His Faith Comes To The Top

Lindsey Sowles death last Thursday night was not the only tragedy of the day. Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, a well-known evangelist who holds a popular crusade at Angels Stadium every August, lost his 33 year-old son Christopher in an automobile accident earlier in the day.

While the Sowles family agonized for months over Lindsey's illness, Christopher went to work one day and wound up in the presence of the Lord. Do we not know that life is short or has it become a cliche or a catchy ad slogan? I've added a link at the end of this post to Pastor Greg's first appearance in church since his son's death. It's about 18 minutes in length and it is moving.

As a pastor, he has had to say all the right things for years to family's that were hurting, but he will tell you this is the toughest thing he has ever had to deal with. But the place he knew he had to be on Sunday was in church and to praise the One who is now hosting his son Christopher. I mainly wanted to post today to encourage you to take time to watch the video and see real faith put on display for us all.

The verse that gave Greg great comfort was from Job 1:21. He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." What a great place to go for comfort, the Word of God.

Pastor Greg had a chance to curse God, but he didn't. Instead, he offered people a chance to receive Christ (he especially challenged the young people) since he knew he was being watched. And miraculously many did. A steep price for a family to pay, but God is being glorified already and the Kingdom of Heaven is expanding through Christopher's death and I suspect that many more will in the time ahead as Pastor Greg's altar calls will have a bit more passion and a bit more urgency. Praise the Lord for his family and his ministry.

http://blog.greglaurie.com/?p=272

You Look Especially Radiant Today

Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”

Isaiah 43:7 NKJV

This was a verse that came to me last week and I was drawn to the word glory. If you're like me you hear it in Christian circles all the time. "We need to bring God glory" or "we need to glorify God in this or that." But what does that mean?

The original Hebrew word for glory is kabod and it means the splendor of God's presence. When I meditated on this fact it became overwhelming to me. I am here and you who acknowledge Christ as your Saviour are here to reflect the existence of God in our lives. In case creation wasn't enough (and it is for me) we need to show others that God exists by the way we live our lives.

That means whether you work in an office, run a business, you're retired, you're a stay-home mom we need to show the world that God exists. As the verse above says, it is why He created us. I know this doesn't directly fall under the five purposes as written by Rick Warren, but God's Word is clear here.

The thing about God's glory or his splendor or his majesty He is going to receive it in everything. God will receive the glory in the church or He will put things into motion so He does. He will receive it in the good times of our lives as well as the bad times. It's what makes testimony so powerful. If you have gone through a struggle recently and you have made it through the other side the way to give God the glory for it is to tell others about it.

Lindsey Sowles was glorifying God to her last day on Earth. She touched people's lives right there at Desert Regional from her hospital room and in the hallways. While she was here she knew her purpose was to show that God existed, even in illness. I have other friends that are cancer survivors and they do the same. They know that God has healed them for a reason and it is to give him glory and help others.

So when people observe you or meet you for the first time what do you think you reflect? Even if you don't get the opportunity to share the gospel, do you endeavor to show the love of Jesus in all you do? But more importantly, if you have received blessings or success in your life have you acknowledged the One who gave it to you?

I'm heading outside now. I think I'll need extra sunblock today for all the glow out there. Amen

Lord, Hear Our Prayers For The Sowles Family

A family I know lost a loved one last night. Her name was Lindsey Sowles and she was just 21 years-old and her body gave in to that terrible disease called cancer. I wrote of her last week and continued praying for a miracle right up until the end. I fully expected God to heal her and I am glad I prayed in that regard all the way to the end.

For whatever reason that I can't explain right now, the Lord had me there last night. I got the call to go and help lead in prayer for a last minute miracle from the Lord, but when I arrived I found myself mostly silent. I was blessed to be there as I witnessed an incredible family led by Lindsey's dad, Steve, who really put meaning to "faith in action."

But I know my prayers for the Sowles family does not end with the death of Lindsey. Instead I have to step them up even more. I have a daughter and a son and I can't even imagine the anguish of what it must be like to go through an ordeal like this. As I sat in Lindsey's room, I found myself just in awe of Steve has he epitomized what a spiritual leader in the home looks like. He was a tremendous source of comfort for his family and I know it was something I would never forget.

Lindsey's mom, Debbie has the joy of the Lord shining on her face every time I see her. Even in this trial, she greeted me with a warm hug and a big smile and was quick to share the wonderful God stories that had gone on the past three months.

Moments like this undoubtedly bring out the questions to God of why does this happen and especially to someone so young, but I found myself in the car on the way home reflecting and thinking about my own family and praising God for them. I thanked Him for the love they show me everyday and how they make me want to be a better husband, father and person.

As I got in my truck for the ride home, I immediately set my Ipod in the car to the worship song, "Amazed" and set the controls to repeat as I just worshipped over and over to the God of the Universe who is so amazing that He desires a personal relationship with all of us. His love is so wide, so deep and so great that we can't even comprehend it. As hard as it is to believe, but God loved Lindsey more than her family did and we rejoice today that she is fully healed and cancer free and beginning life in eternity with Him today.

The Lord knew it was time for me to move on and suddenly the "repeat" setting was gone and the next song came on and it was "Amazing Grace (His Chains Are Broken)" by Chris Tomlin. I wept through the entire song as each lyric in the song ministered to my heart. God has a way of doing that.

For those of you who know the Sowles family and even if you don't, pray for their strength and their healing. It will be especially tough in the days and weeks ahead for Steve and Debbie and their kids Aaron and Heather as well as Lindsey's fiance, John. Also, remember to cherish your loved one's just a little bit more, hug them a little tighter and appreciate everyday the Lord gives us because we truly do not know how long we have here.

I praise you today Lord for the Sowles family and may you hold them tight in your arms as they grieve over their beloved Lindsey. Amen.

Am I Invited?

But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:41-42 NASB

Mary and Martha were sisters and along with their brother Lazarus were best friends of Jesus. They believed he was the Son of God and were very welcoming when Jesus came for a visit.

However, when Jesus arrived the two sisters acted very differently. Martha was frantically doing everything to prepare the home. After all, they were hosting the Son of God so who wouldn't be working their socks off like Martha. No doubt, she was cooking, cleaning and putting everything in its right place. Verse 40 says that Martha was distracted by all her preparations.

What was Mary doing while her sister was doing all the work? Waiting at the feet of Jesus listening to everything He had to say. It's not like Jesus was her next door neighbor and she could tap into His wisdom whenever she wanted. Mary knew she had to soak in all of Jesus while she could.

My favorite part of the passage is where Jesus tells Martha only "one thing" is needed when it comes to a gathering. The "one thing" is Him. What's great to me about this passage is that it has such great application for today. How many things do we do from dinner parties to small group functions to church services where we plan and we meet and we brainstorm trying to come up with the perfect event?

Jesus is really saying, "Hello. Anyone home? Just invite me and you'll be fine." I think we worry so much about the externals like the food that's served, the sound, the lighting or if so and so will be there and not enough of whether Jesus is on the guest list. No matter how committed a Christian you are, if Satan can't get to you he can always keep you busy or distracted.

I'm well aware of how hot outside it is in July. I know it's easy to get lazy or slow down or just stay extra busy with all sorts of summer activities and vacations. But are you finding time to spend with the Lord? Are you making adjustment to your quiet time to meet with Him? Do you make Him welcome at your gatherings?

Remember, He is the most important ingredient and He doesn't want to share His glory with anyone. Have a great week and who's going to be your first invite to your next function?

Do You Believe In Miracles? Yes!!

The above question and answer came from announcer Al Michaels at the end of the infamous Olympic hockey game between the USA and the Russians back in 1980 where we pulled off an improbable victory that propelled us to winning the gold medal. It was a sports version of David versus Goliath.

The word miracle is thrown about rather casually these days from sports (it'll be a miracle if they can come back and win) to the dating scene (it'll be a miracle if the two of them wind up together). I looked up in the dictionary and one of the definitions of miracle is an event manifesting or considered as a work of God.

I think we would all associate a miracle as something outside the realm of human hands or possibility. We would recognize it as a "God thing." I usually put medical needs in the realm of miracles which brings me to the story of my blog.

Monday night I had the privilege of attending a fundraiser for Lindsey Sowles, a 21-year-old girl who is currently dying from cancer after being in perfect health about four months ago. I know her parents well since her mother Debbie worked at my church for years, but only briefly met Lindsey on a service call at their house a few months back.

As her condition worsened with each passing week my friend Carlos, who had been regularly giving me her medical updates, advised me that she was near death. We needed to be praying for a miracle and that God would use Lindsey to bring glory to Himself. The doctors had essentially given Lindsey a death sentence back in June, but Carlos was unwavering in his support to Lindsey's dad, Steve, to keep praying solely for Lindsey's healing.

It caused me to think heavily about my prayer life when it came to healing for people with serious medical conditions. I am the first to admit I have found myself praying with lack of belief in what I was praying for. My prayers to the Lord probably confused Him so much that He stopped listening. It was the type of prayers with the "out clause" that if it didn't turn out like I wanted it must have been "God's will."

Carlos encourage me to pray for nothing but Lindsey's complete healing. Nothing more and nothing less. My friend Ginger, who was instrumental in getting Lindsey's story on KESQ recently, has always said part two of the story will be her healing. This time around, I have prayed for nothing but a full recovery.

As only God can do, He orchestrated a lunch on the beach in Newport last week for Judy and I with a friend and we got to talking about healing and she reminded us of the times that Jesus healed. Jesus would often ask the person He was about to heal "if they believed they would be healed" and when they said "yes", then He healed them.

One specific example was Jairus' daughter who was in need of healing and Jesus was purposely slow in getting to her and by the time he arrived she was dead. "The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying. 41 Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” 42 And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. Mark 5:40-42

Two things stand out to me in this passage. One that people were laughing at the Son of God. Can you imagine laughing at the Lord and discounting His abilities and His power. The second is that Jesus cleared the room of everyone except the parents and His disciples. They were the only ones who believed that Jesus could still heal the girl, even after she had died. This happened a lot in scripture. The unbelievers were cleared from the room.

Does this mean that every time we pray for miracles they happen the way we want them? No. I do know for certain however, that Lindsey will be healed, it's just a matter of what side of heaven will it occur. I also thought the other day that to God there is no such thing as a miracle. If he can put the starry host and heavens in place with a spoken word, do you think it takes much effort for Him to heal Lindsay? No. It can happen in a moment's notice and God will certainly not break a sweat to do it.

I have been emphatic of my prayers for Lindsey's healing recently. Was she able to attend her own fundraiser Monday night? No. Has she gotten out of her bed and walked recently? No. But she's also still here six weeks after her doctor had predicted her death. She's had some progress and some regress. God has brought enough healing for her boyfriend to propose in the hospital (she accepted, how cool is that?) and it has caused her doctor to open his eyes to God's hand in all this.

Cancer is all around us and it probably has effected at least someone you know. I can't believe how many people I know that are my age or younger that have had to deal with it. And praise God they are still here and giving God the glory. So for you Lindsey and my friend, Skip Osgood, I'm praying for complete healing. Nothing more. Nothing Less.

In God's healing team there is no room for unbelief. Amen.

What Are You Reflecting?

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB

Have you ever run into someone you haven't seen in a while at a high school reunion or a family function or even a wedding and you come away from the meeting saying "that person has changed"? Or maybe you thought that hadn't grown at all and they were just like they were the last time you saw them. Is that a good sign?

It's one thing to say someone's appearance hasn't changed, but should we really be the same week in and week out and year in and year out? I believe if we're tracking with the Lord and growing in Him and seeking Him daily then we will be forever changing. Call it Christian evolution. Evolution where we are becoming like Christ.

We know that the Apostle Paul tells us later in chapter 5 that we are new person when we come to Christ, but just because we are saved from eternal separation from God doesn't mean that we just stay stagnant and apathetic in our growth. If we find ourselves in a rut at a church, maybe not being challenged, then we need to take the needed course of action.

Possibly we need to mix up our quiet time a bit, seek out different pastors on the internet for some fresh preaching, start a new Bible study and seek the Lord for direction and wisdom. But whatever you do, don't just sit back and think God is going to supernaturally change you.

Isn't it an awesome feeling to know as a believer that our purpose is to become like Christ. Philippians 2 tells us we are to have the mind of Christ and the verse above reminds us that as we grow in Him, we reflect the Glory of Christ to others. I love this translation because it reminds us that as we grow God will move us from this glory to the next and so forth.

I don't know about you, but I have met several people in my walk with the Lord that shine the glory of God in a way that it is so obvious that you just know that they have a deep relationship with Christ. There is something that is just a bit different about them. They talk different, they have a joy across their face that just exudes the love of Jesus.

I'll tell you when I meet people like that I sure try to hang around them and learn from them as much as I can. It's like they experience the glow that Moses did when he came off the mountain after his encounter with the Lord. It caused Moses to wear a veil so the people could look at him. He was shining that bright.

So ask yourself if you ran into someone that hadn't seen you in a while would they notice anything different? Are you growing in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit to take up new challenges that the Lord may be leading you in? Do you know Jesus more today than you did last week or last month?

I pray that you all reflect God's glory this week and beyond as we go out into the world that so badly needs the love of Jesus. God is calling us all to make a difference and reflect His love on this hell-bent world we live in. Grow and rest in Him this week and may the Lord bless you and keep you this week. Amen

The Kingdom of God is Calling

Have you ever heard the saying "I don't want to learn something new because now I might be asked to do it?" You know, the whole ignorance is bliss deal. As believers in Jesus Christ and the Good News, we are not privy to ignorance or turning the other cheek.

I trust most of us have know Jesus for some time, we have been transformed by Him and we're grateful for the eternity we have because of Him. And because we have invited Him into our lives there is no room for us to deny Him or ignore Him. He wants all of us or nothing. We can't pretend we haven't heard the Good News or been changed because of it.

I have been so draw recently to the Biblical phrase recently, "the Kingdom of God." The New Living Translation has 66 references to it and so it has caused me to meditate and pray about the "Kingdom of God" and all that it entails.

I am a very passionate person about the things that I love and because I feel called to a deep relationship with Jesus I try to keep moving forward in my relationship with Him. I have heard the Good News, I have received Jesus in my heart and I know that He has changed me. For me, there is no turning back and my desire is to see everyone burn with a heart for Jesus. It doesn't require that we all work at a church to love the Lord and chase Him.

While I know that not everyone expresses their love for Jesus like I do, I have noticed that a lot of people can get complacent in their walk with the Lord and that includes me at times. That's where the "Kingdom of God" comes in. My study has taken me to understand the Kingdom of God to be the place where we will reign with Christ someday and we must pursue it all costs or we run the risk of backsliding.

Jesus explains in his parables that the Kingdom of God is like anything from a mustard seed to little children. He tells us that the door to the kingdom is narrow, it will be tough for the rich to enter and if one of your body parts is causing you to sin you would be better off to get rid of it.

However, three passages about the Kingdom of God cause me to stand up and notice. They are all passages from the Apostle Paul and they address our inheritance of the Kingdom.

" When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21

"Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world." Ephesians 5:3-5

"Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

I think it's worthwhile to reviews these lists periodically and make sure we haven't backslid any. It's easy to become righteous when it comes to homosexuality, but what about greed, idolatry, envy and division. While I feel my salvation is secure, it causes me to never take it for granted. Jesus calls us to "take up our cross daily" so why not be saved daily.

These lists also point out that if we are truly followers of Christ we should be motivated to continually grow in Him, being led by the Spirit, or we run the risk of apathy. Since it's easy for us to rank sin as some being worse than others we need to remember that it's all detestable to God. I know I need periodic reminders and thank goodness for His Word.

I pray that we would all carry the enthusiasm for Jesus in our lives, but also to the unsaved as well. If you haven't noticed lately and you'd have to be living in the North Pole for the last 10 years, but our world and our culture is in steady decline. We've had fires, earthquakes and floods, but through it all there is still hope. And his name is Jesus and we need to tell others while there is still time. Listen to the words of Jesus.

" The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” Mark 1:15

Our Words Do Matter

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Proverbs 12:18 NLT

I’ve chosen a verse for my devotion this week that cuts right to my heart. I used to be guilty of cutting words or sarcastic ones to the point that I thought it was a spiritual gift. I somehow had gotten so lazy in my speech that I used to speak so sarcastically to people that I didn’t even notice.

But that was when God got a hold of me and gently nudged me and reminded me that I need to build people up with my words, not talk in code using sarcastic phrases like, “must be nice” when referring to someone’s good fortunes or “high ya stranger” which is code for “why haven’t you called recently?”

Besides the Book of James in the New Testament which we’re studying in church, there is a great book in the Old Testament called Proverbs which speaks volumes about the words we use. The Proverbs warn us about the destruction our words can cause if we talk too much or we lye or we gossip.

I can’t think of anything that has gotten me in more trouble over the years with my wife or my kids than by the misuse of my words. “Actions may speak louder than words” is a saying that may be true to our faith, but when it comes to how we treat people, I think our words can speak pretty loudly as well. I could spend a whole day of doing good deeds for my wife, but saying something stupid or insensitive to her will wipe those achievements away real fast.

However, there is good news. The flip side to this verse is our words can produce great results. They can bring about healing. The Proverbs equate our good words to wisdom and sweet sounds to the ears. “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24

What kind of words are you using? What comes out in the heat of the moment? Are they cutting or sarcastic that are meant to tear down or do you use words that encourage and pick people up at a moment when they need it most? I have been so blessed that God always sends people to pick me up (especially Judy) when I need it most and He has asked me to try and do the same.

I encourage you to look for ways to build people up with your words this week and watch for the results. Start at home with your spouse and then work your way through your kids and then see if it can spread to your neighborhood and workplace. I don’t mean that you need to give false praise that sounds phony, but if something that the person you’re speaking to deserves kudos, then give to him or her. And look and note the reaction and look for the resulting change in your relationship with that person.

I look forward to hearing your stories.

The Thrill of Victory

My childhood and teenage years were in the 60s and 70s and by far one of my favorite programs to watch on the weekend was Wide World of Sports. Since ESPN wasn't around back then, WWoS gave us the opportunity to see sports we wouldn't normally see, anything from downhill skiing to cliff diving in Acapulco.

The opening to the show featured Jim McKay narrating thru the different sports with the famous line of "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat (which of course was always some ski jumper who takes a big header off the ramp).

Last Friday I blogged about having an outlook that allows us to be up in these seemingly bleak times we live in. At least everywhere we turn we hear nothing but bad news. But because of God's great love for us, the prophet Habakkuk showed us we can have a different outlook that allows us to focus on God in our circumstances and still through it all, praise Him.

Psalm 118 spoke loudly to me recently as it showed me that we don't just have to put on a happy face for God, but that we have our own "thrill of victory" that we can point to. "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things! Psalm 118:15-16 NLT

We know how it all turns out. We know the final score. We win. As long as we don't jump ship along the way when the going gets tough, as long as we hold to our faith, as long as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and trust Him through these tough times, we will prevail.

I don't know about you, but I love to win, especially when I was a kid. My parents can attest I was the kid that would cry when our team would lose a baseball game. My folks were so embarassed that I would take it so serious to the point of crying, but being the youngest of three boys in a neighborhood of all boys gave me a competitive spirit at an early age.

But for all the sports I played growing up I never went into any game knowing the final outcome before we played. We still had to play the game. The psalm continues with more promises of our success, all thanks to the Lord of course.

" The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things! I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done." 16-17.

"Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! 19-21

Today is the 4th of July and we celebrate our independence and the victory our nation achieved over 200 years ago. Many lives were laid down for us to enjoy the freedoms we have in this nation today. We live in times where others would like to destroy us because of the freedoms we enjoy.

But no matter what happens to us in this world, victory is ours in the next. Which for me makes it all the easier to be thankful in good times and in bad. So while you're out at the pool this weekend, around the bbq, watching fireworks, let us remember the Lord before the weekend is gone. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 118:29

I pray you enjoy those fireworks and that burger just a little more this year. Amen