Monday, December 22, 2014

"Why Won't They Just Listen?"

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for December 23, 2014.
 
Why Won't They Listen?
The Art of Evangelism
Daily Thought: My words must match my example
Daily Reading: Romans 2:21-23
 
I used to live near a busy intersection that was what I'll call a "hotspot of judgment".  From my apartment window I routinely listened to the spewing hate of Christians to the community. I will never forget a particular gentleman who used to shout that everyone is damned and going to hell. Oh yeah and especially the gays. And everyone who has had an abortion. I think you get the picture of what I am talking about here. The Westboro kind of folks. Do these people read the same book I do?
 
There are very few Christians that are this extreme. But there are many Christians that can come on strong to the unbeliever. Good hearted Christians believing that they are doing the right thing can easily overstep boundaries- doing the very opposite of what they intend. As an unbeliever- I can tell you that countless times I've left a conversation thinking a Christian was a whack job instead of being inspired to come to Christ.
 
Romans chapter two nails it. The heart of the problem is often in hypocrisy. If we are quoting scriptures one minute then being a jerk the next- we can bet that we are doing more harm for the kingdom than good. The good news is- we don't have to be perfect. We are a work in progress, and this is how we should present ourselves. Follow Gods call to reach out! Just be loving and considerate when you are doing it. :)
 
 Evangelism is a delicate art. Here are some straight forward tips to help keep us on the right track:
 
1. Understanding that we are no better: Kill the façade. Your better off seeming that you are alike with the person that you are if your trying to pull out the "I was like you but now I'm better" card. We all fall short. Simple as that. Being real with a person is the first step to knocking down barriers. The best case scenario is to walk away feeling like you connected rather than feeling like you got your message across.
 
2. Speak from your own experiences: I have done a lot- and I mean a lot-  of bible studies, reflections, learning, etc. But I NEVER claim to have all the answers. Instead, I share what has worked for me so that others may try it. Besides- it's hard for someone to argue your own experiences with you.
 
3. Keep it simple: Take it from the former unbeliever- if your throwing tons of religious jargon and terminology at them, you might as well stop talking altogether. The second part of this is doing to much at once. Tell a story, share an experience. Plant a seed. Then let it set in and offer an invitation.
 
4. Make a connection. If you are really looking to change hearts for Christ- make a connection. Help out. Be there when no one else will be. Build the person up. Walk with them and be a catalyst for change. Many would say that it is the most effective and powerful way to change hearts.
 
As always- strive to learn and grow in your walk. There are lots of great resources available on this topic out there. Spread the love, and be a blessing. God Bless!
 


Sunday, December 21, 2014

Where is God in my pain?

This stained glass window adorns the sanctuary at the
Homer Avenue United Methodist Church
in Cortland, NY
 
Daily Thoughts and encouragement for December 22, 2014
 
Enduring Pain
 
Daily Thought: "I can endure this season of pain"
Daily Reading: Hebrews 10:32-39
 
Have you ever thought- What do I do when I need God and do not feel his presence? What if we feel alone? What do we do when the "tingly sensations' we have as Christians are no more?
 
First, understand that your not alone. Most Christians will have this experience at some point in their walk of faith. You, me, your pastor, even the original apostles have had periods in which we have felt unheard- or even abandoned by God. I understand those times when faith is drawn thin. When you don't even feel like going to church. When you question everything and ask yourself "what is the point?" If you looked hard enough, you would find a previous blog I wrote entitled "Confessions of a Hypocrite" that discussed this very thing.
 
In Hebrews 10, the author addresses this dilemma. He states to address this matter in three distinct ways:
1. Do not run away from God to temporary pleasures. Keep in mind that although they may even "feel good"- they are temporary. Focus on the eternal and Gods promise.
2. Have patient endurance: Indeed difficult I agree. Choose to honor God and be patient. If you stay focused on God even in the tough times, you will come through the other side with a much deeper and matured relationship with Him.
3. Remember the good old days: I personally do this by going through an old binder I put together after a spiritual retreat. Its the perfect thing to help stay focused when you feel like you could just throw in the towel.
 
Remember- all things are possible with God. You can and will pull through to the other side of these difficult times. Just keep looking up!
 
Prayer: Lord God, in my times of darkness and despair, I ask for your healing touch in my life. I ask for peace, mercy and the strength to carry on until I can see your face again. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
 
P.S. For tips on making it through the holiday season- check out my post "Surviving Christmas in Pain"
 




Thursday, December 18, 2014

Part 3: What's your gift?

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for December 19, 2014.
 
Part 3: What's your gift?
 
Daily Thought: "Every believer has at least one spiritual gift"
Daily Reading: Romans 12:6-8
 
So you've gotten connected. You have started reading the bible and are into a small group or a study. Surely by now you have been asked to take up some kind of responsibility. Churches have a notorious tendency to stretch themselves too thin and then become desperate for volunteers. Its a sad truth. If you gain anything from todays message- I hope that it is the courage to say NO.

It can be hard to say no. Many times you are new to church, so a part of you feels bad for turning down a much needed hand. But know that in doing this- you are actually aiding the church in a much needed lesson: if no one in the church is putting into the program, it probably needs to go. Ask yourself- is it better to strain to pull off a halfway done program or to let it go and put your focus, time and energy into the things that you can do well? Taking the time to discover your gift, no matter what it may be, will not only be good for God and your church- but for you as well.

Find opportunities to serve. It is the next step in your growing faith process and extremely important to the mission of the church. The best thing to do is to start small- pitching in on a variety of small, single day projects and activities. Then you can allow yourself the chance to discover where your ministry talents are. Then, follow the nudge. Pray about your interests and the amount of time you are going to dedicate to your project, committee or program. Make sure to plan ahead and ensure that you are giving yourself enough time and not going overboard. Burnout is one of the top reasons that people leave church.

Take the time to discover and develop your spiritual gifts. You will be glad you did. It is one of the most important steps that you can take to deepen your journey with God. It is often in serving that we see Him tangibly working in our lives and in the lives of the people around us.

Prayer: Lord God, I pray for the opportunity to learn and experience the joy of serving others and my church. I pray for discernment in learning where my ministry gifts are- so that I can use them for your glory. Amen.

 

 


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Part 2:Taking My First Steps

Daily Thoughts and Encouragement for December 18, 2014
 
Part 2: Taking My First Steps
 
Daily Thought: "Its up to me to prioritize my faith"
Daily Reading: Colossians 1:9-11
 
For New or Returning Believers:
Congratulations! Your in the club. You officially accepted Jesus into your life. Or maybe you once followed and now you have come back. Now what?
 
Like much in life- your faith will be a lot of what you put into it. If you don't put in the effort to get to know God or the plan he has for your life- you are unlikely to discover it. But here are some simple and straight-forward tips to growing and thriving in faith:
1.) Get connected: If you haven't done so already- get connected into a faith community. You simply will not flourish if you fail to do this. On top of just attending a regular worship, it is doubly important to get connected into a small group. The people you connect with will become your partners in your spiritual development.
      Side note on finding a church: Every church has a distinct personality. Whether you are a farmer 
      to a biker to a "city slicker"- there exists a church for you. When visiting a church, look to see if
      they are teaching solid biblical truth, if the people who go there are growing in faith, and if the
      leaders model godliness in character. If the pastor is driving a Bently- back away slowly and get
      out of there!
2.) Learn: There is a lot to learn. Start by obtaining a decent study bible in a language you can understand. Then get started in a relevant bible study and get into the swing of digging into God's word. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Keep in mind that your pastor likely has a masters degree or higher in this stuff. That means that it can be a little complicated.
3.) Learn to pray, and often: Praying can seem really weird to someone who has never done it before. In fact I know Christians who still struggle with it. But there are specific reasons for it and I can promise you that it is a practice you don't want to skip. It doesn't need to be eloquent, fancy and include a bunch of religious jargon. It just needs to come from the heart. 
 
Focus on these three steps, and your on the way to your new life. Have patience, and watch for the incremental changes. Once you discover how God is moving in your life- it will inspire and motivate you to continue your adventure.
 
Prayer: God, thank you for moving me and for providing me a new life through your son. I pray for learning and understanding as I discover the unique path that you have laid out for me. Amen.
 
FOR THE LONG TERM BELIEVER:
Have you ever heard a testimony in which the person came to God and grew in God all on their own? Without a godly influence, or someone to teach them the basics of faith and to hold them accountable? Even in the bible, the disciples went out two-by-two. Often an elder believer would take a younger "believer in training" when planting the early churches.
 
The believer has a great responsibility and purpose entrusted to him/her by God. The responsibility to invite individuals to a life in Christ is part of it, but the second is the responsibility to nurture those still developing in the faith. To take these individuals under your wing, to love them and to model godliness in your actions. It is a tall order, and although there is often training in evangelizing, there is often little training in how to do this. Here are some simple tips for "bringing up" new believers:
 
1.) Modeling: You don't need to be Pope Francis to model godliness to a new believer, but you do need to be genuine. The greatest lessons will likely be told by your actions, not your words- so if your falling short in a specific area of your life, demonstrate an "active willingness" to overcome it.
 
2.) Avoid "Shoulding" the Person to death. When I first came to Christ- People were gracious in informing me of all the things I was doing wrong. Notice struggle in the marriage? Share with the person information on an upcoming marriage seminar or retreat that you would just LOVE for them to join you on.
 
3.) Be available and hold accountable- Share more of your life than an hour on Sunday. This person will learn countless more from you at the dinner table or backyard gathering than he/she will on Sunday alone. Love this person. Make them part of the family. Then if they bail on coming to church they aren't offended when they hear the age old comment "We missed you on Sunday" but are instead motivated to not miss next week because they knew that they were legitimately missed.  
 
Prayer: Lord God, I thank you that I was encouraged in faith and have assurance in your promise. I pray that I am provided opportunities to share this promise and my faith with a new believer this coming year and pray for your hand on that relationship so that I may do it well. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Why Does It Matter?

Daily thoughts for December 17, 2014.
 
Why Does It Matter?
 
Daily Reading: Acts 10:42-43
 

What is this whole faith thing about anyway? Why should I believe? I am a good enough person, what does it matter?
 
I want you to use a little imagination today. Picture yourself in a large courtroom. You are a defendant, sitting in front of a righteous and flawless judge. Read aloud are your charges. The list is long, and with each charge you feel yourself less and less capable of defending them. As more and more charges are read- all the excuses and situations you used to justify your actions begin to stack up and lose their power. Eventually, as every single charge is read to you- the weight and gravity of the poor choices that you have made begin to sink in. Finally, the last charge is read.
 
Now it's time to enter your plea and present your defense. Except- you cannot explain it. You cannot excuse away all of it. There's far too much. Inside you realize that you may have not been the mere victim of circumstance that you once thought you were. The only explanation now is a plea. Guilty.
 
The good news is that the judge isn't a randomly elected official. He is your father, and He loves you. He is, however, a good judge and requires justice. You will be sentenced for the wrongs. Your sentence is short lived, however, as you discover that someone else has taken the fall for your crimes. That person was Jesus. You are released and given a second chance!
 
Life is a learning curve. God understands this. God has patience with this. He knows our shortcomings and our faults. He is merciful and forgiving, and like any good parent, has "appropriate expectations" of his children. God created rules for us to follow that will provide the best outcomes for us to live- then he created forgiveness for his children that break them. He only asks that you accept his forgiveness- which came in the form of Jesus.
 
This is what the faith is all about. Accepting the precious gift of freedom. Ever wonder why Christians can be so nuts sometimes? They have experienced the healing power of this freedom and wish to share it with everyone!
 
I will not condemn you or anyone. I am not your judge. Only you and God know how you have conducted your life. I will say that I have made some mistakes- and that when I accepted this gift it changed my life! The same can be true for you. There is no prayer at the end of today's message- just the opportunity for one. The opportunity to wipe the slate clean, to be forgiven and forgive yourself. To have a new start and a new life. Will you take it?
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Findng Contentment

 
December 16, 2014
 
Finding Contentment
Daily Thought: "I can find contentment in any circumstance"
Daily Reading: Philippians 4:10-13
 
I am not one for watching a lot of television. I enjoy movies when I have the time, but with kids, schedules and the various demands of life- I simply cannot commit to watching anything long term. Something I have recently come across and enjoy, however, is a new show called "Tiny House Hunters".
 
"Going Tiny" is a growing trend. People are ditching huge, luxurious homes left and right to downsize into small, manageable ones. Why? The reasons vary- but a lot of it tends to be financially motivated. Soaring housing, heating and living costs are forcing many to reconsider "normal" and these individuals are learning to find contentment with much less.
 
We sometimes have a tendency to base our happiness and joy on temporary circumstances and things. Things like relationships, possessions, power, position or prestige are nice- but we must remember that they are temporary. Instead, we can find a true and lasting joy through our faith and relationship with God that will never end.
 
The Apostle Paul's life is a testament to this fact. Paul in his lifetime experienced great power and wealth, extreme poverty, persecution, and at the time when he wrote this letter of praise and joy- he was imprisoned. Paul writes of how he has found joy even when he was experiencing pain from having not eaten in some time. If you have ever experienced it-you know how powerful hunger pain can be. Yet through it Paul was unshaken; praising God. What an incredible testament of faith!
 
How is this possible? How do you find contentment when everything around you isn't going as planned? When the bills are piling up and there seems to be no great or easy fix to your problem? Paul tells us that we must put our worries aside. Worrying has never solved a problem- in fact it usually creates more. Then, we must pray about everything. Paul says to "tell God everything that we need" and to "thank God for all that he has done". This teaches us to trust God and to keep all of the "good things" in our lives in perspective.  These are the keys to living through the tough times and appreciating the good ones.
 
Prayer: Lord God, I am learning to trust in your purpose and direction in my life. Make yourself known to me in times of trouble, and help me to keep my focus on the gifts that you have given me. Amen.
 

 


Sunday, December 14, 2014

Unexpected Messengers

 
Daily Encouragement for December 15, 2014.
 
Unexpected Messengers
Daily Thought: "Keep an open mind to whom you can learn from"
Daily Reading: Mark 1:1-7
 
 
Sometimes at night, after the hustle and bustle of the day has ended, the bedtime routines are done, teeth are brushed and Bible stories are read, I will lay next to one of the kids and talk about the day, reminisce or just make jokes. Each of them look forward to it- and I think that it is a simple way to say that "you are special" to them.
 
Since this time immediately follows our Bible story time, it often becomes a time when I find myself answering some of the toughest spiritual questions. Questions I don't have the answer to- or for that matter no one knows the answer to. Questions like: "What was Jesus like when HE was 8?" "Did Jesus like to climb trees?" "Does Grandma Marge get hang out with Jesus in heaven?" A myriad of curious, sometimes laughable questions accompany the conversations. Sometimes they are challenging, like "How do I know if God answered my prayer with a yes or a no" or "Why didn't Jesus just stay on earth with His followers?" or "What happens if someone died and they never heard about Jesus?"
 
O the faith of the child: Raw, challenging and awesome. Sometimes I feel like I would rather be interrogated by Stephen Hawking then my children on matters of faith. Yet, looking at this- I realize that I probably have learned more at the bedside of my children than I have running around at church some Sunday mornings. Sometimes the greatest lessons come from the most unexpected sources!
 
The same was true of John the Baptist. A man who "lived in the wilderness" and whose dress was so out-of-the ordinary that it was specifically mentioned by the Gospel writer- I imagine that he was a sort of modern-day hobbit to those witnessing his ministry. Regardless of this, people came in droves to see John and be baptized. The Bible says that even "all of the people in Jerusalem" came out to see John. To put that into prospective- we are talking about a three day ordeal (travel a day-listen a day- return trip for a day). In modern times- this would be something so incredible that droves of people would travel by car from New York to North Carolina just to hear the message and participate.
 
John had no masters of divinity- no formal religious education and wasn't a "dignified" person by any means. He was merely a humble servant with a heart soaring in faith and truth. Yet God, in His glory, used the most unexpected of individuals to do such an important work!
 
Today, as we go about our days and busy schedules, let us be open to receiving (or delivering) the message- even if it comes from the most unexpected of sources. God Bless!
 
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your word and for all the unique ways I may receive it. Open my heart, my eyes and my mind to learning the plan and promise you have for my life. Amen.


Friday, December 12, 2014

Try, Try Again

 
Daily Encouragement for December 13, 2014.
Try, Try Again
 
Daily Thought: "God is speaking-am I listening?"
Daily Verses: Psalm 23 (all)
 
 
Recently I seem to be surrounded by death. I feel that it comes in waves- as if God takes people in sweeps. Thankfully none of those very close to me have passed lately, but seeing friends, co-workers, church family and relatives struggle with the aftermath of death- I find myself reflecting on those who have passed in my life and on the promises of our faith.
 
Psalm 23: Like some death cliché, it is repeated in nearly all Christian funerals, on television and in books. The words of this Psalm can often be recited by nearly any person, whether they come from a Christian background or not. I admit that I, like many, have often turned a deaf ear to Psalm 23, hearing it's words but often not acknowledging the significance that lies within them.
 
In reflecting on it today in study, I found myself renewed by the promise embedded in every line. I was invigorated in the promise and the victory I have found through my faith. I felt a restored hope for those who have gone before me, and rejoice that there will be a day when we once again stand together. This is the power of the Bible.
 
Do you read the Bible? Don't. Surprised that I would say that? It's true- In fact I recommend that no one ever "read the Bible" again. Instead, I challenge you to study it- perpetually learn it. Start a relationship with it. Love it.
 
I pray that someday you will know it as a living document. It is not a popular book that comes and goes in the tides of entertainment. It is a book that restores and renews lives, forges love and graces those who have the courage to explore it.
 
There will be times when lines you barely understood at one time become significant- like beacons of light in a dark and distressed world. Times that you will reach out to it in pain and despair and find hope and peace. Times when words you once glossed over become your defining purpose.  The Bible is full of surprises and has a transformative power within it-just waiting to be tapped.
 
If you are new to this- keep it simple. Find a modern translation of a good study Bible to dig into. Make sure that you can understand the language and concepts. It is hard to understand how God is trying to speak to you if you don't understand the same language.  Once you have given yourself a good foundation- then you can play with the other translations. Unsuccessful try in the past? Try, try again, and get some help if you need to. Commit to studying with your spouse or in your small group. You wont regret it!
 
 
 
 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Grow!

 
December 12, 2014
Grow!

Daily Thought: "Get In & Get Moving"
Daily Reading: Hebrews 10:24, Proverbs 27:17

I first came to church on an invitation- and the offer of free food. I stayed after getting invited to a men's group. What I found at that men's group is what I understood (even as an unbeliever) of what life should be like. I was used to guys who "bust each others chops" and cut each other down. Sure there were some good guys from my circle- but this was different. These were guys who were dedicated to one another and built one another up. Guys that held each other accountable. Guys who had relationships with their wives that I had never witnessed in all of my life. So I stayed because I wanted some! That was the start of my journey of faith, learning and development that I pray will continue for the rest of my life.
 
I could give you a thousand reasons of why a small group is beneficial- and even more examples of the lives that have been changed as a result. Through your small group you can find love, growth, acceptance and accountability. The early church began on them, and to this day they are the one of the most pivotal aspects of church life in thriving and vibrant churches. The same is true for our children. If we get them connected we can provide a nurturing and supportive foundation to their faith that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
 
During your daily thought- think of where you and your family can get connected. There are groups for men, women, children, teens, young adults, singles, widows, couples and everything in between. And don't be afraid to explore! Try a group- if it's not for you then try another. You may even attend a group at another church if you want to be really brave. After all, as we learn in Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. So get in and get moving!
 
-Alan McCormick
 

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Shedding Pride

 
December 11, 2014
Shedding Pride
 
Daily Thought: "Real Strength Comes with Humility"
Daily Reading: Philippians 2:3-11
 
I am not Catholic by any stretch- but I love the new Pope. To me- he is a man who gets it. I love what he says and I love what he does. In fact, recent photos of Pope Francis washing the feet of criminals still circle Facebook and social media outlets. The Pope- the leader of the Catholic church- who leads billions of followers (and who is not the youngest of individuals by the way)- got down on his hands and knees and scrubbed the feet of murders, rapists and thieves in a run down prison.
 
Why would the leader of the largest landowning entity in the world do such a thing? He was practicing a Christian tradition handed down from Jesus Himself. That's right! Thee Jesus washed the dirty, callused feet of His disciples in a historical and radical lesson of humility. And the punch line? NO ONE is above another.
 
You see- Jesus understands pride and how it hurts His people. To be clear, we aren't talking about the kind of inspiring pride that motivates people to do good. We are talking about the kind of pride that diminishes our relationships. The pride that we use to try to pump up how we are feeling at the expense of others. The kind of pride that keeps us from giving compliments or even showing our love. Whether it is demonstrated by celebrities, politicians, bosses or ourselves- it is an epidemic in our society.  All the while we seem to have become oblivious to the fact that pride is a prison that keeps us from experiencing depth in our relationships, from being approachable and even from learning valuable skills or lessons.
 
Looking to shed some pride? The recipe for overcoming pride is the practice of humility. It works. Focus on serving others, asking questions and showing love. You could even offer a compliment to someone who is not expecting it. After all, it is by practicing humility that we are strong.
 
Prayer: Lord, I see how pride diminishes so many different areas of my life. Even your Son made it a point to address it specifically, humbling himself to show care to others. I ask that you put humility in my heart by helping me to practice and model it in my own life. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen. 


Surviving Christmas in Pain

Surviving Christmas in Pain
by Alan McCormick

I am blessed to have a wife whose Christmas spirit is so bright that it literally lights up the neighborhood. She is one of those who really get into it-really dedicating herself to all that is Christmas. This year, for the first year in a long time, I am excited about joining her. I feel the spirit of Christmas awakening in my body. For the first time in a long time I anticipate the reliving of the birth of our savior, the joyful lights, the smell of pine. Could it really be that this year I say "Merry Christmas to all!"- instead of just "to all a good night!"? 

For many- Christmas can be a negative time. A sad, depressing period when everyone else in the world seems happier than you. When everyone around you exhibits a sense of cheer that you can't pretend to have. Lights? Tacky. Gifts? A Waste of Money. Manger Story? Cliche. Depression and anxiety can be exacerbated by the realization of all, what, and who you don't in this life. So how do you survive? How do you get by without stringing up those joy-loving nuts by their lights? Here are four simple steps that will help to pull you from your slump and get you sitting on the pine tree stump: 

1.) Focus Inward and Upward
This season, make it your Christmas mission to take care of yourself and your relationship with God. In addition to focusing on daily or regular physical exercise and good eating- flex your spiritual muscles by praying and getting into God's word. Especially if you don't feel like it. Feeling bad? Focus on the book of Job. And we think we have problems?! 

2.) Get out- Help Out
It's easy to draw the shades and call it quits- especially when its dark outside at four thirty. Make a commitment to help others in need. Whether your shopping for donations or serving in the soup kitchen- a sincere and  heartfelt thank-you is sure to lift anyone's spirit. 

3.) Keep it Simple. 
Christmas is the time of year when schedules can spin out of control. Intentional or unintentional- we often overdo it. You aren't the Grinch for blowing off the Christmas pageant. Making time for down time should be one of your top priorities. 

4.) Repay Evil with Good.
This one is for the person having anxiety over that "special somebody" coming to visit this holiday. Repaying evil with good is a given any time of the year- but it's time to put that skill into overdrive. Not only can failing at this skill flunk your holiday- it can stretch the pain into months or even years to come. Tip: practice some "nice rebuttals" or simply an exit strategy before your event. 

Keep your head up- and don't give up. Avoid loneliness and self-loathing. If times are really tough- team up. An accountability partner can be your saving grace. Before you know it, spring will be upon us again!