Today's Word

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:15-17

Today's Preaching Insight...

Holiness into Happiness

Holiness is a state of heart, mind, and soul. Holiness or sanctification or consecration is a process beginning at conversion to Christ and continuing until we meet Him face to face after the last breath; praying and laboring to be different from the world as increasingly transformed by the Word in Jesus and the Bible.

Embracing and emulating holiness does not provide an escape from the world, but it does provoke a passionate determination to be in but not of the world:

Necessity prevails over materialism.
Food provides physical fuel and personal pleasure but does not feed gluttony.
Sleep restores the body but is not an excuse for laziness.
Sex is celebrated in but not apart from marriage.
Money is a tool to serve God not selfishness.
Position, prestige, and power are instruments for advancing the Kingdom rather than personal desire.
Work and play balance but don't dominate each other.
Holiness is separating ourselves from the ways of the world by devotion to God's will as exemplified in Jesus and explained in the Bible.

Particularly, holiness is nurtured through spiritual disciplines: worship, prayer, Bible study, fasting, sacrament, silence, stewardship, and fellowship with believers.

The payoff of holiness is happiness.

(To read the entire article "Holiness = Happiness" by Robert R. Kopp at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

Perfection, Excellence

Stradivarius violins are known as the best violins in the world. Famous musicians love to play them. These violins can be strong and powerful, soft and expressive, energetic and brilliant. Said one performer: "It's like a great race car. There's more power than you need, and it responds to the slightest touch." Antonio Stradivari was a master artisan who lived in northern Italy about 300 years ago. Many people have tried to imitate his unique way of crafting stringed instruments, but none have succeeded. That's one reason why "Strad" violins today are often worth millions of dollars.

Many would say that Stradivarius violins come close to musical perfection. Perfection is a rare commodity.
(Today in the Word, June 2007)

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2:14-15

Today's Preaching Insight...

The Healthy Church

What does a healthy church look like?

I. A Healthy Church Is a Devoted Church

Occasionally Luke stops to give us a glimpse of the progress of the early church. Here is our first, and here we may observe the marks of a healthy church — both then and now.

A healthy church is devoted to teaching. The early church "continually devot[ed] themselves to the apostles teaching." Their teaching was Christ-centered and biblically focused. There were thousands who placed there trust in Christ and desperately needed to understand more His nature and how their new relationship should affect their lives.

A healthy church is also devoted to fellowship. There was a real sense of community and shared values in this early gathering of believers. This wasn't just a pot luck dinner; these early Christians shared true intimacy and depended on their fellow saints.

A healthy church is devoted to celebrating the Lord's supper. A church that teaches Christ and lives Christ in community will long to remember His sacrifice.

A healthy church is devoted to prayer. This early assembly understand their dependance on God for all things. They knew the necessity of communing with the Giver and Sustainer of life.

II. A Healthy Church Is a Giving Church

As the author goes on he mentions that these early believers were in awe of what was taking place. There were many miracles validating the message of the apostles. The greatest miracle was the changed lives of those who placed their trust in Christ.

Can you imagine the scene? These people were giving away their possessions according to the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ. They were experiencing the blessings of a community of faith truly dependant on God. What they once considered theirs was now understood as God's.

I know I'd do anything for my physical parents or siblings, but would I have the attitude of these early Christians towards my spiritual family?

III. A Healthy Church Is a Joyously United Church

"Day by Day continuing with one mind . . . ." We could learn much from the unity exemplified here. This wasn't grumbling submission to the majority; it was joyful fellowship with "gladness and sincerity of heart."

IV. A Healthy Church Is a Worshiping Church

This fellowship of believers was intent on praising God. Christ was the focus and desire of their hearts. The text says that they had favor with all people. Jesus said that we will know we're His disciples by our love for one another. And He taught that the greatest command is to love God with our whole being, and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves.

This body worshiped God with their whole lives. They were devoted, giving, joyously united and worshipers. By the grace of God we have a wonderful legacy. May we do our part to maintain that legacy by continuing to develop these qualities of a healthy church.

(To read the entire article "A Healthy Church" by Jonathan Kever at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

This Week's Laugh

Everything I Needed To Know In Life I Learned From A Jigsaw Puzzle

Don't force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.

When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.

Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.

Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.

When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see above).

The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook.

Variety is the spice of life.  It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.

Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.

Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.

Take time to celebrate your successes (even little ones).

Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Today's Preaching Insight...

Almost Isn't Good Enough

Almost... It's a sad word in anybody's dictionary. It keeps company with expressions like "if only" and (in the South) "near 'bout."

Almost is a word that smacks of missed opportunities and fumbled chances.

Tim KcKee was edged out for first place in the Olympic 400-meter race by two-thousandths of a second. He almost won a gold medal.

Max Lucado gives us these sad statements that revolve around almost:

"He almost got it together."

"We were almost able to work it out."

"He almost made it to the big leagues."

"I caught a catfish that was bigger than me. Well, almost!"

As they say, almost doesn't count except in horseshoes and hand grenades.

[The rich young ruler was] an "almost" kind of guy... In terms of disciples, he was the big one that got away. He could have been the powerful establishment figure who might have won half the Jewish power structure to Jesus. One day he met Jesus and hovered on the brink of commitment. He almost claimed Jesus as the Lord of his life.

But almost is not good enough.

(To read the rest of the article "Almost Persuaded" by Bill Bouknight at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

Thanksgiving

There once was a poor, rural family who were greatly concerned because their little boy had not started talking. The family didn't have many resources to call upon, so the problem went on for a long time. One day, while the mother was making supper, she became overwhelmed and lost her concentration. She burned the meal. After she served the meal, the little boy tasted it and hollered, "I can't eat this. It's all burned." Shocked but happy, the mother hugged the child and asked, "Why haven't you been talking?" He said, "Up to now, everything has been OK."

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:23

Today's Preaching Insight...

Worship in the Face of Threat

There is a certainty in the Word of God that whatever God says will come to pass.

Charles Campbell holds the distinguished Peter Marshall's Chair of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. In November 2007, he visited Korea and toured as many sites as possible. While there, the guide took him to the base of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, pointing upward to the hill's zenith. Atop that mountain was a small chapel where the service members gathered and worshipped. Campbell was a Presbyterian preacher, and Korea was the place where Knox Presbyterians had infiltrated the land with the gospel. The largest Presbyterian churches in the world were on that particular terra firma.

Campbell wanted to see this small chapel on top of this DMZ sight. Upon arrival, his attention was drawn to the way the pulpit was designed. To the back of the congregation was South Korea, and in front of the pulpit there was only glass. The congregation and the pulpit looked out on North Korea with its missiles or trained nuclear arms ready for battle at the command of their military leader. They worshipped, hearing the Word of God in the face of nuclear threat. That
congregation listened to God's Word uninterrupted, with the possibility of war commencing at any moment.

Campbell concluded there was nothing between the Word of God and the threat, oppression, tyranny and murders in North Korea. The only thing those worshippers had in the face of national threat were the promises, certainty and power found only in God's living Word.

(To read the entire article "A Baby in the Belfry" by Ralph Douglas West at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

Mistakes, Teaching

A high school senior saw an inspirational advertisement on television about becoming a teacher. She called the number shown: 1.800.45TEACH. After a woman answered, the student immediately began talking about how she thought she had found her life's calling and asked if she could send her some information.

The lady who answered the phone asked the student what number she was calling. The student told her and there was a long pause.

Then the woman said, "You misspelled teach."

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:33

Today's Preaching Insight...

Fleeting

The empire does not strike back, the empire strikes out! All world empires are temporary. One comes after another and they do not strike back, they all strike out. As we confront our culture with Daniel we're reminded of the futility of putting faith in human governments. We see our only hope in a stone that is not cut with human hands. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming to fill the earth with a kingdom of peace and glory. When will these things come to pass? They come to pass when the toes of Daniel emerge in human history.

(To read the entire article "The Hope of Human History" by O.S. Hawkins at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

This Week's Book



The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians
Reviewed On: November 09, 2009
Among the outstanding commentaries recently released, one of our favorites is Gordon Fee's new work on The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians (Eerdmans), part of the New International Commentary on the New Testament series. Fee offers a marvelous exposition of the biblical text, along with helpful theological reflections and practical observations. Pastors who plan to preach or teach on the Thessalonian letters will want this resource close at hand.

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32

Today's Preaching Insight...

Praying Preachers

The dire need of today's church is for preachers to become praying people in order to harness the resources of heaven and become channels of blessing. If society is to be impacted with the presence of the Lord, Preachers must have a vivid knowledge of the Holy One. That is discovered "in the shelter of the Most High" and "under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).

As William Longstaff wrote in poetic eloquence, it takes effort to be holy by spending "much time in secret with Jesus alone." It is a lonely vigil but the most rewarding experience this side of heaven. A joyous presence envelopes us throughout the day after experiencing the satisfaction of worshipping Him. According to the Psalmist, it is a place of stillness where we know God (Psalm 46:10). We can only hear Him speak to us when we are quiet before Him.

God hears us when we leave the tumble and rush of the world for the quiet hour. That is illustrated by Jesus who often went to a mountain to have a night-long conversation with His heavenly Father. This was also true of Elijah. He was strengthened by food prepared by an angel and traveled alone for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the Mountain of God. During that journey he enjoyed companionship and fellowship with the Lord (I Kings 19:5-8).

(To read the entire article "Praying Preachers" by Ernest V. Liddle at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

Tact

In a classic "Peanuts" comic, Charlie Brown is warned that all the girls are angry with him. The girls confront him with many complaints and then ask, "What have you got to say for yourself?" Rather than arguing, Charlie says, "Nothing. You girls are absolutely right, and I'm glad to hear you feel this way." After they leave he turns to look at the reader and says, "My soft answer hath turned away a whole flock of wrath."

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

Who has put wisdom in the innermost being Or given understanding to the mind?
Job 38:36

Today's Preaching Insight...

Priorities

"In 1988, Greg Simmons, a brilliant young businessman whose ideas helped revolutionize American life insurance, flew to New York to make a presentation to Board members of AT&T. It was a deal with a commission potential worth more than one million dollars. At the last minute, the AT&T CEO was delayed. He requested that Greg make his proposal the following day. Greg politely explained that was not possible. 'Tomorrow,' he said, 'is my daughter's fifth birthday. I promised her I'd be at her party.'

"For Greg Simmons, his daughter's birthday party was more important than a million dollar deal. I wonder how many big-time CEOs have played second fiddle to a little girl's birthday party. I also wonder if Greg had any idea he would die in a mountain fall a few months later.

"Priorities! At the time, some people said Greg's priorities were all out of whack. But when you stop and think about it, none of us knows when we might attend the last birthday party for someone whose love we value beyond price. I was Greg's pastor. He was my best friend. His example of well-placed priorities taught me a lesson I hope I never forget!"  (R. Leslie Holmes)

Today's Extra...

Flag, Patriotism

Henry Ward Beecher once said, "A thoughtful mind, when it sees a Nation's flag, sees not the flag only, but the Nation itself; and whatever may be its symbols, its insignia, he reads chiefly in the flag the Government, the principles, the truths, the history which belongs to the Nation that sets it forth." (from The American Flag)

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:30

Today's Preaching Insight...

Churchwide Biblical Literacy

The Bible can transform our lives. It also can transform your church. The past year was phenomenal for our congregation. David Petro, our Minister of Education, gave us a novel idea: He suggested we "read the Bible."

Seriously, his idea was that we—the entire congregation—covenant together to read the Bible through during the year. We had a commitment service the first Sunday in November, and every member committed to read the Bible through in a year beginning on Jan. 1.

In our staff discussions, we took David's idea to task. The one thing we knew for sure was that if we read the Word of God, it would change our lives. We wanted to saturate ourselves with God's Word, believing it would help us understand better the Bible and God's covenant with us. After weeks of discussion, we decided to use Alan B. Stringfellow's Through the Bible in a Year as a general guide and study outline for our reading plan.

The Bible is divided into two "covenants" of God with man, so we decided to call it "The Covenant." Our goal was to learn how God developed the Old Covenant and brought His plan to completion in the New Covenant in Christ Jesus.

(To read the entire article "Letting the Bible Transform Your Church" by Jerry Sosebee at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

This Week's Laugh

Not A Cat Fan!

A man absolutely hated his wife's cat and decided to get rid of him one day by driving him 20 blocks from his home and leaving him at the park. As he was getting home, the cat was walking up the driveway.

The next day he decided to drive the cat 40 blocks away. He put the beast out and headed home.

Driving back up his driveway, there was the cat!

He kept taking the cat further and further and the cat would always beat him home. At last he decided to drive a few miles away, turn right, then left, past the bridge, then right again and another right until he reached what he thought was a safe distance from his home and left the cat there.

Hours later the man calls home to his wife: "Susan, is the cat there?"

"Yes", the wife answers, "why do you ask?"

Frustrated, the man answered, "Put that no good thing on the phone, I'm lost and need directions!

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
Revelation 16:9

Today's Preaching Insight...

Don't Give Up!

Often the tendency of so many of us is to be overcome and overrun by the culture around us. For some it becomes easier to simply give up trying to hold on to biblical principles and go along with the culture. If Daniel is saying anything to us across these centuries he is challenging us to not give up and to be consistent. Daniel was a young man who would not compromise and would not quit. Daniel stated to the chief of the eunuchs that he would not defile himself by eating the King's unkosher meat. (Dan. 1: His boss was reluctant but Daniel was determined. He would not give up, he remained consistent. Finally, his boss "consented" to a test to see if Daniel's diet would suffice.

The single characteristic of those who succeed in the challenges of life is this element of consistency. Joseph, in an Egyptian dungeon, did not give up. Paul, in a Philippian jail, did not give up. Daniel, in Babylonian captivity, did not give up. And God did not forget any of them.

(To read the entire article "Don't Give Up... Be Consistent" by O.S. Hawkins at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

Christ, Head of the Church

Can you believe it? The head of a baby Jesus statue was knocked off and carried away by vandals. It happened in Wauwatosa, Wis., at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. The church members understandably are angry and looking to get the statue fixed. If the head is not found, the church will have to replace the entire statue at a cost of $12,000.

As disturbing as the incident is, we often have done something worse without even knowing it. The Bible says Christ is the head of the church, and frequently we assume we are. Understanding that Christ is the head of the church will not solve all our problems, and we still will debate and discuss what we think Jesus would have us do; but it is guaranteed that if we take Jesus away from His place as head of the church it is a prescription for disaster.

[Judy Harder]

Today's Word for Pastors...

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Hebrews 13:15

Today's Preaching Insight...

The Relevance of Preaching from Daniel

Our current contemporary culture brings new challenges to our Christian faith with each passing day. Daniel was a young man who grew up in a culture of traditional family values. Then he unexpectedly found himself in a culture that was foreign to everything he had known. His value system, his truth claims, his moral compass was challenged repeatedly at every turn. His world evolved into a world of pluralism and paganism.

Daniel could have blamed his challenging circumstances on societal ills, the court system of his day, the government, the media, the educational system or any number of a myriad of other places where Christians in our contemporary culture point fingers of accusation today. However, Daniel seems to step out of the Scripture and into our modern culture to show us some principles that will enable us not only to exist in our culture, but also to engage it and even thrive in it as well.

Like Daniel, we too find ourselves in a world that has passed from a Judeo-Christian culture to one which in many ways has become an anti-Judeo-Christian one. He has left us a book in the Old Testament that bears his name which is filled with contemporary applications that enable us to put into practice some time-honored biblical principles for addressing our contemporary world.

Can we really expect to change a crumbling culture around us?

(To read the entire article, "Don't Give In!" by O.S. Hawkins at Preaching.com, click here)

Today's Extra...

Optimism
By J. Michael Shannon

There is an old "Far Side" comic that illustrates the power of perspective. As with many of Gary Larson's comics, it contains animals that behave like people. There is a family of dogs deep in an underground fallout shelter, while there is a nuclear holocaust on the surface. One of the dogs says, "Well, we must face a new reality. No more carefree days of chasing squirrels, running through the park, or howling at the moon. On the other hand, no more, 'Fetch the stick, boy, fetch the stick.'"