hesed" kind of love. (Hesed is the kind of love given when it is undeserved).   He is the kinsman redeemer and buys back the land and takes Ruth as his wife.  He rescues Ruth and Naomi from their plight.    They have a son Obed, who is the father of Jesse, who is the father of David.  The line of Jesus continues!

The story is a great reminder that Jesus is the ultimate kinsman redeemer!  He loves us with a love that isn't deserved.  He buys us back and restores us to Gods original intent!

It may be my most unusual Easter sermon I've ever preached.  As it turns out, I did have something new to say!  God never ceases to amaze me!

Happy Easter!    

You Don't Want God On Your Side!

You Don’t Want God On Your Side!

I’ve always wanted God on my side – until I read this conversation in Joshua 5: 13-15:

Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Joshua’s question is understandable.  He wants to know if God is on his side.  For the commander of the Lord’s army that is not the issue.  In fact, the commander says that God is not on either side!

The important thing is for Joshua to be on God’s side! 

During the Civil War when the outcome was still in the balance, someone commented to Abraham Lincoln, “do you think God is on your side?”   Lincoln replied, “That is not my main concern.  My concern is that I’m on God’s side!” 

My prayer today is that I am on God’s side.   I don’t pray that he’ll bless what I’m doing; I pray that I’ll be doing what he blesses!

It goes back to the question the kid’s song asks, “Whose side on your living on?  I’m living on the Lord’s side!”

Be on God's side!  

Randy

No Joshing!

“No Joshing”

At the covenant renewal at Shechem Joshua gives his final farewell to all the tribes of Israel.   He gives us the famous line, “  . . . but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  (Joshua 24:15)

Joshua is giving his last words to the nation of Israel.  He implores them to throw away the gods their forefathers worshiped beyond the River in Egypt.   He exhorts them to “fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness.”  (Joshua 24:14)

We all make that choice everyday.   What will I worship today?  What will capture my heart?  What will have my attention?   I will I lead my family today?  What impact will my decisions have on others?  

On that day the people the people said that they would “serve the Lord”.    Joshua again implores them to ‘throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” (24:23)

What gods do you need to throw away?  What things have captured your heart ?

How could you serve the Lord your God today??  Seriously – sit down for a few minutes and think about that.   Just write down two or three things that you could do this week to serve the Lord.    Then, do them! 

Do that and you will have a great week!

No Joshing!

Wandering/Wondering

“Wandering/Wondering

In Our Wilderness”

In our “Journey” sermon series we’ve spent the last few weeks wandering with the Israelites as they journey to their promised land.

As I have observed their wandering – it caused me to wonder (and, yes, my mind did wander a few times!) about us.

In their wandering they often grumbled against Moses (and against God).   Moses was taking too long on the mountain.  They didn’t understand decisions Moses made, and so they complained.  They wanted to go back to Egypt.  You gotta wonder about them saying that!

The manna they were eating was getting old.  Amazing!  They were grumbling with their mouth full.  Which makes you wonder – wow –  how does God feels about that???

And so, as we wander through our lives, I wonder – do we grumble against God with our mouths full?  Do we complain against the leaders God has appointed over us – while our spiritual cup overflows?? Do want to go back to our "Egypts"?

 And, yes, I wonder – how does God feel about that?

And so, as I wander, I wonder.  Do you?

Begin with a vision of God Exodus 3:1-14

In reading the story of calling Moses to lead His people,  notice how God motivates the reluctant leader. Talking from a burning bush didin't hurt!      Moses has two questions, "Who am I?' followed closely with, "Who are you?"   What are your first questions when God calls you to ministry?

Look at Exodus 3: 1-14.  God begins with a vision of who He is.  He sees.  He notices.  He hears.  He rescues!

 Is that significant?  I think it is.  God doesn't work Moses into a self image frenzy finished with a chorus of "Yes I can!"  "I am wonderful!"  "I am awesome!"  Instead, he begins with a vision of who He is.

Your vision of God.  If you think God loves the lost, you will share your faith.  If you think God is judgmental, you will be  harsh in your judgements.   So, God gives Moses a clear vision of  who He is.

What is your vision of God?

Don't hide it under a bush!

Spiritual Checkup #2

How obvious is my faith in Jesus to those who know me best?

What percentage of my life does Jesus have complete control over?

What evidence can I provide that would show that I'm a disciple of Jesus?

Does my faith have children?

Are you secure in your salvation?

Mull these over in your heart in the next few days, then get back with God.

Spiritual Checkup

Last week I attended a retreat in Paris, TN hosted by Jerry Jones. While there, Albert Lemmons gave us a "Spiritual Temperature Check". I would like to share some of the questions with you in hopes that it will encourage you to do some serious self inventory. I have added some of my own questions.

1.) If I stopped believing in Jesus today, how would it really effect my life?

2.) How willing am I to do what the Bible tells me to do?

3.) How willing am I to sacrifice for others?

4.) Is Christianity something I do or is it something I am?

5.) How willing I am to deny myself to serve God and others?

6.) How intentional/regular am I in my study of God's word?

7.) How long as it been since I've intentionally invited/studied/witnessed to someone that I know does not know Jesus as their Savior?

8.) I often do I pray?

9.) I tithe a certain amount not matter what

10) What is my attitude toward my sin?

11) I consider the needs of others before my own needs

there are more questions. We'll share some more later. This should be enough to get you started.

Perhaps you've already thought of a question or two? I would love to hear your questions!

Re-launching the blog!

Haven't posted in a long time! One of my goals for the new year is to relaunch the blog.

One of my passions is reading! I read all kinds of books. Novels, history, historical fiction, ministry related - I love a good book.

So, we re-launch with an emphasis on book reviews.

If you've read a good book, pass it on! I'm always up for a good recommendation. I find the best books are ones that friends have recommended.

I hope to become a good friend that recommends books that you will enjoy!
Randy

A new favorite book

I have a new favorite book - "Contrarian's Guide To Knowing God" by Larry Osborne. On the books back cover it says, "Contrarian thinking at its best simply asks, Is this really true? It speaks up when the politically correct answer or conventional wisdom doesn't match reality - when things simply don't work the way everyone says it should." I was drawn to that description.

A few years ago I had read "The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership" by Simple. This is a much better book.

Some of my favorite chapters were "Jesus or John?" "The Dimmer Switch Principle" "The High Place Principle" and "The Mustard Seed Principle".

Do yourself a huge favor - put Osborne's book on your reading list. You won't agree with everything - but you will be challenged. Isn't that the mark of a great book?

Forever Strong

If you like sports movies like I do, do yourself a huge favor and rent "Forever Strong". It's based on the Highland High Ruby team here in Salt Lake City. Their record is something like 361-9. Yes, that's not a mistake -- 361-9!

Highland High dominates high school ruby. Here's a great quote from their coach Larry Gelwix:

"It's not about ruby, it's about young men. It's not about building a championship team, it's about building championship boys. Boys who will be forever strong."

A good father-son movie for sure!

This N' That

Haven't blogged in a while. I have reached my second weight goal! Weighed in at 163 a few days ago! Walking between 12,000 - 18,000 steps a day. I can now get in my 34 waist pants! I feel really good. Now, I want to get down to 160, maybe 158? We'll see.

Getting geared up for a trip to the Holy Land. I've never flown overseas in my life! Not looking forward to 14 hours in a metal tube at 35,000 feet. This trip would be on my "bucket list" if I had such a list. Do you have such a list?

I was surprised to learn that Creedence Clearwater Revival only recorded for four years. Man, they recorded a lot great music in just four years! Some great tunes, for sure. Anyone else make such an impact in just four years?

Got a box out of my closet at the church. Found some old Marvin Phillips sermons on cassette tapes. Been listening to them in my car. (yes, my '96 Camry has a cassette player). I love to hear him preach. What a great spirit! So positive. So encouraging! Good stuff.

Who is the speaker that lifts your spirit? Now with the avenues like web sites, pod-casting, - you can hear any speaker you want! Got any favorites?

Fat Preachers?

Why is that a lot of preachers are the most out of shape people in the church? Every time I go to an event where a lot of preachers gather I've noticed that a lot of preachers are over weight. Especially the ones over fifty.

I have determined not to be one of them. Don't know if I'll be successful. I turned 51 this year. A little over weight, I have set a goal to get back down to 165 and a loose 34 waist. When we get there I'll evaluate things and see I need to loose more. Right now, I've lost 9 pounds to weigh 170.5! My first goal is 170. Almost there!

No diet. Cutting out fried foods (which I love!), deserts, smaller portions and walking 8-10,000 steps a day. Once a week I have a meal where I don't worry about things. Gotta have a hamburger once in a while, right?

Paul said that he buffeted his body every day. Yes -- it is a daily struggle for me. Every meal is a battle! I love to eat. Period!

I'll let you know when I get to the second goal.

Dave Ramsey Town Hall Meeting

Our church hosted the Dave Ramsey Town Hall Meeting via the internet on Thursday night. About 135 people came from the community. There were 6,000 host sides across the country.

We had five people who expressed an interest in coming and worshiping with us. Today, a couple came for the first time and said that they would be back. We didn't do it as an "outreach" event; we just wanted to be helpful to lives of those who live in our community.

We hosted the event purely as a service to our community. I believe that people respond when you show genuine care and concern for them. I love it when the church tries to be helpful.

I would love to hear what your church is doing to be a part of the community. I'm always up to good ideas!

What Crown Are You Living For?

What Crown Are You Living For?

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was close to wearing the crown she had always dreamed about. Prizes galore!

It was down to her and Miss North Carolina for the right to be named Miss USA .

She was asked a question about marriage. She said that she believes that marriage is between a man and a woman. For the judge that asked the question, it was the wrong answer. Wasn’t politically correct.

Based on that answer, she lost the MISS USA crown. In an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show she said that she was more concerned with being Biblically correct rather being politically correct. Asked if she would give a different answer if she had to do it over again and win Miss Prejean said, “Absolutely not!”

Miss Prejean is looking to wear a different crown. She desires a crown that will last – and never fade! She has her eyes on the ultimate prize.

One day she’ll be asked a different question by a different judge.

What crown are you living for?

Sunday Night Reflections

Well, I shoulda went with my head. North Corolina vs. Michigan State. Gotta go with North Carolina, but I'm pulling for MS.

The spirit of worship was good today. Our worship leader, Mike Dennis, did a super job of leading us in worship. The praise team was stellar today. Our assoicate minsiter, Kevin Hooper, lead us a very meaningful time at the Lord's Supper. I loved his use of the clip from "Matthew" when Jesus entered Jerusalem to the celebrating of the Supper.

Had a great Bible class today. People asking great questions, taking notes, talking about the class hours later. You could see the lights coming on with new insights into God's Word. These are the moments you live for in ministry.

We celebrated all the things that happened in the month of March. We pinned 11 new patches on our "family banner". Six were for baptisms! (we don't have a single "evangelism program"!) Evangelism is just happening as it should - one on one.

Had several first time guests. A few brought co-workers. I love the fact that so many are studying with friends, neighbors and co-workers.

It's exciting to see what God is doing among us. I'm priviledged to minister in such a dynamic fellowship.

Final Four

How does your NCAA bracket look? Mine didn't look too bad - I picked 3 out of the final 4. I was hoping that OU could pull it out against North Carolina. Oh, well. I went with my heart instead of my head.

Who do you have going all the way?

Should be a great final four. The teams look like good matchups. I see a Villinova/Mich St. final. North Carolina will be a tough out for sure. I'll take 'Nova for the championship.

My head says the Tar Heels. I'm going with my heart again. Hope it works out better this time!

Your picks?

New bulletin format

I actually enjoy our Monday morning staff meetings. It's a good time of sharing, laughing and planning. I'm blessed to work with people I like.

Today we are working to redsign our bulletin. Our current bulletin is geared for the memeber. The new bulletin will be geared for our guests. It will explain our ministries, what to expect in our assemblies, advertise our sermon series, have an insert for writing notes (sermon and prayer requests), and will contain activity announcements.

This week I'm also working on my new sermon series "Surviving Tough Times: A Study of Philippians" that will begin after Easter.

Sunday Night Reflections

We had a great day today at Southside. We celebrated Megan Condor's baptism. Despite a snow storm, we had a packed house to worship God. Marcellus Stanley, a Southside favorite, was here to be our guest worship leader. He has a true gift of leading God's people in celebration.

Instead of having a sermon, we asked two of our new believers shared their faith story. Wow! Both shared their hearts in an amazing way. We are incorporating testimonies as a part of our worship assemblies. We all have a story to share!

Tonight we had a what we call "a small group renunion". When a month has five Sundays we gather on that evening to sing, pray and share a meal together. I was very surprised with how many came! The spirit of worship and fellowship was fantastic.

Today was a good day. I hope your family of faith had a good day as well.

Sobering Messages

Went to breakast a few days ago hosted by the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce with a state senator from Utah. He was predicting 50% inflation in the next two years. He was talking about China pushing for the one world currency. A very sobering message.

At the same breakfast others were talking about the 50 million dollar shortfall in the Salt Lake County budget. Violent prisoners will soon be let go without the officers to oversee their release. A very sobering message.

Went to a pastor's conference yesterday. One of the speakers did an excellent job of presenting the radical homosexual agenda against the church. A very sobering message.

Many churches in Salt Lake - and other places -- are laying off ministers on their staffs. Perhaps they were staff top heavy. I don't know. Most churches are experiencing 20% drop in giving and many predicitions are that will only drop further. A very sobering message.

In the words of Anne Murray, "I sure could use a little good news today."

Got any?