Sharp Tongues can be Stopped

Posted on May 27, 2012 by shepherdbryan

A friend recently sent me this verse. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD. (Isa 54:17) This is certainly a promise given to Israel. Presently, Israel walks through her own valley, scattered around the world and waiting for the return of Messiah. Yet, there is great application to those who will trust in Jehovah, El – Shaddai (the All powerful One).

The world hates the Jews, because Satan hates the Jews. The existence of one Jew is a sign that God will keep His unconditional covenant to Abraham, David and all of Israel. Satan tried to destroy the line to Christ. If he could have destroyed the line, then the Messiah could not have come to redeem Israel and the world from their sins. Now that Messiah came, died on the cross and has returned to heaven, Satan wants to destroy Jews again. Only now he wants to destroy them, because if he can destroy them, then God cannot fulfill his promises in the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants. That is why anti-Semitism has been a problem in history since the time of Christ. In recent history, the holocaust was a Satanic attack to destroy the Jewish people. But God’s promise of protection continues for the Jewish race as a whole.

Isaiah addresses the attacks of people who have an agenda. They believe their agenda is right and will do what is necessary to put you down. They try to be subtle. They may sound sophisticated. They often don’t even realize how painful their words might be. They often don’t care, because they have a burr under their saddle and you may be the target of their “tongue which rises against you.” They are not acting like God the Father.

I used to be bothered when people criticized me. To be slandered in public is especially painful. But it is all part of God’s plan to grow us up and prove that His will is good, acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:2). When we trust the Lord, the judging tongue, whether from a person who is close or from an al qaeda terrorist, will strengthen your resolve to trust the Lord even more.

There are plenty of hopeful New Testament promises to those who pursue the Lord. As a believer, you are in the Lord’s hands (John 10:28-30). God promises to take every situation, even the slanderous tongue, and work it out for divine good (Rom. 8:28-30). God set believers free from sin, which is the most vicious enemy of the believer (Rom. 6:22-23). Verbal attacks are proof that we are in enemy territory and often those in your own family, blood and spiritual, will be the adversaries that the enemy uses to attack you (1 Cor. 16:9; cf. Matt. 10:34-36). We should not fear, for Jesus became sin for us that we might be made righteous (2 Cor. 5:21). For every attack tests your metal – will you trust in yourself or in Him by faith (Phil. 3:9)?

I Shall Not Lack Anything – Psalm 23

Posted on May 25, 2012 by shepherdbryan

David will always be known as a man after God’s own heart. He was often the measurement for a great man and great king. Yet, he had his own fleshly (sinful) weaknesses. He should have been out leading his army in battle, but he stayed back and committed adultery. He should have taken responsibility for the fruit of his adultery, but instead tried to change the circumstances by murdering Uriah. He failed to raise his boys in godliness and paid for it in the Absalom revolution. But even in fleeing from Jerusalem during the Absalom revolt, we are blessed, because David wrote one of the greatest Psalms ever recorded.

Psalm 23 is only six verses in the English, but contains tremendous words of comfort and hope. Even while David was on the run, out in the wilderness with the refuge of Jerusalem in his rear view mirror, David recalls at least thirteen aspects of the Lord’s sufficiency. His first line is “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” This last phrase could easily be translated, “I shall not lack anything.” Following in the Psalm we see many ways God was still providing for David. David did not want for (did not lack):

1) Spiritual rest – He makes me lie down

2) Spiritual nourishment – In green pastures

3) Spiritual freshness for life – He leads me besides still waters

4)      God’s forgiveness – He restores my soul
5)      Spiritual guidance – He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake
6)      Spiritual courage – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil
7)      Divine companionship – You are with me
8)      Divine protection – Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me
9)      Divine provision – You prepare a table before me
10) Divine calm – In the presence of my enemies
11) Divine blessing – You anoint my head with oil, My cup runs over flows
12) Divine confidence – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
13) Divine destiny – I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

When you seem to be empty, alone and fearful of the unknown, come back to Psalm 23 and find your confidence in the Shepherd. Focus your eyes on Jesus and He’ll provide all that you need in any and every circumstance.

Legalism Fights Against God

Posted on May 24, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Legalists try to do two things: 1) play god and 2) compete with God. Matthew 15:1-9 is a clear example of Jesus dealing with legalistic Pharisees. They had their toga wrapped up in a bunch around “the traditions of the elders,” while Jesus emphasized the Word of God. Then we saw eight principles from Galatians how legalists foist themselves on grace-oriented believers. Paul called a spade a spade and named names. Legalists think they are trying to do something good, but they 1) play god and 2) compete with God. Please review those principles below, because it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others.

· He mixes human effort with grace Gal. 1:6-9; 2:14; 6:13

· He bullies others spiritually Gal. 2:1-3; 4:29

· He secretively spies out liberty Gal. 2:4

· He wants to look good before others Gal. 2:11-16

· He is in bondage to rules Gal. 4:8-10, 25

· He is antagonistic to believers living grace Gal. 4:16; 5:10,12; 6:17

· His motivation is for personal attention Gal. 4:17; 6:13

· He is critical and judgmental Gal. 5:15

We like what “we do” and if someone else doesn’t do “it,” we have a tendency to judge them through comparison. Paul exhorts us to quit comparing ourselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12) and hence through self-righteousness, we can easily become legalistic.

I encouraged you to use the PAUSE method of approaching difficult relationships gained from the “Resolving Everyday Conflict” Peacemaker Series. Here it is again:

P – Prepare for the difficult conversation

A – Affirm relationships – the person and the problem situation

U – Understand interests – What motivates him/her

S – Search for creative solutions

E – Evaluate options objectively and reasonably

We approach Memorial Day weekend with joy to hear Dave Westin on Sunday as our newest supported missionary, but also heaviness as we remember our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price. All of our service men and women gave some; some gave all. I thank God for the blood that was shed on battlegrounds all over the world, so that I might have freedom to share the gospel to open hearts. This is a three day weekend, not just to have an extra day for fun, but an extra day to consider, reflect and ultimately give thanks to God for the price that Jesus paid on the battleground called Golgotha. His blood was shed for you.

Divine Eyesight

Posted on April 4, 2012 by shepherdbryan

I love that word church. It’s the Bride of Christ. It’s God’s people He is using to build His kingdom. It’s you who have placed your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and spiritually thirst for Him.

Sunday, we looked at Divine Eyesight and how important it is to slow down and put on“Jesus-glasses” to see what is really going on with people. I love that scene on the DVD we saw where the main character bumps into the big guy while rushing out of the coffee shop. “Hey, watch out!” the big guy grumbles, but what the main character sees is “He needs a hug.” When we look at the outside we might see gruffness, but when we look at the heart, as God sees, we see the need. How are you doing about slowing down to really see and then build a bridge, so that you can reach the real need? We can through Christ who strengthens us become the church, the Bride, God wants us to be. We need to believe.

I hope you’ve had some time with family this week. I’d love for you to join us Good Friday night to reflect on our Savior’s death. I’ve invited several people myself; I hope they come to slow down and reflect. The Eggstravaganza will be at 11amthis year and that’s always a lot of fun to see the children so wide-eyed gathering the treats AFTER they hear the gospel message. And Resurrection Sunday will be a great day to consider how awesome our God is. What does Thomas say when he puts his hands on the Lord? “My Lord and my God!”

Our Treasure in Christ

Posted on March 6, 2012 by shepherdbryan

We had a wonderful outpouring of worship yesterday. In brief summary of the message: First, all treasure is found in Jesus Christ. We can search for and acquire many things (and God gives richly for us to enjoy 1 Tim. 6:17), but the greatest riches are found in what you acquire in Jesus Christ. Nothing else compares. Secondly, the normal Christian way of life is a struggle to help others experience that treasure.

We should look for opportunities to help people understand and live the treasure of Jesus Christ. It may often be a struggle, but that’s when you see God’s glory working through you. You could serve in the Children’s Ministry, for there are still a few opportunities to be assistants (contact Pat Hillebrand). You could serve in the Youth Ministry helping our youth find treasure in Jesus Christ. There’s usually several opportunities every quarter to be involved without a huge commitment (contact Justin Williams). There are eternal rewards for helping others find the treasure. There’s also opportunity to join us Saturday morning at 8:30 am for the evangelism seminar Pastor Gary will lead. He’ll be done around noon. It’ll be a great opportunity to sharpen your sharing skills or learn a new tool.

Many things give temporary happiness, but nothing compares with living out His salvation and helping others find Him as their treasure. It is God’s blessing as we give away the treasure, because we gain many-fold more in blessing. It’s often a struggle, but what treasure isn’t worth the effort?

Pray for Becky Gluff as she flies out Friday to Ukraine to minister to women and pastors. She’ll be teaching, training and giving her testimony of God’s grace.

Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night for Daylight Savings Time. Spring forward on your clock and you’ll not miss the great tribute service for Pastor Dick!

Christ in You

Posted on March 2, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Last Sunday, we looked at “Christ in you, the hope of glory” from Colossians 1 and the privilege each of us has to “warn every man and teach every man that we present every man complete in Christ.” We just scratched the surface, so let me add a few more comments.

If Christ is in me, if Christ is in you, then He directs our thoughts, our words and our actions. We will seek the holiness of God for the sake of the Body of Christ – His Bride. We will see our part in helping each other get to living out God’s glory in our lives. Let me give you three areas for additional application. First, our attitude toward morality is sliding. We Christians, maybe some at Grace, think it’s okay to try out the merchandise before marriage. At least if someone is over 18 and they’re an adult, we think, “What can we do about it?” That’s what Eli said about his sons in 1 Samuel. God rebuked him and took his life. Eli warned his sons, but he didn’t ensure they lived godly. God took him (1 Samuel 3:13,14; 4:13-18). If Christ is in you, you’ll do what is godly to ensure your family and the Bride of Christ is godly. His glory says, I will not allow immorality to exist in my family.

Secondly, if you’re living “Christ in you” your words will be God-honoring, not earth-tolerated. I’ve heard Christians talk the same talk as the world talks. We hear trash so often in the media and around the world that we let our guard down. I used to be in the infantry, I accept how people talk, but I don’t want to use casual talk that I wouldn’t use from the pulpit. If I wouldn’t there, why do it somewhere else? If “Christ is in you,’ He rules my tongue to not allow careless or idle words come from my mouth (Matt. 12:36,37).

And thirdly, care for the Body at Grace. If Christ is in you, you’ll see the need Justin Williams has for the youth and maybe say, “Justin, I can help.” There are simple, easy opportunities to serve as chaperones, transportation drivers and discipleship group leaders. Justin has a great heart to love our young people, but he needs your help. ‘Christ in you” means you can put aside some desires, time and even hobbies to help Justin reach the hearts of our young people who are in a spiritual battle most of us didn’t face in high school. ALSO, over seeing our Children’s ministry, Pat Hillebrand needs your help to volunteer to serve in Sunday School and the nursery. We have a boat load of people already involved and I’m grateful for their ministry to the children and parents of the children. What we need is for more older people to ensure their name is on the nursery list and helper list for the Sunday School options. These children are worth it! “Christ in you,” the hope of glory says, “I can do this several times a quarter” to help my brothers and sisters who have children! There are just a few ways to apply “Christ in you” the hope of glory! THANK YOU to all who are helping to present every man complete in Christ!

The Preeminent Christ

Posted on January 31, 2012 by shepherdbryan

Jesus is Preeminent! He is preeminent as God, Creator, Sustainer and Head of the Body!

I love how Grace is responding to that preeminence by looking for ways to connect to worship Jesus. Grace has many opportunities to equip growing believers to become more like Jesus Christ and minister in the stature we have in Christ. We need to multiply ourselves in order to reach the world. There is little time to waste, because the seeds of darkness look for any crack to root down, sprout up and smother our desire to honor the Lord Jesus!

We had a full day with the commissioning of deacons and elders. What a joy to see new men rise up and serve at Grace.

I should have mentioned a handout on the information counter on Sunday. Many religions don’t view Jesus the way we do. I’ve listed nine different religions and compared what they believe about salvation and about Jesus to what we believe. Hopefully you can use that list to worship Jesus by your words and life.

Thanks for your great support and prayers as I leave to my dad’s funeral.

God’s way vs. Man’s way

Posted on October 6, 2011 by shepherdbryan

On Sunday, we looked at the basic Biblical teaching on “God’s way vs. Man’s way.” They are totally opposite and can be seen everywhere. Man’s way is totally inadequate and completely rebellious, although that’s not how we’d like to think about things. We laughed last night in Hungry Hunters talking about the way people look at man’s way: “Lower than God’s way” or “Maybe not as good as God’s way” or “We’re trying hard.” I can hear a “man’s way” song coming out of it all! But we were honest enough to say, “No, man’s way is totally opposite of God’s way.” Only by choosing for God’s way – the process of transformation by means of God’s Word by His Holy Spirit – can we discern and choose to live out God’s way! It renews the mind, so the heart is transformed and the life is sanctified! Someone write a song about THAT!

As you go about your days, look for the differences of man’s way and God’s way and they will become pointed and clear.

This Sunday, we look at the last “Foundations” message on the three words that describe God’s plan. What three words would you use to describe God’s plan or Scripture? These three words summarize all of Scripture and the application will take us back to basics. Hope to see you Sunday morning ready to respond to God’s Word and God’s Spirit’s leading.

Shepherding Truth

Renewing Truth, Rightly Divided

Category Archives: Counsel