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Finally Then, Be Strong

Click Here for today’s reading from Ephesians 6:10-17

funny-morning-cup-of-coffee

When you wake up to face the coming day, your morning routine probably looks something like taking a shower, getting dressed, and eating some sort of breakfast food. My ritual has always included coffee, the miracle elixir that opens the eyes more fully in the morning, and props them open later in the night. However, about a year ago my Cardiologist restricted me to decaf and cut out all forms of caffeine in my diet in an attempt keep my heart out A-Fib.

So, while my morning routine was seemingly robbed of its power (aka caffeine), guess what I did anyway? No, I didn’t drink the regular coffee. I started drinking a cup of decaf every morning first thing, just as if I were still drinking regular. Why? Because I was used to it. I liked the taste of coffee first thing in the morning. And, even though it didn’t have the same physical effect, I found it could have the same psychological effect. The very aroma and flavor signaled to my brain it was time to wake up and get going; it’s time to get prepared for the day.

Half the Battle

A famous old proverb says, “He who is well prepared has half won the battle.” History is full of examples of armies which were over confident and under prepared for their battles, like the Union army at Bull Run in the American Civil War, and the Hessian forces who fought with British in the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War. Both armies were unprepared for what lay ahead of them, mostly because they underestimated their adversary.

Sadly, many people have great morning routines to get their day started off right and well organized, but they miss the one thing that has the power to bring victory to their day – Jesus Christ. No amount of organization can prepare us for the real battles of our days without the power of Christ within us. St. Paul speaks to the Ephesians about the importance of preparing properly for the real battles we face – spiritual ones.

Being Prepared

Using the metaphor of putting on the “Armor of God”, the great Apostle shows us how unprepared we are in believing without being equipped. The Ephesians were believers in Jesus. But, the fact they believed wasn’t enough; they had to actualize their faith with preparedness, just as a soldier for battle. We’re no match on our own for Satan and his minions who seek to derail our faith. However, by centering our mind each morning on Jesus (Who is the very word of God), we put on the protection of His Armor, the Holy Spirit.

This Week

If you aren’t preparing for your day and all the battles it will bring by centering yourself on Christ, now is the time to begin. You may be going to church, and even meeting in a small group to grow as a disciple, but if you’re not daily putting on the Armor of God by centering yourself on Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit, you’re going into battle unprepared. Don’t take the grace of God for granted. Think of the Holy Spirit like you would that morning cup of coffee; don’t leave home without Him. When you reach for that morning cup of whatever gets you going, don’t forget where the real source of power comes from…“Finally then, be strong in the Lord”

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

Image credit: http://www.dumpaday.com/funny-pictures/funny-pictures-38-pics-11/attachment/funny-morning-cup-of-coffee/

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In God We Trust – or Do We?

Click Here to Read Philippians 3:20-21; 4:1-3

 

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Power is fleeting, yet we strive for it in this world. Too often we strive at much to high a cost. Lord Acton, 19th Century British Statesman, is famously quoted as saying, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.” Those who seek to be President of the United States are certainly seeking power. There is perhaps no more powerful office in the world. And, there seems to be no limit to what some will do or say to achieve such heights of power.

Everyday there’s a new round of accusations among the many candidates of both parties, as they jockey for position as the front-runner in the race. I know, I know it’s just politics, right? Maybe so, but much of the rhetoric can lead one to think the end of the world is at hand depending on the outcome. But, before we assign the end of the world to the outcome of who wins the respective nominations for the Democrats and the Republicans, we need to remember the words of St. Paul, “But, our commonwealth is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20)

I love my country, the US of A, but I must admit the older I get the more I realize my real country is Heaven. As Christ followers, we need to be careful not to get our allegiances switched around. Regardless who wins the next election, God is still God and our citizenship won’t be in question.

We can and should be thankful for the gift we have in being Americans. We are born in the most free nation ever to exist in the history of the world, and with that freedom comes much responsibility. At the end of the day, only one candidate will stand as the so called next ‘leader of the free world’. But, we must remember above that leader stands the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

The power struggles we see being waged before us in the campaigns are not really that different than the ones we are all tempted to wage in our daily lives. The desire for power, whether at work, family, or in relationships is counter to the Spirit of Christ we are called to live and exemplify. Jesus calls those who would be His to be poor in spirit – meek and humble. True power is found when we serve our brother not lord it over him. Could there be better example among us mortals of such power, than when Pope Francis knelt to wash the feet of prisoners? Perhaps but that picture sure sticks in my mind of true power in leadership.

This Weekend:

Today is Friday, a day Christians revere as holy because on it we remember Jesus died for the sins of the world. He died for all will believe. He died not just to save us from our sins, He died to redeem all things. St. Paul tells us when we are “in Christ”, we are a new creation. Genuine faith produces a change in us; the old is gone, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17).

As you look toward Sunday, hopefully to gather with other faithful souls who are seeking to worship the true leader of the free world, would you take a few moments to consider how you’re using the power given to you, as a husband, wife, parent, or boss? How are you doing at trusting God to lead you in ALL things? Our nation’s motto is “In God We Trust”. Is it yours? I hope so. If so, then you will realize with me God is still leading those who will follow Him no matter who wins the next election.

The old gospel song is still true:

“This world is not my home, I’m just passing through. My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me to Heaven’s open shore, and I can’t be at home in this world anymore.”

P.S.

St. Paul also urged the people of Philppi to get along (Vs. 4:1-3). And, he asked those in the church to be the ones to help them get along. Another question I’m considering this election season, as the arguments increase, is what am I doing to help others to get along? Let us not be divisive, but loving, for it’s in God we trust, not this world.

Grace & Peace

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

 

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What’s the State of Your Union?

Click Here to read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Photograph_of_President_Truman_delivering_his_State_of_the_Union_address_to_a_joint_session_of_Congress._-_NARA_-_200188

You and I aren’t the only ones who look back at the previous year, trying to discern where we are now. The New Year makes even government leaders want to review their status. Every January, the President of the United States and the Governors of the states, even a few mayors of cities give a ‘State of the Union’ (State, or City) address. Most, I think, use the speech as a chance to promote their future agenda rather than truly  look at the current status and address the factors led to it.

What about you? What’s the state of your union? You’re probably wondering what union I’m talking about; marriage or relationship, work or personal. Actually, I’m wondering about the state of your spiritual union. St. Paul tells us that if we are ‘united’ to Christ, then we are one in spirit with Him (1 Cor. 16:17). We need to try and get our minds around what that means.

What does ‘one in spirit’ mean?

To be one in spirit is more than just feeling you’re somehow connected because of your knowledge of God, it’s realizing that as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ you are no longer your own. As St. Paul points out in verses 19 and 20, you don’t own yourself, Jesus does. When you put your faith in Him, you accepted his payment for you – the cross. Several places in scripture believers are called ‘bond-servants’. That’s right, we’re slaves. But, we’re slaves to the most loving master in the world; Jesus knows our every need and thought. He knows who we really are and knows our darkest secrets. And get this, He loves us any way! Why? Because He made us, and He knows exactly what we’re capable of being when we give ourselves over to union with Him.

So what’s the state of your Union? If you’re IN Christ, it’s strong. In fact, nothing can breakdown your union with Christ, except your own will, should you desire to leave Him. He never forces Himself on anyone. But, like any union, if there isn’t consistent and open communication, accompanied by a mutual love and respect for each other, then the union cannot only be strained, but eventually broken. Unions are only as strong as the love that binds them together. And, concerning our union with Christ, He brings to our relationship the strongest love possible, the unfailing, unconditional love of God, and that’s why the state of all Union in Christ is strong.

This Week:

If you’re not sure about the strength of your union with Jesus Christ, why not stop and communicate with Him from your heart right now? He’s always ready to hear from you, and to reassure you how much He loves you, and loves being in union with you. Ask him to open your heart each day to see just how precious is your union with Him.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Happy RE-NEW Year: Do You Perceive It?

Click here to read 2nd Corinthians chapter 4

Has your start to a new year gotten you into a new groove? Are you finding a fresh approach to things that were previously stale? For many people the new year offers an opportunity to start over, and while that’s always a good thing, we need to remember that with God every day is New Year’s Day. God is always faithful to forgive, forget, and renew.

Here is a link for you to listen to a message I delivered last night, Jan. 7, 2016 for a prayer conference call with the Second Baptist Church of Winfield, KS. I pray it inspires you to let God bring Renewal to your life today.

Screenshot 2016-01-08 13.10.10

Grace & Peace

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Why All the Fuss About New Year’s?

Scriptures for the start of a New Year: Isaiah 43:18-20 & 2 Cor. 5:14-21

 

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Why all the fuss about New Year’s Day? Can one day really make a difference in our lives? After all, January 1 isn’t really any different than December 31, is it? Well, that all depends on us. It seems most people throughout history have thought celebrating the New Year was pretty important.

The History

The desire to celebrate the starting of a new year is about four millennia old. The Babylonians were the first in recorded history to celebrate the coming of a new year, according to their calendar four thousand years ago. in the year 46 BC, Julius Caesar declared January 1 as a day of celebrating his newly reformed 12-month calendar.

As Christianity began to grow in Europe, the Julian day of celebrating the New Year fell out of practice; they began to emphasize other important days such as Christmas or the Annunciation as the beginning of the new year. However, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII established January 1 on his newly reformed calendar as a day for celebrating the coming new year. As most of the world began to switch over from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian (the one most widely used today) different cultures around the world began to develop ways of ringing in the New Year.

So What?

But why? Why this need to emphasize starting over. Perhaps it’s because there is an inherent need in all of us for forgiveness. We recognize the things in life we wished we’d done differently. January 1 seems to offer us an opportunity to start over. Of course we can start over any day, but there is something special in knowing there is a collective consciousness in society to begin again all at the same time.

Our inherent need for forgiveness is due to our inherent imperfection as humans; also know as our sinfulness. Sin can best be compared to sickness, and all humanity is sick. The cure for our sickness of sin is always found in Jesus Christ, and He is always willing for us, and encouraging us to repent and begin again with a clean slate.

Maybe that’s why New Years Day is so universally observed; we all need clean slates. We all need to begin again from time to time. I know for me, New Year’s Day is a spiritual experience. On this day I turn to Christ and say, “Thank you for forgiving me over and over again. Help me today to begin again with a fresh, clean slate in my relationship with you and everyone around me.”

So That’s Why

Why all the fuss over New Year’s Day? Because it represents the heart of our God to always let us start over. There aren’t very many things in life that give us a “do-over”, but God does; not just on New Year’s Day, but anytime, anywhere. So, here we are on January 1, 2016. Why not start over? Let’s all confess our sins, both to God and to each other. Let’s all turn to God and our families and tell them we’re sorry for all the ways we let them down this last year, and ask them to not only forgive us, but to give us a “do-over”. I know God will, and I’m betting they will too.

Grace and Peace for a Happy New Year!

Pastor Brad

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:6

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A Muslim Merry Christmas

Click Here to read the Holy Gospel for Christmas Day: Matthew 2:1-12

Donations 2

It was the day before Christmas Eve and I just got home from work when my phone rang; it was my friend Mahmood. We hadn’t spoken in a while. Mahmood and I first met when I was in high school and he was in college. We were both working in a campaign to elect a new Congressman. Mahmood was Muslim, from Bangladesh. I was Christian. And the man we worked to elect was Jewish. It was an unusual and rewarding beginning to a long friendship for the three of us. That was 39 years ago. Mahmood and Me

Mahmood wanted to invite me to celebrate some Christmas gift giving that was going to happen at the Union Rescue Mission on Christmas Eve. He said, “We want to speak out for the Muslim Community here in Wichita that we are peaceful citizens, and we want to help out some Christian brothers in need.” That, is the spirit of the gospel at work in our world.

The gospel passage for Christmas Day is from Matthew 2; it reminds us how long ago some wise men from the East (perhaps around the Bangladesh area where my friend is from) brought gifts to the infant Jesus to show, worship, honor, and love. Today, while these Muslims weren’t worshiping Jesus, they were honoring Him and His birth, knowing it was important to those they chose to serve out of love. I am including a video clip of my friend speaking about this momentous occasion. In the clip he is asked about presidential candidate Donald Trump’s recent comments on Muslims. He speaks to his feelings about them and how much he wants us to know most Muslims just want to live the American life and are peaceful citizens.

https://www.facebook.com/brad.riley.92/videos/10208274993018040/

Christmas Day is a day for love and peace, no matter who we are or what we believe. If we truly care for other members of our society, especially those who are hurting, we will reach out in the spirit of Christmas to show love in tangible ways. This year, my friend Mahmood and his friends from the Muslim community here in Wichita did just that. Here is a video of the Director of the Rescue Mission speaking about how he felt the love today through these gifts.

https://www.facebook.com/brad.riley.92/videos/10208275188262921/

This Christmas Day will be different from all others for those who are homeless and staying at the Rescue Mission. They now have new clothes, food, and yes even a few toys, all provided by some Muslims who were honoring Jesus on the day of His birth. As the hugs were passed around, from the men staying at the mission to the Muslims who gave them it was  obvious that this year they were having a Muslim, Merry Christmas. I know I am too. And, may each of you who read this, whatever your faith, be blessed by the spirit of some Muslims who gave in Jesus name.

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Brad

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:6

https://www.facebook.com/brad.riley.92/videos/10208275188262921/

 

https://www.facebook.com/brad.riley.92/videos/vb.1399803333/10208274993018040/?type=2&theater&notif_t=video_processed

https://www.facebook.com/brad.riley.92/videos/vb.1399803333/10208274993018040/?type=2&theater&notif_t=video_processed

 

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Scoundrels & Saints

Click Here to read this week’s gospel: Matthew 1:1-25

TreeGenealogy

Ever wonder what dark secrets are hiding in your family tree? It seems people are fascinated by genealogy today. Thanks to modern technology you can do computer searches that will rebuild your family history over a thousand years. Imagine how hard that was to keep track of in Bible days – but they did. Why? Because who is in our lineage can be of great value in understanding God’s plan for our lives; it certainly was in Jesus’ life.

When I was young I used to wonder why certain passages of the Bible were filled with genealogies. You know, those long lists of who begat who and so on and so forth. It seemed boring so I would usually skip right over them to get to the part of the story that really mattered. Eventually, as I learned more about the Bible and the importance of those genealogies, I realized God has something very important for us to learn from them.

Nobody’s family tree is perfect. We all come from a long list of scoundrels and saints. Some people love to research their family tree hoping to find some famous person, like some great hero of the Revolutionary War or whoever, as if that somehow makes them more important. The truth is what makes us important is that we are who we are because of everyone down the line; alter just one of them and we wouldn’t be who we are (an amazing fact of reproductive science). That means the scoundrels are just as important as the saints. The fact is everyone matters, including you!

In God’s infinite wisdom He planned Jesus the Messiah to be born not just of the Royal lineage of King David, as we so often hear, but also the scandalous lineage of a prostitute (Rahab) and several idol worshiping Kings of Israel. All of us have some scoundrels in our family tree we would probably rather not be known for, but Jesus’ lineage shows us how important those scoundrels are; they show us everyone matters to God, and God can turn any bad lineage around for good.

The Messiah’s family tree was an ordinary tree full of scoundrels and saints. It’s just one more way God wanted us to see that every life has significance, and no one’s life is beyond His redemption.Yes, even yours and mine matter also.

This Week:

As you gather with family to celebrate the birth of Jesus, spend some time thinking back through your family. In fact, why don’t you comment below and tell me who some of your scoundrel and saint relatives are? Remember the ones who have gone on to the ages before you, the scoundrels and the saints. Thank God for all of them. They all had a part in making you, and that is special – you are special. Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas wherever you are, and safe travels for wherever you go.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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What Does Your Gift Say?

Further thoughts on this week’s gospel: Luke 14:16-24

Christmas presents

Christmas is both the greatest and the worst time for people to hear the gospel. It’s the greatest because the gospel is a message of love. At Christmas we see just how much God loves us; He came into our world to live as a one of us, to teach us how to love as He loves. St. Athanasius, a champion of the Orthodox Christian faith in the 4th century against the Arian heresy ( a teaching that denied the divine, eternal nature of Jesus) said, “He became what we are that we might become what he is.”

Christmas, is a time to show how much we love each other. But sadly, it is the worst time for people to see the gospel as well. In far too many places in our culture, Christmas has become nothing more than a commercial vehicle to feed our rampant consumerism; little thought is given to the Christ child who began it all, with the greatest gift of all, Himself.

In the gospel this week, the man who gave the banquet is a metaphor for God our Father. The banquet He gave was to gather us around His table for pure fellowship and true love. In the ancient Eastern world in which the Bible was written, to eat with someone was a sign of ultimate acceptance and friendship. Yet, those who were invited cared more for the affairs of their everyday lives, than for the opportunity for fellowship with God.

Every time we put the material aspect of giving and receiving gifts ahead of the true meaning for which they should be exchanged, we do the same.  When we don’t take time to realize  each gift we give and receive is to remind us of a re-presenting of the greatest gift ever given, then we too are like the people in the gospel story who turned down the gift of the banquet.

A gift given in love does not need to be expensive to be precious, yet God showed His immeasurable love by giving the most expensive gift He could – Himself. When love is the motivation for giving our gifts, and gratitude is the heart with which we receive them, we share the true spirit of Christmas. But, when gifts are given to impress, or even worse to buy affection, then Christmas is void of meaning; it becomes the worst time for people to hear the gospel. The true gospel is never seen through selfishness.

Christmas Day is one week from today. There’s still time to discover its true meaning in your heart. We began the week with the thought, “It’s Party Time!” Perhaps you had a few parties this week, and now it’s time to start wrapping presents. As you wrap a package, put your love inside it also, and then give it with an embrace that says, “Here is a little something to show you how much Jesus loves you, and so do I.” And, if by chance someone reading this has no where, and no one to spend Christmas with, know that you’re invited to the greatest Christmas party ever given, and your gift is the greatest gift of all…Jesus loves you!

…and so do I.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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It’s Party Time

Click here to read this week’s gospel: Luke 14:16-24

 

It's party time

Have you ever been invited to a party and when you showed up you felt there wasn’t room for you? It could be the party was such a popular invitation that everyone showed up and there literally wasn’t enough room for you to feel comfortable. But, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the kind of feeling you get when you feel you don’t belong in a certain place with a certain people.

The problem with that kind of thinking is that it fails to recognize in the kingdom of God there are no “certain” kinds of people; everyone is equal in God’s economy. In the gospel this week (Luke 14), Jesus told a story of a great party thrown by a man of obvious wealth. The man invited the people he knew the best, his friends. Well, at least he thought they were his friends. But, one by one they all turned down the invitation.

Right now you may be thinking, “I wish I would have gotten that invitation. No one ever invites me to great parties. I sure wouldn’t turn that one down.” The man was so angered by the snub of the refusals He opened the party up to everyone, even the people right off the street. You would think he’d know better. No one can throw a party that welcomes everyone, from every place, race, and status; there wouldn’t be enough room for them to all get along; they’re so different.

The truth is, there really is a party that big, and a place big enough to hold it. And what’s more, you and I have already been invited. The party Jesus spoke of is His, the place is His kingdom, and literally everyone is invited. The question for us today is, are we part of the group who turned Him down, or have we accepted His invitation.

Sociologist and Christian writer, Tony Campolo wrote a book titled, The Kingdom of God Is A Party. In the book, Tony tells how God’s plan has always been to bring joy and peace to our lives. Life is supposed to be fun! Sure life can offer us some pretty hard times, but that’s not God’s fault; it’s because we’ve let our own selfish desires crowd out the love we’re supposed to have for one another.

This Week:

As you begin this third week of Advent, take a look at your life. How joyful is it? The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. Sadly, the holiday season is one of the loneliest times for many people. Don’t let yourself be one of them. Do you have any party invitations? I hope so, but even if you don’t seem to have any holiday party invites on the calendar right now, let me remind you you have the greatest party invitation of all waiting for you to accept it – the party of the Kingdom. If you haven’t accepted it yet, there’s still time, and yes, there’s room for you (Vs. 22). So, light the Candle of Joy and come on in. The kingdom of God really is a party, and there’s always room for one more.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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Don’t Listen To the Naysayers

Further thoughts on Luke 13:10-17

ignore all naysayers

You don’t have to look far in this world to find someone who will tell you you can’t do something or that your prayers aren’t realistic. It seems naysayers are everywhere. They probably sound something like this; they tell you your wasting your time because there is no God. Or, perhaps they tell you your prayers are too selfish. Usually, behind all their negativity, naysayers have a high degree of jealousy.

The naysayers were out in full force in the gospel this week, and they’re probably all around you too – don’t listen to them. The leader of the synagogue in the gospel was indignant because he was jealous. The truth is, Jesus was caring for people and listening to them like he and the other leaders should of, but they were too busy making sure things only happened in the way they wanted, for their own benefit.

Pray As Your Moved

I happen to be one of those persons who believes you cannot pray wrongly. Of course all our prayers shouldn’t be all about us, that is selfish. But, that doesn’t mean that what we want, what we really desire is wrong; it just means we need to balance our prayer life by including praises and thanksgiving, and concerns for others too. The more we pray, the more Jesus will teach us to pray.

I asked you at the beginning of the week, “What really burdens you in your prayers?” I’m talking about the things that are really heavy on your heart. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you what you want can’t be done. Anything is possible with God. I also believe these burdens are on your heart because God’s Spirit moved you to pray for them; that’s how God works. He’s always at work within us guiding our thoughts, if we are living surrendered to Him.

It’s All About Faith

This second week of Advent has been all about faith. Jesus is moving your spirit to pray. Have faith that what you pray will come to pass. It will always be in God’s own time and not in ours, but don’t lose hope. Don’t listen to the naysayers. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem it had been 400 years since anyone in Israel had heard from a prophet. Many said God didn’t care, that He had forgotten His promises. However, in Luke 2:25-32 we read the Song of Simeon, an old man who lived believing God had promised him he would live to see the messiah.

When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple, Simeon rejoiced in song for his prayers were answered. Simeon knew God would keep His promise to him, and so should we. God never takes a day off, and He always keeps His promises. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Light the Candle of Faith and believe!

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Brad

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

image credit:https://www.wildhousemodels.com/naysayers-and-fans/