"When?" - A Devotional for Monday

This week, we're going to look at

Acts 1: 6-7 "So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."

I was browsing the web the other day and came across the Death Clock. What is the death clock you may ask? You plug some personal info into their form...and out pops the date that you are more than likely going to die. I was intrigued by this in light of today's verse... does anybody but God know when things are going to happen? I think not.

Look at today's verse...the disciples were asking Jesus if He was going to set things right...regain control over the land and lift Israel up to it's rightful place...and how did He respond? He told them it was not their business to know the time or date...that only His Father in Heaven had control over that...

That's important to remember this morning. How much worry would it save you to know that God knows the time and dates of things...when you're getting married...when you're time is up...when that stock is going to come back around...when your baby will take his first step... only GOD knows when. I get asked all the time...WHEN?!? When is God going to take action? When is Jesus coming back? When will life get better?

Just trust. Trust that God has all of the times and dates and will allow things to happen at the absolute perfect time. After we have learned His intended lesson...after we demonstrate our faith...after we learn that He is in control...after we live our life remembering that we don't have to be God.

Concerned about times and dates? Don't worry...God's got the Master calendar...let Him reveal to us in His time what He wants.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

Friday Prayer

Psalm 118:24
"This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."

So many times, we base our happiness on circumstance. If things are going well all-around, we act like a totally different person. However, if challenges arise...we feel victimized and begin to wonder if God really is in charge...

Let me assure you...in both situations...He is.

God IS there. Today He gave you another set of hours to tell the world about Him and bring Him glory. He has allowed you to spend another day on His creation to accomplish the purpose for which you were created.

He wants you to spend the day happy and blessed...not down and depressed.

Remember what we talked about this week? YOU are God's masterpiece. YOU are His best work.

Today, let's give God praise. So many times we come to God with requests...let's take this morning to thank God for what we have and who we are in Him.

Then we'll all know true happiness.

See you this weekend!
Pastor Brian

"The Truth" - A Devotional for Thursday

Matthew 5:5 (TM): “You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.”

I was in the grocery store the other day and saw the magazine "Men's Health". The guy on the cover had ripped abs and incredibly large, muscular arms. I looked down at my own stomach and realized that, while I wanted "six-pack" abs...I was going to have to settle for the "party keg" body shape for now. It's amazing how we can go from feeling extremely happy about ourselves to something much less. Sometimes we can feel downright miserable about who we are...our appearance, our abilities and gifts...even our brain power... all seem as though we are less than what we want to or should be.

I've got news once again that should make you happy...you can change that. I'm not talking about losing weight, sit-ups, plastic surgery, or the like. What I'm talking about is reality. Realizing that who you are is who God made you to be. You are His best work...

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

We could all change something about ourselves...all of us...whether it is a physical trait or something inside our own personality or thought-life. Some of you today reading this devotional are disappointed that God made you the way He did. Don't be. Every hair on your head is intentional...the way you smile, think, and blink are all part of God's plan for your life. You are His masterpiece...the best God can do...

What is in you right now is extremely valuable...your gifts (and everybody has at least one) are meant for you to use to help others...to share with the world. You ARE somebody Christ can use...you ARE meant to be happy with His creation in you...you ARE valuable...you ARE important...you ARE blessed...and you ARE His child. No matter how you feel right now...that is the truth.

Want to live a happy life? Remember who you are in Christ...that's where your value is.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

"The Clog" - A Devotional for Wednesday

Matthew 5:8 (TM): “You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.”

Last night around 11PM I looked up at the ceiling. Now I don't normally do this, but fortunately for me...it was a good time to do so. I noticed a large water spot about the size of a softball had formed and was starting to drip water onto my tile. I knew that it could only be one thing...my air conditioner. Sure enough, I headed upstairs, opened the unit, and discovered that all of the water that normally drips outside had been collecting in the drain pipe...thus backing up and spilling into the ceiling. I instantly went outside and began to clear the drain pipe with my shop-vac.

You'd never believe what came out of that pipe.

I'll spare you the grim details...but let's suffice it to say it was nasty. Old algae...gross slime...enough to easily stop this pipe from doing what it was intended by the builder of my house to do.

Sound familiar? Do you have some old stuff that's blocking your ability to do what God made you to do? If so...I have news that will make you happy...you can do something about it.

Situations from our past can have such an effect on our current way of thinking...they can make us fearful of it happening again...they can cause us not to trust or love...they can trick us into thinking we aren't protected or valuable to God. Problem is that you can't see what's ahead of you on the road of life by driving with both eyes on the rear-view mirror.

Here's the way to get past your past:
1) Forgive the person that caused it - Notice I didn't say forget it happened...We need to release them from the hold they have had on our mental state. Many times we are holding onto things that the other person involved has forgotten about long ago...Forgive them and allow the healing to begin both in you and in your relationship.

2) Allow God to heal you - Once you have forgiven the other person, God can begin to heal your heart. He will bring people into your life that are there to help...not harm. He will reveal scripture to you that you may have read many times before...but you will read it differently. God is ready and waiting for your first move...

3) Forgive yourself - The final (and perhaps hardest) step. Once you've asked for forgiveness from God you need to let it go. I know...easier said than done... but this step is essential for your future. Don't forget that God is a God of grace, peace, and love....not condemnation. He loves you and doesn't want you to hurt anymore...

Ready to unclog your life? Ready to find God's blessing and a life of happiness? Get past the past...take out the trash...and allow yourself to live the life that God designed for you long ago:

Jer 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

"The Question" - A Devotional for Tuesday

Matthew 5:3-4,6,10 (TM): “You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule. You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you...You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat....You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.”

I talk to so many people that ask me the same question: "Pastor, why am I going through this? Have I made God angry with me? Am I being punished for something that I've done?" Challenging situations...financial ruin...relational collapse...emotional train wrecks... I've seen (and experienced) many of these. If this is you this morning, I have happy news...you have a choice.

I don't mean that you have a choice in your circumstances...many of us don't. Life happens and we are tied to the consequences of our choices directly. However, you get to choose your reactions to these events...should you grow bitter and never trust again? How about jaded and skeptical about the presence of God? C'mon let's get honest...have you ever doubted He's there?

I have

But time and time again...God reaches down and pulls me back up. I am allowed to go to the bottom...because the only place to look is up. Toward God. Towards hope. Towards happiness.

Want to live a happy life? Start today. Commit yourself to looking to God when you feel driven down, starving, beat up, forgotten, ignored, hurt, or just plain lonely. We get to choose our perspective...you can either focus on the end of the rope...or the beginning of hope. Remember that God is ALWAYS there...no matter how we feel...no matter how we are treated...no matter what we are facing...He is there. We can't do it all. We don't need to do it all.

Hang on. Stay faithful. Never give up hope. Sometimes the crisis that we are in is exactly what we need. Does that sound strange? Remember...

Less of us means more of God. Our weakness...His strength.

Feast in His power and glory...Accept His warm embrace...Trust Him...You'll be much happier...and much closer to peace.

Pastor Brian

"The Road" - A devotional for Monday

During my time in the Boy Scouts I planned many camping trips. I was meticulous in my packing list...if anything was going to happen on the trail, I was going to be ready for it. Map, compass, food, water, socks, and my boy scout manual were all in my over-sized pack. I knew that no matter how hard the trail was...the destination would be worth it!

God wants all of us to hit the trail this week...He wants us to lace up our boots and get ready for a walk that all of us need to take... but you might have some questions...

1. Where is God taking me?

Where is God leading your life? Maybe better stated, where do you think He's leading your life? Many of us either don't know where we're going or how to hear God's voice to follow it. This week, we're going to find one of the destinations that God has in mind for us...happiness.

2. Does God know where he is going?

Yes. Always. God always has a plan...even when it seems as though you are just wandering around...and things are happening to and around you...God ALWAYS has a plan for your life!

Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

3. Does God have enough supplies?

Psalm 50:10-12
"For all the animals of the forest are mine,
and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird on the mountains,
and all the animals of the field are mine.
If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for all the world is mine and everything in it.

God has it all... and wants to give it to you on your journey to happiness...

4. Do we have to go up hill?

Why does the trail to happiness have to take us uphill? Through the hard stuff? Why can't we just cruise on down to being happy all the time...? Let's look at this verse:

Mark 8:34-35 "Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it."

The path to happiness means we follow Jesus...at all costs...we pick up our burdens and keep following Him...and trusting Him.

This week, we're going on a journey. I don't know where you're starting from...but I know where God wants you to be....the land of true happiness.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

Friday - Prayer Day

This morning as you spend your quiet time with God, let's lift up those that are seeking refuge. Pray for people who have been going through what seems to be a non-stop barrage of challenges...those that have been crying out for God's protection...those that are seeking the umbrella of God's love in the storm...

They have been praying and praying...and the challenges keep coming. They need to be reminded that God is in control....that God is all-powerful...that God will protect His children...

Pray for them... I am praying for you.

See you this weekend,
Pastor Brian

Love Always Protects - Thursday's Devotional

This week, we've talked about God's protection and His love for us... Please enjoy this devotional from one of my favorite writers... please let me know your thoughts below...see you tomorrow!

Pastor Brian

Love Always Protects

by Max Lucado

Genesis 3:21 has been called the first gospel sermon. Preached not by preachers, but by God himself. Not with words, but with symbol and action.

“The LORD God made clothes from animal skins for the man and his wife and dressed them” (Gen. 3:21).

God covers them. He protects them.

Love always protects.

Hasn’t he done the same for us? We eat our share of forbidden fruit. We say what we shouldn’t say. Go where we shouldn’t go. Pluck fruit from trees we shouldn’t touch.

So what does God do? Exactly what he did for our parents in the garden. He sheds innocent blood. He offers the life of his Son. And from the scene of the sacrifice the Father takes a robe—not the skin of an animal—but the robe of righteousness. And does he throw it in our direction and tell us to shape up? No, he dresses us himself. He dresses us with himself. “You were all baptized into Christ, and so you were all clothed with Christ” (Gal. 3:26–27).

God has clothed us. He protects us with a cloak of love. Can you look back over your life and see instances of God’s protection? I can too. My junior year in college I was fascinated by a movement of Christians several thousand miles from my campus. Some of my friends decided to spend the summer at the movement’s largest church and be discipled. When I tried to do the same, every door closed. Problem after problem with finances, logistics, and travel.

A second opportunity surfaced: spending a summer in Brazil. In this case, every door I knocked on swung open. Two and one half decades later I see how God protected me. The movement has become a cult—dangerous and oppressive. Time in Brazil introduced me to grace—freeing and joyful. Did God protect me? Does God protect us?

And you? Did he keep you from a bad relationship? Protect you from the wrong job? Insulate you from _______________ (you fill in the blank)? “Like hovering birds, so will [the LORD Almighty] protect Jerusalem” (Isa. 31:5 JB). “He will strengthen and protect you” (2 Thess. 3:3 NIV). “He will command his angels … to guard you” (Ps. 91:11 NIV). God protects you with a cloak of love.

Copied From: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/upwords/11581355/

"Picked" - Wednesday's Devotional

John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."

My wife and I have a rose bush on our front porch. It isn't very big or even look very healthy, but it produces some of the most beautiful double pink roses I have ever seen (see photo above). Problem is whenever we get a big new rose, my daughter wants to pick it and give it to my wife. While that is sweet...it also marks the beginning of the dying process for the flower. While it's attached to the bush, it is being fed and has roots firmly in place to keep it safe. When picked...the withering starts and the flower never looks quite as healthy.

Look at today's verse...Jesus is speaking here and describes Himself as a vine by which we are attached. He is the root, the nutrients, and the protection that we need in order to "produce much fruit". What fruit is that you might ask? Turn in your Bible to Galatians 5:22-23

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"

Do you ever feel like there are none of these traits in your life? Feel like you have lacked self-control lately? How about kindness and goodness? When was the last time you felt truly at peace? If you struggled to answer these questions...I would guess that somewhere along the line you pulled away from the vine...disconnected yourself from God daily...lost touch with your Creator. When was the last time you truly connected with God. Not in a "I have to do my quiet time so let's get it out of the way" type of connection...I'm talking about a sincere "Jesus, please give me a hug and let me know you're there" time.

Are you fearful today? Challenged with a lack of patience...not feeling like loving others because you yourself don't feel loved? I've got good news...we don't share ALL the characteristics of a flower... We can reconnect ourselves. If you feel like your passion for Christ has wilted from what it once was...I challenge you to re-fasten yourself to Him. Lengthen your quiet time...find a small group (Thursdays @ 7PM www.frclive.tv)...pray...fast...serve...give...journal... never give up. Christ has promised in today's passage to produce fruit in you...and He will. You are as beautiful as a rose and infinitely more valuable to God...don't let the worries of the world "pick you away" from the Vine.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

"Light" - Tuesday's Devotional

Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—

so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?"

Growing up, my mother used to fight change. Everything in the house was the same...from the meals we ate...to the clothes we all wore... everything pretty much stayed routine. There was only one exception to the rule: The living room furniture. About every three weeks, mom would get it in her head to change where everything in the living room was placed. Couches moved...chairs were taken out or added in...tables shifted. You never knew when you came home from school what you were going to find in the front room...

This was great until the one morning you woke up in the wee hours to go to the bathroom...and forgot everything had been changed. Ouch! It never failed that I would crack my toe on a chair leg or part of the sofa... They were all familiar objects... I would have been able to navigate through...but it was too dark.

I believe that many of our fears fall into the same category. We know what we're facing...we know we could make it through it...but darkness obscures our vision. What kind of darkness? We feel defeated, depressed, deflated, demoralized, demoted, or destroyed. I mean, we know we should be able to overcome whatever is in our way...but that darkness, that lingering darkness of self-doubt hovers over the issue like an insurmountable cloud. I know how you feel. No matter what you may tell yourself...that darkness just keeps us from seeing how things really are under God's control.

Feeling like you've been walking around in the dark lately?

That's not the life that God has for you. God is light. Look at today's verse "The Lord is my light..." He is a revealer. A healer. God wants to show you the way through all of those things that you woke up worrying about this morning. God knows the way through heartache...He can shine His light on the midnight of worry...He will navigate you around what stands in the way of your joy.

This morning...I want you to remember one thing...God is in charge of today. You aren't. Better than that...you don't have to be. He is brighter than the brightest star and as close as your heartbeat. You don't have to wander around in the darkness anymore....wondering what you might run into...God knows the whole floor plan and will reveal exactly the way to go... just follow His light.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

"Hurricanes" - Monday Devotional

This week we're going to look at a few key verses from last weekend... It is my prayer that each morning you feel safer and more secure in Christ than ever before.  Let's look at the first verse:

Isaiah 25:4

4 But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord,
      a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
   You are a refuge from the storm
      and a shelter from the heat.
   For the oppressive acts of ruthless people
      are like a storm beating against a wall,

    I am writing the devotional from South Florida where we have more than our share of nasty storms.  We are the lightning capital of the nation and home to numerous hurricanes (or threats of hurricanes) each year.   It still amazes me that people say they move down here for the weather... 

   I, like many Floridians, have hurricane shutters.  Mine are aluminum...and when a hurricane warning is posted, I get the chance to hang them over my windows.  They are designed to protect my property from 100+ mile per hour winds and rain.  During the storm, the sound is nearly unbearable.  People have compared it to a freight train driving right down the middle of the street... it is loud, it is scary, and it is very, very real.

Have you ever experienced a hurricane?  I bet you have...it just may not be the weather kind...it could be that you are 1 lost paycheck away from ruin.  It could be that you are scared to go to the Dr. because you just found a lump somewhere.  It could even be that you feel like you and your wife/husband are total strangers after years of "happy" marriage.  In any case, the storm in your life is very real.  

Look at today's verse...."You are a refuge from the storm..." is describing God.   That's what God does... He is the place we can go to when storms hit.  I love the fact that it doesn't say storms won't come...they will.  The Bible is telling us that when storms do hit...we have a place to go.  Why is it that many of us go to God as a last resort when we hear the storm raging?  I believe it's because we are either prideful or think that we have the strength to get through it ourselves.  Fact is, you don't have to do it alone.  You don't need to do it alone.  God is there.  Not as a last resort...but a first line of defense.  He is stronger than anything you may try to do to get through.  He is a healer, He is a peace-bringer, He is a restorer, He is a protector, He is a refuge.  He is love.  God is love.  God loves you.  

Next time you want to put up those shutters and try to protect yourself from the storms of life...remember that you have a shelter...a refuge...a loving Savior...ready to take you in and strengthen you against the challenges.

See you tomorrow,

Pastor Brian

Wednesday

Greetings Internet Campus...

Thanks for joining me this morning..I am so glad that you have taken a few minutes from your busy day to spend some time here on the internet campus...I pray that today's verse and devotional brings you closer to Him as you walk through life.

Ephesians 2:8-9

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

Don't you love to get gifts? I sure do. One of my favorite things in the world is to get a surprise gift. Not because it's my birthday...or Christmas...but just because. No reason...only that the person giving the gift loves me.

Today...never forget that the reason Heaven is possible for us is because of a gift with no strings attached. Given to us by Someone who loves us immeasurably. There is nothing you or I can do to earn our way into Heaven. We all fall short. God has chosen to make eternal life possible...not because we are good...not because we work hard...not even because we go to church... We can live forever together in Heaven because of His grace and our faith.

He showers His grace on us each and every morning. Even right now as you read this...your sins are already forgiven. Yesterday's shame is erased. The blemish from your past that won't shake loose...gone from the mind of our Graceful God.

All that this requires is our faith. Faith in God as Savior. Faith in God as King. Faith in Christ as Lord. If you've made this decision...you have received the gift. If you haven't yet and you'd like to...leave a comment with your phone number below and I will contact you via telephone to lead you as you make that decision.

Don't live today as a defeated and beaten person. Remember...if you are a Christ-follower....you have a special gift...your eternity is secured...your sins forgiven. Go after it today! You are a child of God....He loves you...no strings attached.

Pastor Brian

Tuesday

Greetings internet campus,

I was studying this morning when I ran across this devotion from Dr. Charles Stanley...I hope it speaks to your heart as it did mine...

In closing his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul highlighted some essentials of the Christian life—devotion to prayer, an attitude of gratefulness, and wise dealings with unbelievers. We are to make the most of opportunities to share our testimony. As Paul said, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).

Paul knew the tongue’s power for good and encouraged using words to influence others for Jesus. James took the opposite approach, describing the harm tongues can do. He likened them to sparks that set a forest on fire or a restless evil that can poison (James 3:5, 8). Sadly, we see this truth lived out in the media, workplace, families, and even churches.

Consider how we respond when we hear about a stranger who has ruined his personal life, carried out ruthless business practices, or brought public condemnation on himself. Frequently we express criticism and judgment instead of compassion or sorrow. We can learn from Jesus’ example. He asked the Samaritan woman simple questions so she would recognize her need for living water (John 4:7-39); He invited Himself to the house of the hated tax collector (Luke 19:5); and He stood between the adulterous woman and her critics before gently bringing correction (John 8:1-11). Jesus’ words were seasoned with grace.

As representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, we must learn to speak words of grace. Let’s make it our habit to use a kind tone of voice, courteous approach, humble spirit, and edifying words.

Is your tongue something that you struggle with? I do sometimes....I have to admit it...I don't always choose the best response or the best set of phrases to diffuse a problem. If we are going to walk with Christ and mirror His image....we need to deal with our words. If you are like me and struggle sometimes by saying the wrong thing...let's pray for each other! Leave me a comment below and we'll lift each other up this week! Taming the tongue isn't easy - but together as a campus we can do it! Enjoy your day!

Pastor Brian

Monday

Greetings Internet Campus...

For this morning's devotional...I just wanted to take a minute and celebrate. This weekend was a test run for our live cutaways for our campus and many of you took time to join us! I'd like to dedicate this morning's quiet time together to this verse:

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" Philippians 4:4 [emphasis mine]

What in your life causes you to rejoice? To experience real joy?

For me...I got the chance to rejoice this weekend. The internet team and I were testing out some things before we officially go live every week...when we noticed the many different places where people were connecting from...

The United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Puerto Rico, England, Korea, Argentina, and Peru.

Now let that sink in just a minute. All of us...you and I...were all worshiping the same God...at the same time...from 10 different countries! Isn't God amazing? Does that make you rejoice? Doesn't that bring you joy?

Do we really understand joy?

I have found that true joy is from an internal and eternal source. Joy isn't happiness. Happiness comes from a temporary condition....a mood...a thing...an idea.... here for one moment and changes the next. Joy isn't that way. It is that euphoria that starts from the basement of your soul and takes the express elevator to your heart. It isn't leaving. It doesn't matter what the external circumstances are...you have joy! It doesn't matter what your mood is....your source of joy stays with you.

Joy is also from an eternal source. I believe that true joy comes directly from God. He created us...He sustains us...He gives us pure joy! Do you believe that this morning? Do you believe that God is going to put something in your path today that brings you joy? Can you imagine living your life anticipating what joyous thing God is going to bring into your life? How different would life be if we focused on our joy as opposed to our sorrow?

This past weekend we came together as a global community of believers...each of us worshiping in our homes...or with friends... but all of us connected. Connected by the joy of worshiping a loving God....connected by the internet and one global campus going after our God-potential...and sustained by the never-ending love of the ultimate joy-giver....Jesus Christ.

God bless you as you start another week. Please feel free to leave a comment or prayer request by clicking the comment link below. Have a blessed and joyful week! See you tomorrow!

Pastor Brian

Friday

Greetings Internet Campus,

Ran across this piece in my studies and thought it would impact you like it did me...

Take this Quiz. by Max Lucado

Name the ten wealthiest men in the world.

Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners.

Name the last ten winners of the Miss America contest.

Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.

How about the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture or the last decade’s worth of World Series winners?

How did you do? I didn’t do well either. With the exception of you trivia hounds, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday too well. Surprising how quickly we forget, isn’t it? And what I’ve mentioned above are no second-rate achievements. These are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one.

Think of three people you enjoy spending time with.

Name ten people who have taught you something worthwhile.

Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time.

List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school.

Name half-a-dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? It was for me, too. The lesson? The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern.

My challenge to you this weekend: Get involved in somebody's life...help them, guide them, care for them, be there for them....be the one that people can put on one of those important lists....

It isn't something that happens quickly...but it makes all the difference in the world...

Thank God for those that made it to your list.

Have a blessed weekend..see you LIVE this Saturday night @ 5:15!

Pastor Brian

Thursday

Greetings Internet Campus,

As some of you know...I used to teach elementary and middle school. It was a job that I loved dearly. I ran across this devotional and thought it would be a great way to honor your child's teacher (if applicable). It comes from Charles Swindoll...

A HIGH CALLING
by Charles R. Swindoll

Ephesians 4:11-16

Many professions draw public attention like warm watermelon draws flies. Those who practice them are constantly in the news. If it isn’t the money they make, it’s the company they keep or the trends they set or the controversy they spawn. Their notoriety is somewhere between amazing and appalling.

There is one profession, however, that is neither notorious nor controversial. Although essential to our future as a nation, being inseparably linked to the home as few other professions are, it has been treated like a stepchild.

Those who make their living in this field press on against overwhelming odds. They live with criticism they usually don’t deserve. They invest extra hours for which they are never compensated. They maintain a standard of excellence regardless of resistance. They remain enthusiastic in spite of daily discouragements. They apply creativity and every motivational technique they can muster without applause or thanks from their recipients.

Fueled by hope, these brave men and women shape minds, stretch imaginations, challenge thinking, and model consistency. They have one major enemy they fight with tireless energy: ignorance.

Who are the relentless, courageous heroes I’m describing? By now you know. They are those who teach.

The tools of their trade may not seem that impressive—a piece of chalk, a book, an overhead projector, a homework assignment, a smile of encouragement, a nod of affirmation, a strong word of warning, a question to answer, a problem to solve. How powerful are those adept with such tools!

Teachers. Tough-minded, clear-thinking, ever-learning educators who gave me their time and their attention, who early on overlooked my immaturity, who saw raw material behind my boredom, overactivity, and mischievousness, who held my feet to the fire and dared me to grab the challenge, who had enough wisdom to drop the bait in just the right places to hook me for life.

So to all of you who teach, hats off. Yours is an invaluable profession, a calling sure and high and noble, a model we cannot live without if we expect to remain strong and free.

Don’t quit. If ever we needed you, we need you today.

Think about those who taught you.
Thank God for them and the lifelong value of their investment in you.

Thanks to Mr. Scozz my 5th grade teacher. He believed in me and helped shape me into who I am today.

What teacher in your past influenced you? Thank God for them this morning! Blessings to you all as you dive into Thursday!

Pastor Brian

Wednesday

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14

Do you like to wait? Is patience your strong characteristic?

I don't. Really. I don't wait very well. In a couple of days we're headed to Disney World...guess what we'll do there...wait. In long lines. For a 30 second ride. Uuugggghhh....

Did I mention I don't like to wait...

If we're honest with ourselves...nobody really LIKES to wait. Some people are just more tolerant of it than others. We don't do well with delayed gratification...or the words "not now"...waiting doesn't come naturally to us.

Let's look at today's verse....look who we're waiting on there...God. His timing. His plan. Are you waiting on something this morning? Have you been praying for that one thing to happen that just doesn't feel like it's ever going to come? Write this verse down on an index card and tape it where you can see it...

Look what the Psalm says is the key to waiting for God: 1) Be Strong 2) Take Heart

Where am I supposed to get this motivation? How am I supposed to be strong and take heart if I don't like waiting...if I am impatient with God? Here are a couple of tips:

If you feel like you just can't wait any longer for God... do two things: Remember and Look.

We need to remember what God has already done in the past. How many things has God taken care of that we worried about? How many times did we stress unnecessarily about life when He already had it taken care of... When we get impatient with God's timing - we need to remember what He has already done and understand that we would save ourselves a bunch of sleepless nights by just keeping a perspective about who He is...He is God. He's got it. Everything's under control...don't forget the victories of the past.

The second thing to do is look. What is God doing right now that I might be missing. Many times we completely miss what God is actually doing about a situation because we are focused on what we think God ought to be doing. Let's open our eyes and observe what may already be happening to solve things. Missing the forest for the trees? Feeling impatient with God? Choose to look for the solution God wants not what we think should happen...

My challenge for you today is to take a baby step toward patient waiting. What is that one prayer request that continually finds its way into your journal. You are so tired of saying it...writing it down...bringing it up in small group... isn't God hearing me? He hears you...He cares...I promise.

Pastor Brian

God's Will - Part 6

Greetings Internet Campus,

This morning we wrap up our 6 day study of God's Will...have you found it yet? If not, that's OK. These tips were meant to help you in your search...not guarantee that God would reveal it to you within a week. I have spent the better part of my adult life wondering...am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I the man He made me to be? What is He yelling into my life that He wants me to change? God's will isn't an easy thing to find...but He wants us to keep searching. He's not hiding it...just the opposite... It is sitting right there - I just need to know where to find it...

Here is a quick recap of the tips we've been chatting about:

Step 1: Be obedient to what God has already shown you.

Step 2: Pray and continually seek God’s wisdom and guidance in everything you do.

Step 3: Rearrange your priorities so your primary motivation is to glorify God.

Step 4: Saturate yourself with the Word of God.

Step 5: Learn from the examples of others.

"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."

Galatians 5:13

Here's Step 6

Step 6: Get involved in a variety of ministries

Exposing yourself to other ministries not only increases your spiritual vision, but it also gives God the opportunity to open and close doors. If you look at the lives of powerful Christians, you’ll find many of them got their start by "temporarily" helping out in a ministry which later became their life work.

Are you serving God and His people in some capacity? I've got to warn you...this might be hard to read...ready? You won't find God's will for your life if you aren't serving others. I know that sounds hard...but let's take it apart...

God commands us to serve His people. If we aren't...it is an act of disobedience. It is reasonable to conclude that if we are disobeying God...He can't bless our lives with the discovery of His will for it. I know God is God and He can do whatever He wishes. However, like a patient parent, He is waiting for us to obey Him because we love Him. Serving others is an act of worship....and the key to revealing what God wants us to do with the life He has given us.

Jump in! Get involved in serving those that God puts in your path... This isn't just church ministry...no matter where you are...God has called you to get involved with and serve others. We are "on call" 24/7 in all circumstances to put the needs of others before ourselves. As God-followers we aren't called to an easy life...just an obedient one that leads directly to our purpose.

I'm praying for each of you as you are seeking God's plan...it may feel like you'll never find it...trust me...better yet, trust Him...you will.

Pastor Brian

Monday

Good morning internet campus!

I hope you all joined us this weekend as Pastor Ray (our Hallandale Beach Campus Pastor) talked about Temptation....it was a GREAT weekend!

We are continuing our series on discovering God's will for our lives...here is today's verse:

1 Cor. 10:1-11
1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.

9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

As Biblehelp.org states:

Step 5: Learn from the examples of others

The Bible tells us in verse 1 Cor. 10:1-11 we are to learn from the lives of the people in the Bible. Study their lives and see how God directed them. Learn from their mistakes and victories. The lives of believers who lived after the Bible was written can also be a rich source of examples. Think of these people as great teachers who will enlighten you in their area of expertise. Remember, of course, anything in their lives that contradicts the Bible should not be followed.

As we search for God's will for our lives..we would be well-served to study other people in the Bible... How did God communicate His will in their lives? When did God reveal His purpose in them...before or after trials?

As you start out this week...think about the lives of other strong Christians and those that have come before them. God gives so many wonderful (and poor) examples in His word about how we should act, what we should think, and what we can expect about the revelation of His will?

Here are a few questions to think about:
1) Who's life am I watching?
2) Does their life help me understand anything about what God wants from me?
3) Am I setting an example to others that are seeking God's will?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Brian

Friday

Greetings Internet Campus, Welcome to Friday!

It's been a fun and challenging week as we've learned the first 4 steps in seeking God's will for our lives: Let's review: 1) Be obedient to what God has already shown us 2) Pray and seek God's wisdom 3) Make glorifying God a priority

Here's step 4

Step 4: Saturate yourself with the Word of God.

Matthew 4:4 "Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

There is no better way of knowing what’s important to God than by reading His Word. The Bible clearly states God’s position on a large number of issues and a systematic Bible study will reveal many of these to you. Picture a wheel on an old cowboy wagon. The hub keeps the wheel centered on the axle. The stronger the hub the greater pressure the wheel can withstand and still be correctly centered. The "hub" in our spiritual wheel is the Word of God. The more we saturate ourselves with the Word of God, the better we can stay centered.

Why does God want to us to read His word? Simple. It's His love letter to us...it contains instructions on how to live...deal with others...find comfort when we're down...even how to pray. As a Pastor, I am often asked two key questions about reading the Bible:

1) Which translation is the best?

2) How long should I read it for?

Here's the short answer. Choose a reliable translation of the Bible that you can understand and apply to your life. Some that are commonly used at Flamingo Road Church are: New Living Translation, The Message (paraphrase), and the New International Version. If you don't understand your translation...don't get frustrated...find a reliable, well-researched Bible version that you can understand. If we're challenged by scripture..let's be challenged by the verse's application to our lives and not by the translation.

The other answer is: as long as you need to. Some have time to read the Bible for 30 minutes to an hour or longer...some only a few minutes. The keys here are consistency and communication. Read consistently each day no matter what. Set aside a special time to get together with God reading His word. Maybe that time is right now. This blog/devotional may be helpful in your walk...but shouldn't replace the actual Bible reading that God wants us to do. The communication piece is this: read until God tells you something. That could be in your first verse. God may stop you and lead you to reread a passage...or paragraph...or chapter. Read expecting God to reveal something new and fresh (even in verses you may have read many times before).

Reading and studying God's word is critical if we want to grow in our walk with God. If you are truly seeking His will...and want to discover it in your own life...stay consistently connected to the source. See you Monday for the final step!

Pastor Brian