March 2, 2018

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:5

The favorite scene from my favorite movie, "HOOSIERS" is when the Hickory Huskers' Coach Norman Dale calls a time out with seconds remaining in the Indiana State Championship High School Basketball game against the odds on favorites, the South Bend Central Bears. Coach Dale designs a play using their star player, Jimmy Chitwood, as a decoy and another player taking the final game deciding shot. 

Noticing the downcast looks on the faces of his players the coach asks, "What's the matter?" They let him know they want Jimmy to take the shot. He looks at Jimmy who says confidently, "I'll make it!" Coach Dale quickly draws up a play to get Jimmy the ball.

Coming out of the huddle, the Huskers run the play and get Jimmy the ball at the top of the free throw circle. He rises high and calmly releases the ball which touches nothing but net as the clock expires securing the highly unlikely State Championship victory.

Jimmy Chitwood's skill and confidence made him a contagiously calming influence on his teammates. They trusted him. When he promised to make the shot they knew he would! He kept his promise and no one was surprised.

He is a contemporary example of what the Apostle Paul was and what he challenged the believers at Philippi to become - calmly contagious Christians.

Are you a calmly contagious Christian?

How does that happen?

How does one develop that sort of quiet calm confidence that becomes contagious?

The answer is found in four words, "The Lord is near."

Knowing that God is nearby in every circumstance of life can bring tremendous comfort and calm to your spirit. 

As Paul is writing these inspired words he is sitting in a dark, damp, dingy dungeon chained securely to a Roman guard. And yet he chose an anxiety-free life because he knew the Lord was near. He chose to rejoice rather than despair because he knew the Lord was near.

"But how do I know the Lord is near?" you may ask.

James writes, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

"But how do I draw near to God?"

The entire context of the Scripture in James reveals the answer"

"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:6-10

That's how you draw near to God! 

That's how God is able to draw near to you!

To gain His quite, confident, contagious calm you only need to obtain His character by receiving Christ into your heart.

When the game of life seems out of hand and the opponent seems unbeatable and the score isn't in your favor, remember God is near! 

Get Him the ball!

He'll make the shot!

March 1, 2018

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything." Philippians 4:5-6

You have probably known that person who can walk into a room filled with angst or tension and their presence immediately brings a calming effect.

By the same token, you may also know a person who can walk into a calm room and put the room on edge.

Which is most true of you?

In this verse Paul calls you to be contagiously calm Christian.

The Greek word used for "gentleness" is translated to describe a temperament that is seasoned and mature. It envisions an attitude that is fitting to the occasion, levelheaded and tempered. A contagiously calm person is steady, evenhanded and fair. It looks objectively and reasonably at the facts of a case. Such a person is antithetical to one who over-reacts or panics in most situations.

The Amplified Version renders it like this: "Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near."

Max Lucado puts it this way, "A contagiously calm person is the one who reminds others, 'God is in control.'"

The Bible reveals the Lord was always present with his people:

He was with Abram - "After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1

There is no doubt Abram had some low moments when he doubted if God was still with him. He panicked a time or two. But, in fact, God never did leave him or forsake him. And by the time Abram became Abraham he had become assured of God's presence and displayed a contagious calm.

He was with Hagar - "God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid;God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink." Genesis 21:17-19

Hagar and Ishmael bore the brunt of one the panic-stricken moments in Abram's life. She was put out of the camp at Sara's demand and left to fend for herself and her infant son in the barren desert. There God sent His angel to remind her of His presence and provision. Imagine the calming effect that had!

He was with Isaac - "That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” Genesis 26:24

Isaac had witnessed God's faithfulness to his father, Abraham over the years and now God appeared to him with the calm assurance He would be with Isaac as well.

He was with Joshua - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

Joshua was stepping into some pretty big shoes, er, sandals. He was being called by God to do what Moses had not been able to do - lead God's people into the Promised Land. So, before he took the job God spoke to Joshua to remind him and assure him that He would be near him every step of the way.

He was with the Psalmist - "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.  I look in triumph on my enemies." Psalm 118:6–7

The Psalmist had a rolled coaster of emotions during his walk with God. He enjoyed numerous exhilarating moments with God but also a few deep and desperate lows when God seemed absent or distant.

Here are a couple of assurances given to ALL of God's people:

Jesus’ name "Immanuel" means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23 NIV).

At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus promised, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:20 NIV

How can I know this contagious calm these Bible heroes knew?

How can I live a life free of crippling anxiety?

Paul gives a clue in this verse! In his many stressful and anxious ministry moments he would hold onto this comforting fact, "The Lord is near!"

That powerful reminder of the Lord's presence calmed him in the deep, dark and damp prison or marooned on the high sea for nearly two days!

Do you need a calm that can become contagious?

Your gentleness will be the evidence you know the Lord is near!

Three Great Truths

"And in the same way—by our faith—the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows, of course, what the Spirit is saying as he pleads for us in harmony with God’s own will.  And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans. For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—and all along he knew who would—should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers. And having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came, he declared us “not guilty,” filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory. What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?  Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?" Romans 8:26-32

A regal swan glides smoothly across the placid pond looking so calm. But just below the surface of the water his legs are moving frantically.

Is it possible to stay calm below the water as well as above it?

The Apostle gives three great truths that can have a calming effect on every believer.

First, trust God with your destiny. 

"For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—and all along he knew who would—should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers. And having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came, he declared us “not guilty,” filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory. What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?" 8:29-32

God and only God is able to guard and guarantee your future. As Paul said, "If God is for you who can be against you?"

Do you believe that?

If you do it will have a calming effect today and every day to come!

Second, you can trust God with your details!

"And in the same way—by our faith—the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows, of course, what the Spirit is saying as he pleads for us in harmony with God’s own will." Romans 8:26-27

One of the things that can wear you down and derail you from your destiny is the daily grind. Life's everyday demands, difficulties and details can suck the joy out of you.

Paul reminds you that the Holy Spirit is committed to strengthen you in your everyday challenges. He can help overcome your problems and to prevail in your prayers!

Do you believe that?

If you do you will find and amazing calm that will get you through the grind.

Third, you can trust God with your detours.

"And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans." Romans 8:28

Bad things sometimes happen to good people. And to be perfectly honest, sometimes good things happen to bad people. So, with that said let's forget about trying to make things fair. Life certainly isn't fair!

In this verse Paul acknowledges that bad things happen to godly people. But the key to finding calm in your life is knowing God Who is Sovereign over your destiny and over your details is also in charge of the detours that seek to throw you off course and cause you to wonder away from God.

Paul reminds you that God is able to make "ALL THINGS" (bad things, unfair things, confusing things, senseless things and painful things) to end up being a net positive for you in ways that will astound you!

Do you believe that?

If you believe that God is sovereign over the details of your life you will find a calming presence sweep over your heart and mind.

As you begin this day will you:

• Trust God with your destiny and find calm?

• Trust God with your details of daily living and be calm?

• Trust God with your detours knowing He is able to work them all together for your good! Be calm!

February 27, 2018

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21

There is a good reason that the writer of Romans admonishes you not to allow yourself to be overcome with evil. Here are three of them:

Lucifer was overcome by evil and lost his exalted place in Heaven:

"How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:12-14

Ever since he became evil he has spread evil like a plague and is totally dedicated to overwhelming the world with evil:

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:4-6

Once sin spread to the human race, Adam and Eve, the first parents contaminated the human nature with evil. Since then every person who has ever been born has been overcome by evil. You were born evil. I was born evil. It is our default position. Unless something dramatic is done, all of humanity will be hopelessly overcome by evil.

God sent Jesus, His Perfect Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin - without a sinful nature! That enabled Him to become the sacrifice to bear the penalty for our sins. He Who was Holy absorbed our evil and became evil for us:

"Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. " Matthew 27:27-31

These three portraits of evil remind us of how hideous it is. They remind us of how powerful it is. So powerful is it that only God Himself can overcome it. What makes you think you can mess with it and get away with it?

Only the Second Adam could overcome the evil created by the first Adam. He is your only hope to be an overcomer!

February 26, 2018

When you want to express the inexpressible, look to a poet. It doesn’t take you long to run out of adjectives when you begin trying to describe the amazing infinite love of God. Nearly 100 years ago, a gentleman by the name of Frederick Martin Lehman penned this poem that was later put to music in a hymn called appropriately – “The Love of God”.

I think he captures it pretty well! See what you think.

The love of God is greater far, Than tongue or pen can ever tell.

It goes beyond the highest star, And reaches to the lowest hell.

The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled, And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure  The saints' and angels' song.

When age and time shall pass away, And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;

When men who here refuse to pray, On rocks and hills and mountains call;

God's love, so sure, shall still endure, All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam's race — The saints' and angels' song.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure  The saints' and angels' song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made;

Were every stalk on earth a quill, And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above, Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole, Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure  The saints' and angels' song.

WOW! What a CRAZY love!

February 25, 2018

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:4-8

Max Lucado wrote a very helpful book on the topic of dealing with anxiety and it is based on this great portion of Scripture. The book is entitled "Anxious for Nothing" I highly recommend it! It is the source of our sermons, blogs and study groups for the next five weeks.

To recap this week we have traced the roots of anxiety and found there was actually a time when anxiety. It was in the garden of Eden when God was Sovereign and Adam and Eve were happy under His control. But when they decided to try and take control they were introduced to worry, stress and anxiety.

Thanks to them, we are born with control issues. Because we believe we have to be in control of our lives and because we are not able to control much of anything we feel out of control. Or, we live under an illusion of false control. But either way the anxiety level rises because we feel out of control. What is our answer to feeling out of control? It is to try harder to get control! And the stress level goes higher!

Paul, who wrote these positive stress free words to the believers in Philippi was writing them from a dark, damp, cold dungeon in Rome chained to a Roman guard. He was awaiting a trial before a Roman court that hated Christians and that was largely influenced by a psychotic Emperor named Nero. So Paul's future largely rested on the whims of a crazy man who loved to send Christians to a brutal death.

And yet this very man writes words, and phrases and sentences like these:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

"Do not be anxious about anything."

Seriously?

How is that possible?

As I said, over the next few weeks we will unpack this goldmine of spiritual wisdom and truth! From it we will learn how to be calm in situations where we used to know only anxiety!

Celebrate God’s Goodness – Philippians 4:4

Ask for God’s Help – Philippians 4:6

Leave Our Concerns With God – Philippians 4:6

Meditate on Only Good Things – Philippians 4:8

But in the meantime, here is a prayer you can pray in your anxious moments!

“Dear Lord, you spoke to the storms. Would you speak to me? Would you calm this storm in me? You calmed the hearts of the Apostles. Would you calm the chaos in me? You told them to fear not. Would you say the same to me? I am weary from my worry. I am beaten and battered by the storms in my life. Oh, Prince of Peace, give me a spirit of calm. Take control and place your confidence in me. Stir up courage. Let me know fewer frets and much more faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

February 24, 2018

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

The first appearance of anxiety happened in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. Deceived by the serpent they rebelled against the Sovereignty of God and sought to take control of their own lives. Their lives became complicated in a hurry and spun out of control.

Anxiety is not only a product of rebellion against God's Sovereignty but it increases as we continue to resist His Sovereignty over our lives.

As Paul wrote these encouraging words of counsel to the Philippians he found himself deep in a dark, musty, cold Roman prison chained to a Roman soldier at all times. He was awaiting trial before a strongly biased anti-Christian court fully aware that his earthly fate rested on the whim of a psychotic Christian hating Emperor named Nero.

And he told them to "rejoice in the Lord always"? Was he serious?

How can this be?

Though Paul despised his circumstances at the time he wrote those words, he still was filled with hope and shared the source of his hope with these Christians in the Church of Philippe. Here's the encouragement he sought to give to these believers.

“Rejoice” = “Constantly celebrate and revel”

“In the Lord” = “His character and His sovereignty”

“always” = “No expiration date”

“Again I say rejoice”

So, when life gets really hard and beyond your control you can continue trying to get it under your control or you can decide, as Paul did, to surrender control of your circumstances to the Sovereignty of God and rejoice in His love and power.

Learn from Paul in these verses and surrender control of your life to God and then control what is within your meager power. What you can control is your attitude, your decisions, the acts of your will and your surrender to the will of God. Then learn to trust God for all the rest of your needs!

Here's what taking control of your emotions, your attitudes and decisions might look like when the rest of your life is under God's control:

1) Don’t deny your feelings – defy them

2) Even if you dismay – obey

3) When urged to control – commit to His control

4) Allow Scripture to define reality not your suffering

5) View your pain through His promises

6) Counter despair with prayer

7) Serve the Lord with gladness

8) Sing songs that strengthen your spirit

9) To rejoice “in the Lord” you must be “in the Lord”

Do you know the Lord as your personal Savior?

HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE – SURRENDER CONTROL TO HIS SOVEREIGNTY AND CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL.

Anxiety is a DECISION not a PRISON!

When you decide to control what you can and SURRENDER EVERYTHING ELSE TO HIS CONTROL you are on the road to relief from ANXIETY!

At this moment, what fear, anxiety, worry is “Choking the breath” out of you? What is it that “squeezing” the joy, the hope, energy out of you?