Warning!

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don't follow the tradition they received from us.

Observation: Paul commands the Thessalonians to stay away from all believers who live disobedient lives. These people that He was talking about where saying the Lord is coming back, so why work? They had refused to work expecting handouts and had not listened to Paul's previous letters. Paul wanted then to work night and day so that they would not be a burden to one another. He wanted Christians not to freeload and become lazy!

Application: Paul tells it how it is! We must be a people to do not put up with other Christians who are disobedient to Christ. We must not hang around them! This is hard for us to grasp but it only hinders the work of God if we do. Also we are told to work hard, so we do not become a burden to others. The gospel must be preached with actions! Actions speak louder than words!

Prayer: Lord, help me stay away from idle Christians. It only allows the opportunity for me to become idle as well. Also, I pray that I will have the work ethic of Paul. Show me areas where I am being lazy and slothful. Forgive me of those areas even now. I want my actions to say that I am all about JESUS! Thank you for this life. In Jesus Name…AMEN!

Faith Increased?

Scripture: Matthew 11: 4 Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 6 And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.

Observation: Jesus wanted specifically John to know that He was the Messiah. He allowed the blind to see, the lame to walk, the lepers healed, the deaf to hear, and the dead to be raised to life, and the good news preached to the poor, so that John would be strengthened in His faith. And then He make the last statement so that John's faith would increase in jail and that He would continue to preach repentance and turning toward Jesus!

Application: Often Jesus is very concerned about individuals. He will do miracles and unforeseen things to strengthen the faith of His children. However, I believe that often I do not receive or recognize what He is doing. Perhaps I am to busy, distracted, or just plain don't want to listen and I find myself asking the same question John does over and over. 'Are you the Messiah that the does miracles and changes lives? Or should we expecting someone else?" God answers us all the time…we just need to recognize He is still in the miracle business and is doing it impart to strengthen our faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me not be so distracted to see your work and miracles being accomplished right before my eyes. Forgive me for not having faith that you are who you say you are. I desire to see what Matthew 11:4 states. So I ask that you continue to perform miracles so my faith and others would be strengthened. And I will give you all the Glory…In Jesus Name! Amen!

The Wolf

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

Observation: It is not a shock to Paul that there are those who disguise themselves as God's workers but they are far from it. They are only there to destroy and manipulate people!

Application: There are so many people that say they are God's workers, but in reality they are wolves in sheep's clothing. In every church there are those people who want to tear and destroy. The Corinthians probably had more than their fair share of those people and they love to meddle! Satan is the author of this and we must stand against it.

Prayer: Lord I pray that the wolves in sheep's clothing at The Rock Church will be exposed. I pray that Satan's workers would be silenced and removed from you church in general. That they would be sifted out and thrown to the winepress…I ask that you help me, our leaders, and our people continue to pursue your righteousness and those who are not removed. In Jesus Name Amen!

Lord Commendation

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:18 When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.

Observation: At the beginning of this portion of scripture, Paul stated that he would not be put in a group that promoted themselves. He said that the Lord would commend him if he is faithful. Paul is very careful to only boast about what the Lord has done.

Application: We too must only boast about what the Lord has done. It is so easy to try and self promote and self exhort, but that is all about us! The Lord is the one who will who will commend me. I just need to be faithful and work hard.

Prayer: Lord forgive me for the times that I try to jump the gun and promote what I have done. The selfish nature inside of me desires to self promote, but that is not godly at all. I ask that when I begin to boast about what I have done that the Holy Spirit nudges me. I want to only boast about you and the work you have done in my life and in our churches life. Help me get rid of selfish pride! In Jesus Name Amen.

Stay Focused

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us,t so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.

2 Corinthians 6:3 We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us,t and by our sincere love. 7 We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. 8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

Observation: Paul in both of these passages expresses the reason they preach the Gospel. They preach not for personal profit or recognition, but to bring 'One More," into the Kingdom. It cost Paul everything to proclaim this truth.

Application: We too must preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Not for personal profit but for the Kingdom of God. There are so many people that do it for a buck or for a nice house…but Paul preached because he truly desires the Kingdom to grow! I know that taking the Gospel to the people will hurt, but if I truly believe in advancing the Kingdom it will be so worth it. Paul says they are still always joyful. The only complete and fulfilling joy comes from the Lord. We are fully responsible to the Lord, and must continue to persuade others!

Prayer: Lord, there is no greater joy than seeing the veil be removed off of people hearts so they can see your salvation. And anything we must endure of whatever it may cost, it is worth it. Paul spoke of this and I do believe that only this causes great joy. I pray that you help me keep my eyes focused on you and not the problems associated with proclaiming the Gospel. But I would be so focused on the word and salvation that problems do not distract or detour your kingdom ways! Help me be one that does not cause another to stumble and the no one can find fault with my ministry. Keep your word fresh and unveiled to me! In Jesus Name Amen!

Preach the Word

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:17 you see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ's authority, knowing that God is watching us.

Observation: Paul was stating that he is not like the ones who preach for a buck are hucksters. In 1 Corinthians he said that he would preach regardless if he got paid. Why because it is not about the money to Paul…his treasure is in heaven not on earth!.

Application: It is simply about Jesus! We must preach the Gospel with sincerity and with Christ' authority. God watches over us and He knows our motives. It is not about money!

Prayer: Lord, help me keep focused and not preach for personal profit. I desire to be like Paul and preach with sincerity and with Christ's authority. I desire to preach the word regardless of pay or profit. The only thing I desire is that Heaven is increased by 'One More!" Help me to continue to preach and keep my focus on Jesus and nothing else. In Jesus Name….AMEN!

Just & Righteous

Scripture: Job 37:23 We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty; but even though he is just and righteous, he does not destroy us. 24 No wonder people everywhere fear him. All who are wise show him reverence."

Observation: Job, wallowing in his misery makes this statement that seems contrary to what he is going through. You would think that Job thought that God was trying to destroy him and yet he says the God does not. We are to fear him for it is wise, because of how powerful He is!

Application: We do not get what we deserve. Grace is ever so present in our lives. We deserve death and punishment because of our unrighteousness and sickness, but God even though powerful and righteous does not destroy us. This should make us fear and worship Him…just because He is Worthy. God is magnificent and Holy…we are a mess and unholy, but yet He does not take us out! What a God we serve!

Prayer: Father, we have really no clue on how gracious you are to us. We cannot fathom how Holy you are, because if we did we would melt. You are a just and righteous God, and yet you do not destroy us because of our faults. Forgive me for taking you power and holiness for granted. I will be wise and show you reverence….YOU ARE HOLY! In Jesus Name Amen!

All So One Can Be Saved!

Scripture: I Corinthians 9:22b - Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

I Corinthians 10:33 - I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved!

Observation: Paul without violating biblical morality, he would go to any length to enter the world of others and lead them to salvation!

Application: Our heart should be to win one more to the Kingdom of God. Whatever it takes without violation biblical principles and morality. Paul's zeal to win people to Christ should inspire us to do the same.

Prayer: Lord I pray that I never become so legalistic that I miss opportunities to win one more person to Jesus! I desire to reach those who need to be reached anyway possible without compromising my walk with you. Give me those opportunities….in Jesus Name! Amen!

Stumbling Block

Scripture: I Corinthians 8:12 'And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ.'

Observation: Being a stumbling block involves more than just upsetting or offending someone. It is serious offenses that weakens another's relationship with Christ and makes their conscience unstable.

Application: So often we think that what we do will only affect us. But here Paul plainly states that when you sin against other believers you sin against Christ. Why? How we live, how we act, and how we represent Christ can either have a positive affect or a negative effect on another's life with Christ. That is why it is so important that we walk the talk. We don't say on thing and live contrary to it. We all have responsibility to represent Christ well and if we do not then we are in sin.

Prayer: Father, all that I say and do has an effect on who you are. I pray that the words and actions that I live would lift and edify who you are. Forgive me for the many times that I fail to represent you well, so that another might not stumble. Help me correct the areas in my life that are stumbling blocks to others. In Jesus Name Amen!

Final Thoughts on Nicaragua

Greeting from Denver! I am flying home and cannot wait to get there to hug and kiss my wife and kids. Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the Global Leadership Summit in Nicaragua. The GLS is hosted by Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. A few of their elders and staff were on the trip with me and that was awesome! The first GLS in Nicaragua was two years ago and they had 350 people there and this year there was 1000 people for leadership training. It was held at Hosanna Church with is one of the largest in Managua. This church was very different from the ones we toured with compassion.

As I reflect on the week, I went in thinking I had a pretty good grasp on poverty and the need to help fix it. I come home thinking I have no clue…but we must do a small part. I plan on working diligently to get my church involved with compassion and taking trips to Nicaragua to serve in any way we can! This will take week, perhaps months to digest and reflect what I took in. I praise the Lord that no one on our team came home sick or got sick while on the trip. We have seen some pretty devastating things the last few days…but God is still in control and He cares for the people of Nicaragua.

I did make an amazing contact with Davis Morales, an amazing Christian man. He is a lawyer, musician, sound technician, and professional basketball owner. I would not be surprised to see him speak at the GLS someday! We both are excited to see what God has in store for our connection with each other. There will be many pictures coming forth in the coming days. I will try to have a debrief session with those who would be interested. Thanks for following me in this journey. I will tell you I am a changed man and look forward to challenge others to get involved in Missions, especially with Compassion!

Nicaragua Day 3

Well greetings from Nicaragua…this is my last night here. Sorry that I have not posted until tonight. What I seen yesterday has taken me a while to process. Nicaragua is the 2^nd poorest country in Central America behind Haiti. And yesterday I saw it firsthand. We were able to go North to a church were the rain has completely washed the streets out and the holes in them cause the van to almost bottom out. We arrived at a Pentecostal church (in which I felt at home); shortly thereafter we were instructed that we were going to go to see the homes of where the Compassion kids live. Just to remind you Compassion International works through the local church…so everything is done through and at the church. We are in the neighborhood the church is in!

So we divided into three groups where we all went to different houses. Our group had the farthest to walk and we had a heavy box of rice, beans, and oil to take to the family. As we were walking I looked around to see that the houses were in ok shape, nothing us Americans would ever live in, but to them it was a great place to raise their family. The houses are made of wood…ran down, dirt floors, no windows, and it seems that all family members live in these houses. We continued to walk and it seemed as though we were going to a more difficult run down area and we were!

We then arrived to the family of Norman to whom this child is a Compassion Child. We walked into somewhat of a steel gate which keeps the gang members out of the house at night and on the weekends. We entered the gate to find the family eagerly awaiting us. So as I continued in I saw several shed, or what we would call sheds, which we would not even put our lawn mowers in. In fact we would tear the thing down because it was so decrepit. Inside the shacks were beds that maybe had a mattress on it, there was a crock pot, and about 4 plastic dishes that the family ate with. Just so you know 4 generations of family lived in the small area. They had a wood fire going outside where they cooked and a rooster running in the yard.

I continued to walk and I heard the voice of a women being very loud. Of course my attention was drawn that way and to my shock I saw that she was locked into one of the sheds. The family described her as crazy…my heart began to pound and the thoughts were immediately taken to the bible where Jesus healed people like this. I prayed for her to be healed at the end…but did not see any significant improvement. Another teammate of ours came over and looked into her eyes in which the gal responded 'I see Jesus in you,' simply powerful for my teammate!

Quickly the Compassion director got our attention to the children…and we they told us of their family situation and how compassion helped them out. After a long discussion and seeing picture of their sponsors and hearing the dreams of Norman, which is to become a professional, I began to see a child that matters to God and should matter to us as well. No one deserves to live like this.

As an American, we take so many things for granite. We are a blessed people and have everything at our disposal and yet we complain about everything! And to see this and say that the most happy people I saw on this trip where the kids, mom, aunt, grandma, uncle in this compound. As I set here tears are rolling down my face because of the arrogance and filthy pride I have. We must be about God's business and not our own. We must follow His example and sacrifice our time, talents, and treasure so that somebody else can have that opportunity to meet Jesus.

It is an amazing story of how people all over the world are sponsoring the children in need. The impact on the families and children's lives are beyond what anyone could ever imagine. Get ready church, you are going to be adopting children from Nicaragua and we are going to make a difference in this country!

 

Earthquake This A.M.

Wow…just experienced my first earthquake this a.m. The bed was shaking and I was thinking what the heck is going on? My roommate thought I was kicking his bed! It was quite the experience…according to the USGS it was 4.7 which is small…but man was it shaking our hotel. Now I can see how much power an 8.0 earthquake can have. Pretty Amazing!

 

Day 2 Nicaragua

Greetings from Managua! Today was a whirlwind of opportunity to see Compassion International at 1^st hand. We started off going to the Compassion National headquarters…this was quite the experience. We were able to see firsthand all of the work and effort that goes into making sure that every child that is sponsored is receiving the correct funding and care that is expected. Integrity is vital to an operation like this. Let me tell you Compassion is very well oil machine that is full of integrity. When you send you monies to sponsor a child…it goes to the child! Here in Nicaragua there are over 33,000 children enrolled in Compassion Projects and 26,000 of them are sponsored. They project they will have close to 100,000 children in the next few years. The need is great!

In the afternoon, we went to a Baptist Church where they have a compassion project. All of Compassion ministries is fulfilled through the local church, which get the church involved in the day to day operations. It is amazing to see…how they interact with the children. They have daily classes and they sing and play together. The elementary children only go to school from 7a.m. – 12 p.m. They then are free to roam the streets, while the parents are working the rest of the day. Also, the school does not feed them…so this presents a crisis for families. This is where compassion thrives. The start the projects in the afternoon and feed the kids. The church funds quite of the cost and then Compassion sponsors fund the rest.

The children performed a few songs for us and then read scripture…amazing. By the way 250 kids set still and pay attention during the whole service. I think we have something to learn in America! The first day we got here…we were handed a Compassion Packet to see how it operates from the stand point of a sponsor. In this packet was a name of a child, their picture, and a little about them. The one I was given was a boy by the name of Randy. I looked at the surroundings of the picture and saw that it had distinct features. Well yesterday we were at the building with the distinct features…and I had the privilege of meeting Randy. Talk about a God moment…of course I could not help but say I would be his sponsor for $38 bucks a month. He is 6 years old and his father is the only one that works. He brings in $25.00 a month. Pretty stunning to think that Randy lives on dirt floors and may get one meal a day at the project.

All this to say this…God cares about the poor, the hungry, and the lost. The question is do I? Do you? We have it so easy in America! Church it is time to rise up and see us do what we are called to do…reach 'one more!' Forgive me for grammatical errors…in a hurry but wanted to post. Be Blessed and I look forward to today!

Resurrection Power

Scripture: Mark 16:8 8 The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.

Observation: So Jesus is resurrected they go to the tomb and meet an angel. This angel tells them that Jesus isn't there, showed them, and then told them to go to Galilee.

Application: I would be freaked out too. Everything that Jesus had been preparing for them was now happening right before their eyes. Not only are they morning the loss of Jesus but now they are bewildered by the events of the Resurrection. I think often this is a great place to be. That when God says he will do something and does it, we are stunned…that we can't even put into words what we are experiencing.

Prayer: God I pray that there are many more moments in my life that all I can do is watch you work! Yes it may frighten me, I may tremble and be bewildered…but I pray for more of those experiences. I want to see miracles done with the Resurrection power. Thank you for this portion of Scripture.

 

Nicaragua Day 2

Good Morning! This morning we will head out into the city of Managua. It is a city of 1.8 million people, and poverty is that of Haiti. Managua is also known to be a rough city. In fact one of the travel guides simply said, "Watch Your Back!" So I am looking forward to going out into the city today.

Last night as I was flying over Central America, I couldn't help but notice the thousands of little towns throughout the region. I begin to think of how small we really are and how great our God is. The reason Jesus has not come back is because there are many of His people that have not been reached. I began to realize that there are more uttermost parts of the world besides Scottsbluff. My heart began to become heavy as I continued to see small town perhaps millions of unreached people. We got a job to do church!

This morning horns are honking and cars are jam packed on roads. We will be going to Compassion International home site here in Managua to meet pastors and children. It will be a good day. Pray that I will speak the words of the Holy Spirit…perhaps even some Spanish! By the way I am staying in a Hilton Hotel…and it is amazing. Doesn't feel like I am in a Third-World country right now, but that is all going to change in a few minutes!

Just Speak

Scripture: 11 But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Observation: Another teaching moment for the disciples. They were wondering what is going to happen when all the great buildings are going to be destroyed, which then prompted more questions in which Jesus answered all they had at that moment. Probably setting in amazement God make this statement, 'That you will be arrested and stand trial." And then he makes a statement…'Just say what God tells you to say!'

Application: You could almost see their faces when Jesus told them that they are going to be arrested and stand trial. I am sure many of them thought I am done; I am not following this guy anymore. But, he then follows it up with somewhat of a bold statement…at least for me I would be squirming. 'Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.' I must never forget these words. There are times when I am not for sure how to respond or even begin to speak comforting words. But the Holy Spirit will speak through us.

Prayer: Father, I desire your words not my words all the time. Forgive me for being quick to speak, slow to listen. My desire is that I would hear you more and speak your words more. As I minister in Nicaragua today…give me your words. Help me say what you want to say…In Jesus Name! Amen

Just Do It!

Scripture: Mark 11:3 If anyone asks, 'What are you doing?' just say, 'The Lord needs it and will return it soon.'"

Observation: As Jesus was approaching the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He sent two disciples ahead to get the donkey. The disciples were afraid of what the people would say when they took the donkeys. So they went and got the donkeys! I could only imagine what the Disciples were thinking! They are going to think we are stealing them, we could go to jail, they're going to take us out…you can almost hear them in their huddle discussing this! So they come back to Jesus…umm "what are we supposed to do if somebody ask?' Just tell em the Lord needs it!

Application: We often over analyze the situations that God puts us in. We weigh the pros and the cons and then make a decision. When in reality all we are doing is wasting time. I know for a fact that sometimes I just need to stand up and say…"The Lord needs it." And that's it! We must do what He says…that settles it. It may not make sense and others may think were crazy, but God is in control.

Prayer: Lord, may I have the courage and boldness to do what you say and not question, analyze, or stall. Just to do what you say! In Jesus Name…Amen!

Houston’s Got a Problem

Greetings from Houston! I am embarking on a 4 day mission's trip with Compassion International to Nicaragua. The Lord has repeatedly spoken to me about getting my passport and now I know why. About a month ago Compassion contacted me and asked if I would attend one of two mission trips they were offering. Of course was my response! I have been reading a book by Ed Stetzer called Transformational Churches. One of the chapters clearly defines that Missional Mindset has to be a key to a growing thriving church. We must care more about people than programs. And God began to stir in my heart that we must not only reach out to those in the valley but to those around the world. If we as Christians would continue to fulfill the Great Commission Matthew 28:19, we would understand that we are to go into the entire world. So I began to pray and ask God where he would have The Rock Church reach out into a third world country, wouldn't you know he is sending me to Nicaragua one month later! So I set in Houston waiting to board the plane…asking God for divine encounters and for clarity if this is where The Rock Church will do our part in fulfilling the great commission. Please pray with me that God will direct every step and conversation this week. I look forward to seeing you all very soon. I will continue to blog once a day so you can follow what is happening! Pastor T