Building The Brand

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.  I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.  Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!  John 17:22-24

I once read a book called, “It’s Not What You Sell.  It’s What You Stand For.”  The fundamental concept of the book is there are certain companies that focus on selling, but those who are truly remarkable focus on what they represent.  What they represent becomes part of the fabric of everything they do from the start of building a product to the services they provide their customers.  It was here that I began to fully embrace what it means to be a Christ follower.  I know what you might be saying to yourself.  “Here comes Kent, and another one of those business to Bible analogies,” you are thinking.  In this case, let me just be honest, and say, “Yes, you’re right.”  However, this one is incredibly impactful because there is a great deal of relevancy to some of the challenges of the church today.

We are ‘the brand’ of Jesus Christ, and as such we must always remember what we stand for more so than just ‘selling the brand.’  Many will tell you that there is a war of faith going on, and I believe they are right.  A few weeks ago, I spoke of the inner struggle of what we want versus what God wants in controlling of our lives.  The struggle I speak of today is one where the battle lines are drawn about who do we represent.  To be a disciple of Christ is such a tight rope to walk.  There is a part of us that believes we are indeed the righteous ones, but as you see, sometimes we sell ‘Christ’ but truly do not stand for Him.  Some will fight for the rights of the unborn, but then they turn a blind eye to babies living in poverty saying it’s the parent’s fault.  Others love those they are connected to, and yet, close themselves to knowing others because they are different.  You see, this is ‘the brand’ we put out there.  This is at times me.  I wrote this to call myself out and ensure I was uncomfortable because if you are comfortable being a Christian, you’re probably not a good Christian.

Today’s verses serve as a reminder that we have been empowered by Jesus Christ himself.  The ‘brand of Christ’ requires pain, suffering, and anguish along with love, inner-peace, and joy.  We can’t ‘sell’ God.  Selling means we want something out of it.  ‘Standing’ for Christ means we reveal who we are being a shining of example and speaking His truths.  Thus, being Christian is not just a Sunday service and saying grace at meal time.  It is doing things you may not be comfortable with.  It may be serving at a homeless shelter, consoling a woman grieving over her battle with cancer, or walking with a protestor for moral justice.  It does not matter what you do.  What matters is that you move motivated by God and His Spirit to represent Him in each and every moment.  You never know when that moment where you stand for Christ is when He is revealed to others.

Serving Jesus Christ is relatively simple to do.  The journey is difficult, and it is filled with both bumps in the roads and detours ahead.  But if you believe in Him, it will be alright.  One of my favorite songs at church, ‘We Believe,’ has a chorus line that goes:

We believe in God the Father.
We believe in Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life.
We believe in the crucifixion.
We believe that He conquered death.
We believe in the resurrection
And He's comin' back again, we believe.

So, let us be the people that Jesus prayer over in today’s verses so fervently.  How can you best represent Christ?  What changes must you make to stand up for Him?  My prayer is that as followers of Christ, we are His representatives in ‘building the brand.’  Amen.

Man-Up

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

13 Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger; stand true to the Lord; act like men; be strong; 14 and whatever you do, do it with kindness and love.

Yesterday we visited a church where the pastor preached on this scripture.  Being Father’s Day, he was really wanting to preach to the men.  What I really enjoyed about it is that he wasn’t all feel good about it.  He really dug in.  The Greek term that here is translated to say act like men, he explained is a single word in the Greek language and it is really telling men that they need to step up, to “Man-Up” as the pastor put it.  This message though, is not just for the males.  We, as Christians, are called to follow the direction here in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.  It got me thinking and breaking down these verses a bit.  Here is what I take away from these verses:

·         Keep your eyes open for spiritual danger – What surrounds you that could pull you away from Christ?  Be aware of it and avoid it.

·         Stand true to the Lord – Don’t be a Holiday Christian, or even just a Sunday Christian.  Live for God daily.

·         Act like men – Be a positive example and serve others

·         Be strong – Don’t like someone else or something else pull you away

·         Whatever you do, do it with kindness and love – Be the example that we are called to be. 

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are all called to “Man-Up” for Christ.  I pray that this week you will seek those opportunities.

Thursday Devotional - Prayer Struggles

On Sunday night I took my Dad to the ER with chest pain. They ran lots of tests, confirmed he hadn’t had a heart attack (at least not yet) and kept him overnight to run more tests and do a heart catheterization. It was quite scary.

My Mom and one sister were out of the country and it was the middle of the night for them so I didn’t call them right away. I did let my other sister (in CT) know so she could be praying with us. I was struggling in prayer, though. I didn’t want to pray for God’s will but for what I wanted. I knew God was in control and I could trust Him. I knew He was listening. However, I also knew that His plans are different than mine and His ways are higher. What I think is best and what He knows is best can be very different. I did know God would give us what He knew we needed, when we needed it. 

As the next day progressed, the surgeon found blocked arteries during the heart catheterization and put in two stents. So, we stayed another night in the hospital. God provided peace through it all, especially to my Dad. He wasn’t even scared for the procedure (but I was a little anxious)! We are thankful to God he is recovering well and hasn’t had any complications!

Romans 11:33-36 “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.  Romans 11:33-36   

I don’t deserve anything from God. As this passage says, He doesn’t owe me anything. However, He is always faithful to listen to my prayers, offer peace in difficult circumstances, and give wisdom when I ask.

What are you struggling in prayer about? Even if we don’t get the answer we are wanting, God will always provide wisdom, strength and comfort when we genuinely seek it. He has all wisdom and knowledge beyond our comprehension!!!

Alice

The Guiding Light

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  Matthew 5:14-16

Earlier this week, I was emotionally ‘lost.’ I received some distressing news regarding an incident at my daughter’s school, and it left me at a loss for words.  There was a wide range of emotions that I felt unsure which was the correct one.  Ultimately, it got to a point where I just had to fall on my knees and pray to God.  “Why was this happening,” I asked.  How could I see Him amidst all that was going on?  There were lots of questions, and yet, I had no answers.  Ultimately, I just started walking forward trusting in Him, and with each step, I felt God was with me.  With each word I spoke and direction I went, His spirit dwelled in me, and where there was once doubt, a renewed confidence replaced it such that those nearest to me felt the same things.  It was as if He guided me forward, and through His light, it showed His light to those around me.

When we have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord of our life, He provides us with guidance to walk where others will see Him through us. In today’s verses, Jesus speaks of those who follow Him as the light.  Some might jump to a conclusion asking, “How can I be the light when Jesus is the light of the world?”  They are of course referring to John 8:12a, and would only have gotten half of the story referring to Jesus being the pathway to eternal life.  However, once we were given the gift of grace through Him, we too were given a ‘light.’  This is not only referred to by Jesus here but also in the beginning of Acts saying, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (1:8) The importance of this is very simple.  We are given direct power through the Holy Spirit to not only connect to Christ but also be His representative in the world.  Thus if we trust in Him, our steps are guided by Jesus Christ himself, and those who know Him will see it through our actions, words, and deeds.  This is the light Jesus speaks of, and we should feel empowered filled with the confidence knowing He is with us every step of the way.

God gives us authority to act on His behalf. This does not mean we substitute ourselves for Him (i.e. being His equal, judging others, taking out vengeance, etc.), but instead, we are to be living examples of Him.  The Apostle Paul said, “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8) Thus, let us take this light given to us and let it shine for all those near and dear to us to see.  What is God prompting you to act on?  How can you trust God more to walk by faith?  My prayer is that we trust God to be our guiding light for others to follow that same light.  Amenl

Tues Devi: Operating from strength

Hello,

I started reading through Joshua this week, where I was reminded that we as followers of God are operating from a position of strength, and not weakness. Now, when Joshua took over leadership from Moses he was not new to being a leader of Israel – in fact, he was one of the two who tried to get Israel to go to the promised land earlier…but the rest were fearful and didn’t do it – and that generation passed away while they remained in the wilderness. But as Joshua takes over, his first mission from God is not small. It is to go and take the promised land, which was filled with enemies of Israel and people that wanted to protect their lands.

The people of Israel had a new leader, and were facing new challenges- Joshua is faced with a motivational challenge. Where does he go? He reminds them to operate from a position of strength because of who their God is. Look at the 2 times in chapter 1 that he specifically does this:

Joshua 1:7 ”Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.” (NASB)

Joshua 1:18 ”Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.” (NASB)

I hope you have a blessed day, as you operate from your position of strength in God.

Will Hill

Solid Rock

Psalm 40:1-2

I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.

Lately, I’ve been dealing with some emotions that I’m not used to feeling.  I’ve been stressed not knowing what to do about a few areas of life.  Things would get said, or not said, and I would take it all personally.  I was certainly in a slimy pit, crying out to God. 

While I don’t have all the answers on what to do with the areas that I have been trying to figure out, after spending some time in prayer, I felt as though I still had a firm place to stand.  That place is on Christ the solid rock. 

Are you struggling with some things in life that make you feel like you are in a slimy pit?  Maybe it’s home life, or work, or balancing them or something totally different.  No matter what you are facing, the Lord is there for each of us. 

My prayer for each of you today is that you will feel the Lord being that solid rock on which you can stand.

Thursday Devotional - Beautiful Feet

As a continuation from last week, the good news of Jesus Christ providing salvation and forgiveness of sins and His righteousness is available to all who call on Him. For those of us who have already called on Him (believed, placed our trust), we have the privilege and obligation to share the good news with others. We can be beautiful feet! 

Romans 10:14-15           “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”         Romans 10:14-15

Has the Lord shown you individuals in your life (even here at work) that need to hear the good news? 

Have you and I prayed for them and an opportunity to share?

How have you and I prepared for the opportunity?

How have you and I trusted God for the boldness and confidence needed?

What a blessing it is to be able to see the Lord working in someone’s life as they hear, believe, and call on His name! It's been a huge blessing to see James place his trust in Jesus as his Savior and to watch his faith grow this past year and a half. At 5 years old, he is unashamed to talk to others about his Savior, which is a great encouragement and motivation to us! He has beautiful feet! Do you and I?

Alice 

Putting In The Work

 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?  Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.  James 2:14-17

When my wife and me starting dating, I used to buy her things to make her happy.   The silliest thing that I used to do was when she was mad at me, I would buy her Haagen Daas Ice Cream.  Chocolate Chocolate Chip was my ‘go to’ flavor, and whenever she got it, she would let out a little smile letting me know that all was forgiven.

As we grew in our relationship, I would still do things for her, but something changed.  More often, I found myself doing things for her not because there was a motive or something to gain out of it.  It became more about how good it would make me feel inside.  For example the other day, she invited me into the store where she worked, and said, “I want you to smell this fragrance.  It’s smells so good!”  So, I wandered over to the perfume section, and she sprays a sample for me.  “Don’t you just love it,” she asked.  “Yes, honey,” I replied, and before I knew what hit me, I was walking out the door with the gift package for that fragrance in hand.  As I looked back at the smile on her face, it did not bother me one bit as I loved allowing her to sucker me into this, but more importantly, I loved doing it for her.  This is what faith by works is about.  It is never about the act itself.  It is about the ‘why’ behind the act.  It is as if you enjoy ‘putting in the work’ because it’s not like work at all.

God wants our work to be out of love for Him.  The verses today are one of the most debated verses in scripture.  Some faiths are founded on these verses noting that we are called to put in the work to show our love for Christ.  This is backward in my opinion.  As I spoke about the love for my wife, the things I do for her are not to earn her love.  Instead, the things I do are because of the love I have for her.  It is unconditional.  There are neither expectations nor am I looking for something in return.  I simply do it out of the joy inside my heart, and the fact that she loves me, while making it even better, is not relevant.  Our love for God should be similar.  We do for Him and others unconditionally because we have fully experienced His love for and grace given to us.  We cannot help but show it to others because like God’s gift, it was given freely without expectation.

God’s love for us is infinite and beyond our understanding.  Like scripture, our goal is not to just absorb its words.  It is to allow it to breathe life into our heart and spirit to make it indeed living.  This is the true depth behind the words of James; to know God on such a level that our faith is filled with an abundant love where our works are not just proof of our faith.  It is the end result of it.  So as Paul says, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.  Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:19)  What is God’s love inspiring you to do today?  How can you make your faith be more unconditional?  My prayer is that our love of Jesus Christ motivates us to put in the work.  Amen.

Tues Devo: Yield sign

Proverbs 16:2-3 “All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weights the motives. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.” (NASB)

Hello,

I was thinking last night and this morning about how we tend to put our heads down and plow through any obstacle possible once we have made up our mind about something. We feel so set that the outcome is right or a good idea or needed, that we ignore any signs as we get underway. It brought to mind yield signs while driving – the road may not be closed, but we need to use caution and watch for other factors.

I love the verses in Proverbs 16. Verse 2 talks about motives – before we even start we think we are pure in motivation, but have we really let God sort that out? Once the motive is checked, what about the plan? Are we trying to just do everything our way, or will we yield to the manner in which God wants to do it? (Side note – ‘commit your works’ is not just about praying for success as you start, but about being committed before to put them before the Lord and let Him direct things).

None of this is about inaction, but rather about good action that is placed before God and yielding to His ways.

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

The Lord is with you

Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

This weekend I read this verse in a post pointed toward graduates.  With it was a quote from Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh, “You are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, and SMARTER than you think.”  While this was all pointed toward the graduate, I felt it was good for each and every one of us as we navigate the various seasons of life that we face. 

For me, I’ve been in a season of trying to figure out what my next move is.  At times, I question where I am going and may even get discouraged however I always find myself going back to the Lord is always with me and I have no reason to be discouraged.  No matter what way the path takes me, he will always be with me.

My prayer today is that you will feel the Lord near you in everything that you do.