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The New You: March 6, 2014 (ep. 4)

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Thursday, March 6, 2014
“Dead, but Alive!”

 

 

 

 

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It’s Thursday, March 6, 2014. I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

This verse reminds me of four important components of our new life in Christ.

First, there’s the cost of discipleship. Do you see the price that Paul paid? He gave up his life! He said, “I have been crucified with Christ.” The truth is, all Christians died with Christ when they were baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:1-4). In Galatians 6:14 Paul says that, through the cross, “the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” That crucifixion took place at the point of his baptism, but it had continuing results. He was a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1-2), dedicated to the Lord. You and I must work hard to be that living sacrifice, too. The old you died in the watery grave of baptism. The new you lives, but is much different than you used to be.

Second, the change in character. Paul elaborated on what the new you is to look like. He said, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Christ lives in us to the extent that we abide in Him, to the extent that we do His will. Jesus Himself said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). The new me assumes a new identity! I am now a a “CHRISTian;” I live for Jesus!

Third, my conviction in Christ. Paul characterized his new life in Christ as follows: “And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith in the Son of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” “Faith” refers to our convictions, things in which we are firmly planted. This changes our entire outlook on life. Here’s how the Christian looks at life: “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). That’s what faith will do for you. We can handle the persecutions, set backs, and disappointments of this life! All of that will be worth it when we get to heaven!

Admittedly, though, living totally by faith is difficult. I get in the way of that by trying to take control of my life. I run ahead of God and God’s timing, only to make matters worse! What is the key to ultimate faithfulness? Paul gives it to us in the next point:

The motivation for faithful living is CHRIST. In Christ we find the power to live right! Paul said, that Christ loved Him and gave Himself for him. And, you know what? That’s true for you, too! Christ loves you and He gave Himself for you! When you recognize that fact, and when you build a relationship with Christ upon that foundation, you will find the key to obedience. Nothing that Jesus asks you to do is too much. It may be inconvenient, it push you out of your comfort zone, it may challenge your thinking and rock our culture, but that’s nothing in comparison with what Christ did for us and with heaven that Christ made possible for us through His death.

Let’s wrap it up: Being a Christian isn’t easy. No one is saying that it is. It requires sacrifice – daily sacrifice. Priorities will be juggled, habits will be changed, and your world will be turned upside down. But that’s Christianity. That’s discipleship. That’s living by faith. And remember what’s at the end of the faith road: “the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:9).

Memory Verse: We’ve said this verse all week long. Something tells me you probably have it down by now. I’ll say it once, and I hope you’ll say it the second time with me.

Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” (Repeat once)

Sometime today: Read John 4:23-24 about worship, and think about this question: To whom does worship belong? That’s where we’re going to park tomorrow.

OUTRO:
Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

Send in your questions for Q & A Saturday to robert@thelightnetwork.tv, or by phone at 903-265-4448.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You.

Today, think about the cost, the character, the conviction, and the Christ: four components of the new you!

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The New You: March 5, 2014 (ep. 3)

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014
“The Barnabas in You”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Wednesday, March 5, 2014. I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

“Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means tson of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and ulaid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:36-37, ESV).

His name has become synonymous with encouragement. In fact, the apostles gave him that name because of the man he was. We’re talking about Barnabas. Yesterday, I asked you to read this passage in Acts and to identify Barnabas’s original name, which is Joseph. Your translation might also say Joses (which is the same).

You know the camel on TV that loves Wednesdays? That’s kind of how I feel about today. I have to suppress the urge to run through the office yelling about hump day.

In all seriousness, Wednesdays are good days for me. As one who teaches two or three classes each Wednesday, I admit that they can be exhausting, but they’re good nonetheless. Here’s why: Wednesdays, at least, for most congregations in the United States, provide a unique opportunity to study the Bible with my brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s special. I like it. Additionally, the encouragement that I receive from my brothers and sisters helps me to get through the rest of the week.

Which brings us back to Barnabas. When I study about Barnabas in the book of Acts, I see a man who was such an awesome encourager that the apostles named in “Son of Encouragement,” (the meaning of “Barnabas). Here’s what made Barnabas so incredible:

First, Barnabas was generous. His brethren had need, and he had plenty. What did he do? He treated his possessions as though they belonged to the Lord (which, by the way, they do!). He sold his own land and gave the money to the apostles to use in the Lord’s work.

Second, Barnabas was knowledgeable. In Acts 11:24, the Bible describes Barnabas as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” In other words, he knew the Book!

Third, He was willing. Barnabas was the guy who saw a need and responded to it in the best way he could. So, when there was a need to travel around the New Testament world establishing churches and encouraging believers, Barnabas was there! He willingly accompanied Paul on some of the missionary journeys, boldly preaching and building up the saints wherever he went.

Fourth, he was optimistic. Personally, this is one of my favorite characteristics of Barnabas. When Paul had just been converted to Christ (you’ve heard about Paul’s past, right?), he tried to associate with the disciples in Jerusalem, but they wouldn’t have him! They were all afraid of him because of the man he used to be. They didn’t believe that he was really a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them that Paul had changed and that he was now a bold preacher of the gospel. Barnabas believed in Paul. He acknowledged that God had forgiven Paul of his past. Barnabas moved on with an eye toward Paul’s future. That’s in Acts 9:26-27. Later, in Acts 15, Barnabas would do the same thing for John Mark.

Don’t you wish you could have met Barnabas?! We’ll meet him one of these days – in heaven. Until then, his memory is preserved in the pages of Scripture. His example is one for us to follow.

Let’s wrap it up: See, part of being the new you involves how you treat your brothers and sisters in Jesus. Are you an encouragement to them in the way that they are to you? I believe God wants you to know about Barnabas so that there can be a Barnabas in you. Likewise, God wants there to be a Barnabas in me. Let’s get involved in the work of the church. Let’s be ready to do any job, and present to help whenever we are needed. And, whenever the saints assemble for Bible study or for worship, let’s be there. In fact, let’s not only be there, but let’s be present (you know, there’s a difference). Let’s participate and let’s grow together. That’s going to be an encourage your brethren, and it’s going to prepare you for more effective service in the future.

Memory Verse: How’s it going with this week’s memory verse? Say it with me:

Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” (Repeat once)

Sometime today I wish you’d head over to Galatians 2:20 and meditate on it. Read it and reread it, and, as you do, think about this question: how was Paul dead, yet alive? We’ll study it together tomorrow.

OUTRO:
Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

Remember Q & A Saturday! Send in your questions now to robert@thelightnetwork.tv, or call 903-265-4448.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You.

You’re a valuable asset to God’s family. God has work for you to do while you’re here, and that includes fellowshipping with and encouraging your brethren. They’ll appreciate you for it, and you’ll grow a lot by doing it. See you tomorrow!

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The New You: March 4, 2014 (ep. 2)

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Tuesday, March 4, 2014
“March Forth!”

 

 

 

 

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It’s National Grammar Day! The only date that expresses a complete thought: March 4, 2014! I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

In this passage, Paul acknowledges that he hasn’t arrived yet. He’s still working toward his ultimate goal as a Christian. You know what? We’re all in that boat. None of us can ever say that we are content with where we are spiritually. There’s always so much more to learn about the Bible and, as we learn, there’s always so much more to apply so that our lives are more like Jesus’ example.

And so, we march forth! We begin at a starting point, and then go forward. Today, March 4, I want us to think about what it means to go forward as a Christian. As you go throughout your day today, I hope that you’ll think of these lessons as you date your check to pay someone or as you date your assignments for school. Here are four lessons about marching forth from Philippians 3:13-14.

1. Marching forth leaves some things behind. Paul was constantly “forgetting those things” in his past. That’s not to say that he had a bad memory. He chose to forget them. In fact, he actively sought to forget them. Paul’s past was colored with both amazing accomplishments and serious sin. There were things he had done well, and things that brought him shame. Regardless, Paul would not permit the past to dominate his present. One who runs in a race won’t be very effective if he’s constantly looking behind him. Don’t let your past hinder you from reaching forth. The prize is too valuable!

2. Marching forth requires strenuous effort. Paul continued, “reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Our english words “reaching forward” mean “stretching or straining after.” This wasn’t going to be easy! Picture a foot race that is neck and neck! The end point is in sight, and it’s going to be a photo finish! Each runner stretches and strains to ensure that he is going to be first. Growth isn’t easy, but finishing the Christian race is essential. Put some effort into it!

3. Marching forth brings us closer to the finish line. It only makes sense doesn’t it? The more you go, the closer you get to the end. Paul said he was pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.” Note that he wasn’t running aimlessly, he had great purpose! There was a prize to be won! In 2 Timothy, he mentions that prize as “the crown of life.” He’s talking about eternal salvation, which Peter calls “the end of our faith” (1 Pet. 1:9). Now that prize can only be won by finishing, but all who finish receive the prize. So don’t give up! I want you to make the decision right now that you’re not going to give up today. And, tomorrow, I want you to make the same decision all over again.

4. Marching forth helps us to grow. Notice that last prepositional phrase: “in Christ Jesus.” According to Galatians 3, we were baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). One who is “in Christ” is a Christian. Who is going to be crossing that finish line and enjoying the promised prize spoken of in Philippians 3:13-14? Read that phrase again: those “in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). That’s you – the new you –and that’s me. A lot changed when you became a Christian, and no doubt a lot more will change as you continue to grow and mature in Christ.

Let’s wrap it up: When someone asks you “what’s the date today?” or when you write or type today’s day, March 4th, onto some paperwork, I want you to consider what it means to march forth as a Christian. We’re on our way to heaven! That’s our goal; that’s our prize. Don’t lose sight of it! Remember that you’re going to have to leave some things behind; you can’t live in the past. Marching forth isn’t easy, it’s going to take strenuous effort. But, each step we take leads us closer home, and we’ll grow with every single step closer to heaven.

Memory Verse: Do you have down this week’s memory verse? Here it is: now, I’m going to say it twice, once to you, then the second time I’ll ask you to repeat it with me. It’s ok if you’re in the car alone or if you’re walking along a sidewalk by yourself. You can still say it. If you’re in public: go ahead and say it aloud anyway! Other people could stand to hear this verse, too! Here goes:

Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

Sometime today: Flip over to Acts 4 and read verses 32-37 about a man named Barnabas. As you read, think about how the church is described. Also, make a mental note of Barnabas’ real name! We’ll talk about him tomorrow.

OUTRO:
Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

Remember Q & A Saturday! Send in your questions now either by email or by phone, and we’ll answer them in an upcoming Saturday broadcast. The email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv. Call 903-265-4448 to ask a question by phone.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You.

Remember: each decision you make today is a step – either in the right or the wrong direction. Make every moment count, and let’s march forth as Christians!

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The New You: March 3, 2014 (ep. 1)

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Monday, March 3, 2014
“New Week, New Opportunities”

 

 

 

 

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It’s Monday, March 3, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus said. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mat. 5:14-16).

For Christians, new days are about new opportunities. I look at Mondays as a fresh start to the work week. Now’s my chance to make righteous decisions that will honor God. Now is when I can be a good influence on my coworkers. It all begins today, with this very moment.

Now that I’m a Christian, every day is about God, not just Sundays and Wednesdays. I like Revelation 4:11 which says “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Why are you here? Well, to serve God. If you and I will keep that in mind today, then we will be amazed at what we will do. We won’t be as selfish with other people. We’ll look for opportunities to shed Christian light on any situation. In so doing, we will be “seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mat. 6:33).

You are a light. I know you may not feel like it sometimes. I don’t always, either. May God forgive us when our lights are dimmer than they ought to be. Remember that you don’t originate the light that you are to shine. You are merely a reflector of the light from heaven. The Bible says that our light is “in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8). Revelation makes it clear that, in heaven, there is no need for the sun or the moon because “the glory of God” illuminates it. “The Lamb is its light.” You shine the spiritual light by acting like Jesus. By walking like Jesus, talking like Jesus, and even thinking like Jesus (true change, after all, begins on the inside – in the heart – and then manifests itself outwardly).

Further, you should note that the light you shine is not for your own glory. It isn’t as though, by your shining the bright spiritual light of Jesus that you are to draw attention to yourself. Christianity is portrayed in its purest form when we get out of the way and let the Lord shine through in our lives. He deserves all of the glory. That’s why Jesus said that, when men see our good works, they ought to be motivated to glorify God in heaven.

One evening a friend of mine and I had been preaching in a town we had never visited before. We were not familiar with the roads in that area, but managed to arrive ok to preach. Later, however, the story was much different. It was pitch black – hardly any street lights on that little road, and our vehicle was quickly running out of gas. We went up and down hills pressing the accelerator with a big toe so as not to use too much fuel! Cell phone signal was low, and we weren’t sure what we would do if the vehicle went kaput. But we rejoiced as we topped one of those hills. There were LIGHTS! A city was within reach! We coasted into the gas station of fumes, rejoicing that our adventure was over.

Jesus said it: you can’t hide a city on a hill. When the light of Christ shines in our dark world, people are going to notice. Not everyone will appreciate you turning on the light. Others, though, will rejoice in it.

Let’s wrap it up: Don’t miss this week’s opportunities! Decide right now that you are going to be a light to others. You are going to be like Christ, our perfect example. By your doing so, others will come to know Him, too!

Memory Verse: Each week, we’re going to work on a new memory verse. I know, it sounds a little childish, but it’s far from it. I think this week’s memory verse will help us to see that fact. Here it is: now, I’m going to say it twice, once to you, then the second time I’ll ask you to repeat it with me.

Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

Sometime today: Pick up your New Testament and head over to Philippians 3:13-14. As you read, think about this question: what does this passage tell me about marching forward as a Christian? We’ll discuss that tomorrow.

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

Remember Q & A Saturday! Send in your questions now either by email or by phone, and we’ll answer them in an upcoming Saturday broadcast. The email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv. Call 903-265-4448 to ask a question by phone.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You.

You have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, adopted into God’s family, and given a brand new name. You’re a Christian! Go be THE NEW YOU!

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Look on the Other Side of the Bus

RoadInTurkey

Life’s lessons are all around us – even on a bus traveling down a Turkish road.

In places like Greece and Turkey, tour guides are trained in universities. They intensely study multiple languages, all periods of history, and every nook and cranny of each excavation site. They give their tours so many times each year, and so many years in a row, that they have every fact memorized. Guides travel with a group for days at a time, for eight to twelve hours every day, without any need for notes other than a few books with pictures to show their group.

On a bus ride through the Turkish countryside, our guide talked about the repetitious nature of his job. He talked about always pointing out the same things and telling the same stories. One day, a lady asked him a question about something in the opposite direction. Our guide admitted that he had never even noticed it before.

The lesson: always look on the other side of the bus.

I see several applications. First, there is always a different point of view that is worth considering. Whether it’s a skirmish with someone or your day-to-day interactions with your spouse, or even working with others on the job, we will all benefit by trying to see life from the other person’s perspective.

Sometimes my perspective is all too selfish. I don’t intend for it to be, but it is. I get focused on what I have to do and the way I have thought through a situation, and I forget that there are others involved. Paul says,

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Phil. 2:3-4).[/box]

Here’s another application to the bus lesson: it’s important to stop and live in the moment. This isn’t always possible and, for some of us, it isn’t always easy to do. If we aren’t careful, we will live in a rush only to find – one day, when we are finally forced to stop for a few seconds – that we’ve missed a lot of what has been going on around us.

There’s a difference between existing and living. Take time to learn how to live. As weird as this sounds, be present wherever you are – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Give other people the time that they deserve.

Want a better life? Look on the other side of the bus.

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Friday Freebie: My Weekly Planner

WeeklyPlanner

God intends for us to “redeem the time” that He has given to us (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5). With that important fact in mind, time management becomes a priority for the Christian.

I’ve learned that time management is extremely subjective. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa. With all of the leadership experts, apps, books, and other resources available today, it can be difficult to wade through all of the material to find what works best for you. Yet, I have found those efforts to be incredibly profitable.

Let me briefly tell you about my journey in finding the time management tool that works best for me. Being the tech lover that I am, I have tried to incorporate all of my gadgets into my to do list workflow. I’ve tested most of the leading time management apps, and have even tried putting my to do list and schedule into Evernote. I had them all syncing with each other, and could tap to check off each item. I even had projects clustered together with individual items under each major heading in different contexts!

Sound confusing? It was! As much as I hate to say it, none of these options worked for me. I actually resisted coming to that truth for a while, forcing myself to give tech another try. After listening to an incredible lecture by Dan Winkler at PTP, “Ten Tips for a Better Routine,”  I decided to go back to the one method that has worked best for me: my trusty, paper weekly planner.

DownloadWeeklyPlanner
(Don’t see the picture? Click here to download the free PDF of my weekly planner)

The original design for the weekly planner came from a great website, Vertex42.com. They specialize in free, printable calendars. Their weekly planner is nice because it has a place for notes and a prioritized task list on the left side. Each Sunday afternoon or evening, I sit down and think about what needs to be done in the week ahead. I list all of those activities in the task list.

This is where I modified Vertex42’s original design: I added the yellow areas to show groups of quarters each day (which is what Bro. Winkler recommended). Once all of the tasks are listed in the task list, I go through and assign each task to a quarter in a day of the week. Big tasks may get a whole quarter to themselves, while smaller tasks may be grouped together in one quarter. This works well for me because it automatically sets a duration for my tasks.

Any events for the week are also including on the weekly planner. Finally, the spaces highlighted in blue are where I put in my blog topics for the week.

Having used this method for nearly six months, I have found that my weekly planner works very well for me. The size is 5.5 x 8.5 (half of a regular sheet of paper), and the PDF above will print two on one sheet that is easily cut in half for two weeks worth of productivity!

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Happy New Year! My Plans for 2014

NewYear2014

I am a work in progress. I imagine I always will be. On this blog, I share my progress, my observations, and tips that I have found helpful in living the Christian life and in preaching the gospel. As I am constantly trying to improve myself, I am also constantly seeking to improve the content that I share with you here. For me, a new year is a great and natural time to make goals and to give special attention to self-improvement.

When I look at great men of God like the apostle Paul, I’m encouraged by the fact that I am not the only one who needs improvement. Paul said he needed daily self-examination and improvement, just like I do.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (1 Cor. 9:27).[/box]

In the spirit of self-examination (2 Cor. 13:5), with the sincere desire to become more like Christ (1 Pet. 2:21), and in the interest of being the best I can be as a minister of the gospel (1 Tim. 4:15-16), I hereby declare these personal goals for 2014.

1. I will reach inbox zero by Friday of each week. I don’t think I have ever reached inbox zero since I’ve had an email account (many moons ago with hotmail!). Too much of my time is buried in email. This year, Lord willing, I will maximize my time and my efficiency, beginning in my inbox.

2. I will read through the New Testament each month. I know many preachers have been doing this for years, but, for me, this is one of those stretch goals. This resolution will force me to block off time that I will dedicate only to personal Bible reading. I’m excited for this challenge.

3. I will set aside one day each week for visiting and evangelistic meetings. This will be a scheduled appointment with myself that I must fill. This will force me to actually seek Bible studies and opportunities to edify my brethren instead of just waiting to stumble upon those situations.

4. I will produce 50 episodes of the Preachers in Training podcast. Based on my experience from 2013, this is another lofty goal. At The Light Network, we believe the keys to the work’s success and longevity are consistency and content. Rather than playing podcasting by ear, I hope to take PIT seriously as a regular part of my schedule and ministry.

5. I will post on this blog three times each week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. As I stated in my inaugural post for this website, this website has some selfish incentives that help me to stay creative and fresh, and to (hopefully) improve my writing skills. As I force myself to post at least three times per week, I will try to think outside the box both in content and in form (i.e., not just text posts). To bring focus to my blog posts and to better serve those who read my posts, I plan to introduce several new aspects to my website.

[highlight]A 2014 THEME ESPECIALLY FOR THIS WEBSITE[/highlight]: I have selected “Lord of All” as the 2014 theme for this website. While not every post will deal with the theme, many posts will. I’m excited to share these thoughts with you.

[highlight]SHORTER POSTS[/highlight]: My blog posts are generally around 600 words. In 2014, I will reduce that goal to 450 words per post. This will force brevity for me and will make reading my posts quicker (thus, more convenient) for you.

[highlight]IMAGES AND VIDEO[/highlight]: While most of my posts will be text posts, I plan to incorporate far more image and video posts this year.

[highlight]TOOLS AND TIPS[/highlight]: Finally, you will notice more “tools and tips” posts. These will be everything from “behind the scenes” type posts (such as how to produce podcasts and what equipment I use) to app and hardware reviews.

Thank your for reading and sharing this journey with me. My prayer is that you will enjoy God’s blessings (1 Pet. 3:10-12) and walk in His light (1 John 1:7) this new year.

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Why Did God Create Time?

Clock

You may think I’m weird for admitting this, but I really enjoy to study time management. I find it interesting to read about how busy people manage their time and how they implement tools, tricks, and tech to be more productive. The subject especially interests me when it relates to how preachers can best manage their time.

If you are like I am, then you have probably wished for more hours in the day or more days in the week to get more things accomplished.  Why are there twenty four hours in a day? Why not more than that? Why only seven days in a week? I can’t answer those questions, but I know this: our Father’s plan is best, and His actions are deliberate in creating the world to be bound by time and space.

Time marches mercilessly. Now we find ourselves at the very edge of 2013, right on the brink of a new year, the Lord willing. Let us use the ending of this year to consider the purpose behind God creating time.

[highlight]1. Time and the Sovereign.[/highlight] God is not bound by time and space. The Bible speaks of the Father having His plan for man’s salvation in place before the world was even founded (John 17:24; Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:20). It is no wonder, therefore, that “in the beginning, God” was already there (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1). He is eternal. In God’s sight, a thousand years is like one day (2 Pet. 3:8).

[highlight]2. Time and Stewardship.[/highlight] Time is a gift of which we are stewards. A steward is one who is charged with the responsibility of caring for something. Time is only used, it is never made. Our true priorities are reflected through in how we spend our time. Jesus said that His people will put the kingdom first (Mat. 6:33). Does Christ’s command not also involve our time? The apostle Paul would challenge Christians of all ages when he commanded: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). To waste time is a sin. Does that mean that it is a sin to rest and relax? Of course not. God created humans to need regular rest. Paul condemned becoming spiritual lethargic. Christians certainly have no time to waste. All of our plans are to be considered in light of the Lord’s will (James 4:13-15).

[highlight]3. Time and Salvation.[/highlight] Some people are wasting time and gambling with their souls. They are delaying to obey the gospel or are putting off being restored to faithful service to God. They are playing with eternity and taking advantage of God’s patience with them (2 Pet. 3:9). 2 Corinthians 6:2 says that “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” There is not a better time to obey God than right now.

[highlight]4. Time and the Second Coming.[/highlight] Jesus made it clear: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Mat. 24:36; Mark 13:32). No one knows when the earth will end and the judgment will take place. But we know this: that day is coming. This was the point that Peter was making in 2 Peter 3:8 (mentioned above). A couple thousand years may separate us from the New Testament days when God spoke through the apostles and promised that the world would end and that all of humanity would be judged (2 Cor. 5:10), but those promises are still just as true as the day they were made. Carefully read 2 Peter 3.

May God help us to carefully use each moment as an opportunity to please Him.

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Why I Won’t Preach Your Funeral

 

“Well that’s a little presumptuous,” you may think as you read today’s title. “Who asked you to preach my funeral anyway?!” Touché, my friend.

I want to begin by noting that it is an honor to be asked to “preach” someone’s funeral (eulogize). I recognize those opportunities as tender moments for a grieving family in which I have the honor of sharing God’s comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-7), and discussing fond memories. Though that is the case, my statement above still holds true.

[highlight]I won’t preach your funeral because you are already preaching it yourself.[/highlight] In the way you live and in how you love, you are writing your own eulogy.

Some people view this kind of thinking as morbid. I don’t have a problem thinking about death. The truth is, we all have an appointment with death (Heb. 9:27). The only thing that could interrupt that appointment would be when Christ comes on the judgment day (1 Cor. 15:50-58; 1 Thes. 4:13-18). Even still, there will be a change from the physical to the spiritual; there will be a transition from time to eternity.

This week I was privileged to have a part in a godly woman’s funeral. We celebrated her life and were challenged by her stellar example. She had already preached her funeral. All I had to do was report the facts. As I prepared my remarks for that service, I read through 2 Peter 1:5-8, the “Christian graces.” It struck me as I read them that this dear sister exemplified each quality that Peter lists.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:5-8).[/box]

On Tuesday, as I stood before the family and friends who gathered to honor her memory, I mentioned that this sister in Christ was a true picture of Christianity. I also mentioned that she would not have wanted me to say that about her. Instead, her sentiments would echo the apostle Paul’s: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).

So what about you? What legacy will you leave to your family and friends? What are you doing now that will make people want to be better in the future?

I don’t know who will preach your funeral. Maybe you don’t know, either. Here’s what I do know. After you die, someone is going to remember you for who you were. What will they preach or recall about you? Are you providing them with good material?

As a closing thought, I want to emphasize that we don’t live to be men pleasers. The fact is: people will remember you for something. But even more important than that is what you’ll have to say for yourself before the judgment bar.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10).[/box]

Thanks for reading.

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Three Huge Advantages of Christian Friends

The old proverb says

As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Prov. 27:17).

As always, the Bible is spot on! My wife and I spent last weekend with the three other married couples who are involved in The Light Network. Several months ago, we decided to take a weekend to make plans for our work in the coming year, Lord willing. The team works well together, so I knew we would be super productive. I also knew we would benefit from just relaxing and hanging out together.

As I take a few minutes to think about what I’ve learned and how I’ve benefited from the weekend, I can’t help but think about the major advantages of having good, Christian friends. Here are three:

[highlight]Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my faith.[/highlight] We all know that it’s really hard to stand up for your convictions – especially when they counter culture to the extent that so many biblical teachings do. In a world where groups such as the ACLU and the Freedom from Religion Foundation sue everyone who dares to show their religion in a public way, and in a world where alleged scientists claim that evolution is the only stance on human origins for anyone with common sense, in a world where atheism is among the fastest growing movements in the United States, it is ever so easy to feel lonely as a Christian. Godly friends who are unified in the faith help us to effectively accomplish Jude’s command to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3).

[highlight]Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my fight with sin.[/highlight] It’s not that the thought of my friends messing up brings me comfort. It’s knowing that their struggles are similar – if not identical – to mine. They can relate to my shortcomings because they are in the trenches, fighting the Christian’s battle every day just like I am. It’s only natural, then, that we share our triumphs and our tears; that we praise one another and pray for one another, all while thanking God and glorifying our Father that we can partake in Christ’s sufferings (1 Pet. 4:16; cf. 2 Tim. 1:8).

[highlight]Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my family values.[/highlight] Some people (including Christian people) just don’t understand why Emily and I would choose to closely follow the biblical plan for the home. You know the one: where the man is the head of the house and the wife is the keeper of the home. They don’t understand why our family time (even though it’s just the two of us) is so important. They don’t get why we would choose to spend “time off” doing church work. For whatever reason, this is often the case especially for preachers and their families. My Christian friends get it. They’re trying to live it, too. They help me not to give up or to conform to society’s view of “marriage.” They are godly husbands and godly wives. They’re happy and content. They’re excited about their homes – and it’s contagious. They are proof that God’s way is best.

These three reasons affirm the positive truth to the negative warning given in 1 Corinthians 15:33:

Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.

I’m thankful for Torrey & Alexandra Clark, Chris & Melissa Clevenger, and Brad & Brooke McNutt. I’m thankful for my best friend, Emily, and the encouragement she constantly gives to me. Each of these (and others whom I could mention) challenge my thinking, encouragement me to live better, and excite me for heaven, where we will never have to pack up and go our separate ways.

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Question: What are some other advantages of Christian friendships? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.