Unhealthy Faith (another great devotional from New Life Ministries)

Unhealthy Faith

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of
this world rather than on Christ. 
Colossians 2:8

I once heard a story about a first-grader who handed his teacher a note on the first day of school. It read, "The opinions expressed by this child are not necessarily those of his parents." I thought that story was funny, but it also got me thinking about our heavenly Father. Perhaps He sometimes feels like pinning that note to some Christians.

It's so important that we represent God accurately! And one way to do this is by avoiding what I call beliefs of unhealthy faith. Here are a few examples: "When tragedy strikes, true believers should have real peace about it." Does that mean if someone really close to you suddenly dies in a tragic accident that I should feel at ease and at peace? That's crazy!

How about this one: "Material blessings are a sign of spiritual strength." So men like Hugh Hefner, who created the Playboy em­pire, is a spiritual giant? I don't think so! And here's a real classic: "More than anything else, God wants me to be happy." Help me find that passage in Scripture.

Be careful of these simple little proverbs that people try to pass off on you as Spiritual truths. Read and study God's word regularly so you can discern statements of an unhealthy faith.

- Steve Arterburn

"We need the gift of discernment again in our pulpits. It is not ability to predict that we need, but the anointed eye, the power of spiritual penetration and interpretation, the ability to appraise the religious scene as viewed from God's position, and to tell us what is actually going on." - A.W. Tozer

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To Whom Will You Surrender?

Another Newlife devotional...

To Whom Will You Surrender?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28

Does it seem as if everyone wants something from you or expects you to do something? Pressure has become a regular part of our lives today. And these will be times when you're forced to choose between surrendering to the pressure of others and doing the will of God. 

Scripture remembers Saul as a man who didn't choose well. Israel was at war. In the midst of battle it was customary to have a priest offer sacrifices. Samuel had promised Saul that he would come at an appointed time to do this. Saul waited for a while but began to feel pressured because his troops were leaving him. He knew that it was against God's law for him to offer the sacrifices because he was not a priest. But Saul decided he couldn't take the pressure any longer. He offered the sacrifices himself. 

Just as he finished, Samuel arrived. "'How foolish!' he said. 'You have disobeyed the command of the Lord your God. Had you obeyed, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your dynasty must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.'" (1 Samuel 13:13-14)

If Saul had waited just one more hour, he would have kept his kingdom. Surrendering to God means that you resist surrendering to those who pressure you to disobey His commands. When you surrender to ungodly pressure, you pay the consequences. When you surrender to God, you benefit, and your family benefits for generations to come.

- Steve Arterburn

"You're born. You suffer. You die. Fortunately, there's a loophole." - Billy Graham

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Why Do We Experience Setbacks In Life

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Hope in the Midst of Tragedy

Click here for another great message from New Life Ministries.

Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual Gifts

There's a real danger in thinking your spiritual gifts are blessings God has given you for your own benefit. The problem with this selfish viewpoint is that you see your use of these as an option or luxury that you neglect or use according to your will alone. That's a far cry from a biblical understanding, which sees your spiritual gifts as expressions of gratitude God wills for you to use in service to others. 

The Bible teaches that God gives us spiritual gifts so we can give to others. We use our gifts to continue Christ's work on earth. The apostle Paul wrote: A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church. His point: your gifts aren't your possessions. Yes, they've been entrusted to you, but actually, they belong to the community of believers. The truth we need to think about is that God has woven a unique design into each of our hearts. And our spiritual gifts are part of that fabric.

So, what are your spiritual gifts? Not sure? Read the Bible's teaching on spiritual gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. Then ask yourself where you've felt the greatest satisfaction serving the Lord. Carefully thinking through that question will go a very long way in clarifying this issue; because when you do what you love in order to show God's love, you'll find spiritual fulfillment and renewal. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I used everything you gave me."- Erma Bombeck

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Relevance

Cindee, my wonderful wife, and I recently joined a casual choir at Elam United Methodist Church.  We have received the words for our first several songs that we will sing, one per month, to a professionally recorded music track.

We had a guest at our house recently who started looking through the three ring notebook that had these words.  She began to read the words out load.  She didn't recognize the songs but did say with delight and amazement "Wow!  These words are so relevant to life!  They really touch me where I am these days!"

What made this statement all the more powerful was her earlier conversation with us of a new activity that her church was doing that she didn't understand and seemed to have no place in her life.

Once again, as they so often do, my Dad's words came back to me:

“We need to set our sights high, 

but all of our labor will be in vain unless 

we begin each new effort on our knees before God’s altar.

A worshiping community -

A community in which the sacramental life is central, 

is the strong and powerful one. 

The Lord Jesus Christ must be at the center of the lives of the laborers 

if this church is to make the transition, grow, 

and meet the real and essential 

needs of the people coming into this community.”

Relevance in the life of a church is defined in large part as meeting the real and essential needs of the people in its community.

I am thankful for a Church such as Elam that is doing so with such joy...

Taming the Monster (A Newlife Ministries Devotional)

Taming the Monster

It teaches us to say NO to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. - Titus 2:12 

Are you aware that the vast majority of American homes are inhabited by a monster? It's true. In fact, most homes now have several. Family rooms, bedrooms, and basements are their favorite spots. The older, larger, ones sometimes have four legs; and some of the younger ones hang on walls. Have you guessed? I'm talking about your televisions. And make no mistake about it: they are monsters. 

Like many things in life, your television isn't inherently bad. It has the potential to provide education and entertainment. The problem is, for most of us, the television has transgressed all proper and constructive boundaries in our homes and lives. Consequently, our conversations, our meals, our study time, our attention spans, our sleep-even our sex lives-have been invaded by this household monster.

 You don't need to throw the baby out with the bath water, but it wouldn't hurt to set some boundaries for our TV use, both for us and for our kids.

- Steve Arterburn

"If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners." - Johnny Carson (1925-2005)

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Burn Out

Burnout

Are you burned out, or in danger of burn out? Has your life gotten so busy that it takes every ounce of energy on a daily basis simply to keep from falling behind? And you're not doing a very good job of that? 

If so, I understand-it's not a good feeling. Like the dilemma of having a tiger by the tail: let it go and it'll gobble you up; hold on and you're in for a wild ride. According to recent polls, the American workforce is burdened by a great deal of stress; 77 percent reported feeling occasional burnout, which, by the way doesn't discriminate by age, gender, or other common groupings. 

The first thing I would recommend this week if you're feeling burnt out is that you honor that commandment about the Sabbath. Take a day where you spend time worshipping God and the rest of the day away from anything close to your daily grind. Take a walk. Go to a park or the beach. Stop receiving input and give your mind a rest. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"Until a man has found God, he begins at no beginning and works to no end." - H. G. Wells (1866-1946)
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Developing Self-Control

Developing Self-Control

Developing self-control will help you tremendously as you seek to follow and become more like Jesus. And what we learn in the Bible is that self-control is both a fruit of the Spirit and a part of a larger progression of spiritual growth. 

Peter, who learned some difficult lessons about self-control himself wrote this: "Your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone." (2 Peter 1:5-7) 

Where are you struggling to exert some self-control? Are you struggling to control your temper with your husband, wife, or kids? Are you struggling to work diligently? Or maybe you work so diligently on the job you feel you're entitled to spend your evenings playing video games, watching TV, or closing the door of communication with your family. Are you having a hard time living without that drink? How about your eating or spending habits? I could go on and on, but I think you catch my drift. 

Self-control is a "fruit" that grows in your life when you cling closely to God, allowing his Spirit to flow through you. As you persevere, God will develop his own character in you, including self-control. And remember, you're not alone. Seek help from your pastor, a wise friend, or a counselor-God has put these people in your life to help you in your efforts to be faithful. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"The greatest strength and wealth is self-control." - Pythagoras (6th century B.C.)

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A Newlife Ministries Devotional: Silencing Unholy Sounds

Silencing Unholy Sounds

You don't need to look very far to find that our culture is bombarded by words-billboards, radio, email, text messaging, internet, television, telephones, the list goes on and on. Some messages are, of course, better than others. Nevertheless, there comes a time when we all need a break from the constant bombardment. 

But how do you find refuge in a world as frenzied as ours? You can't just set up your life in a way that you avoid everything coming at you. Yet it will be good for you to find a way to carve out a time and a place for silence in the midst of the frenzy. 

The Bible tells us to sit still and be silent, and know that God is God. Take a break from the constant chatter of the world. Sit quietly and attentively in God's presence. 

Try it. See if this spiritual discipline doesn't break the power of fear and anxiety in your life. See if it doesn't heighten your awareness of God's presence. See if, in this silence, you can learn to pay less attention to the noise of the world and more attention to what God is trying to say to you. 

Set aside some time this week. Read Psalm 46 slowly and carefully, then sit quietly and let your heart rest in the comforting truth that God is God, and you're not! 

- Steve Arterburn 

"There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it." - Minnie Aumonier (1865-1952)

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From Newlife Ministry: The Blessing of Brokenness

The Blessing of Brokenness

Brokenness is actually a blessing, but too often we're so caught up with wanting to feel better we miss God's best for us. If you're struggling . . . if you feel as if your faith is gone . . . don't miss the blessing that comes with brokenness . . . Here's a story that illustrates what I mean:

There was a young priest who was about to lift the communion cup and bless the cup. It was made of choice crystal. Just when he lifted up the cup, it slipped out of his hand and smashed in pieces onto the floor. He looked up at the senior priest thinking that he would be ridiculed. Instead the senior priest said, "I never knew there were so many beautiful pieces to reflect the light until the cup was broken. How marvelous and beautiful are all the pieces when the light shines on them!"

Like the cup, our broken lives can accentuate the beauty of the light shining through them. For that light is the Lord. What we fear is to be broken or be seen as broken; but as this story illustrates, it is in our brokenness that the light of Christ dazzles-drawing attention to His beauty, and making our lives beautiful as a result. 

And, in the book, Wild at Heart, John Eldredge commented, "But you can't do this at a distance; you can't ask Christ to come into your wound while you remain far from it. You have to go there with him." It's o.k. to be broken; it is in our brokenness that we can bring it to the Lord and experience His touch and healing, and bring hope to our broken heart. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"God can take all the broken pieces and put it back together in a way that is good."- Max Johnson

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Climbing Mount Everest

Every year people die attempting to reach the top of Mt. Everest. Not long ago a man named David Sharp suffered such a fate. What's particularly sad about David, however, is that more than 40 people passed him before he died without offering help. Why? 

Perhaps they didn't want to waste the years of training it took to prepare or maybe they were thinking about the $60,000 cost of the climb. Some were probably intent on conquering the mountain and reaching the top, but that doesn't explain the people who passed David on the way down. Maybe those people thought David was a loser...not worthy to be on the mountain and not worthy of their help. 

Time, money, goals, and pride - these false gods keep us from loving the people in our path. Who are you passing by on your climb to the top of the mountain? What decision will you make next time your neighbor is in need of help? 

- Steve Arterburn 

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. " Mark Twain (1835-1915

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Career Flashpoints

Career Flashpoints

The other day, I was talking to a man about his experience of being fired from his job. After the initial shock had worn off, he grieved for a while, and then he sat around the house and did nothing. Because he had considerable savings, he didn't have to work, so he didn't. Staying home became easier and easier. 

That was ten years ago, and now his savings are depleted. Being fired left him without employment, but his self-imposed sabbatical left him without self-respect. Now he doesn't know what to do with himself. If you lose your job - which a lot of American's are experiencing these days - don't drop out of life. Hang in there. As a matter of fact, this may be an opportunity for what I call a flashpoint. 

Flashpoints are those moments in life when you make a decision that changes everything. And a crossroads moment like the loss of a job offers you the opportunity to make such a decision. Flashpoints are energizing, faith-inducing moments. If you've lost your job, are you thinking of a career change, or know someone who is...think of it as a flashpoint and see what God has in store for you. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"I am not interested in the past. I am interested in the future, for that is where I expect to spend the rest of my life. " - Charles F. Kettering (1876-1958)

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Hiding God's Word

Hiding God's Word

What sorts of things find their way into your heart and mind? If you're exposing yourself to a constant barrage of ungodly words, music, or images, you're not taking full responsibility for your life.You can fill your heart and mind with God's Word, and when you do, you'll create a defense against some of the evil messages the world so frequently sends your way. 

The writer of Psalm 119 declared, "I have tried my best to find you-don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:10-11). "Hiding" God's Word in your heart essentially means memorizing and meditating on the Bible. God uses his Word-the Bible-to speak to you and show you how you ought to live. 

You've been given the responsibility to guard your heart and to keep track of the things you hide inside it. So, what's in there? Anger? Lust? Ugly images from TV, the movies, or the web? Are you harboring bitterness? Greed? Are you envious of others? If you're struggling with these things maybe it's because you have more of the world's wisdom in your heart than the true wisdom of God. 

Are you having a hard time finding God and following his commands? Hiding God's word in your heart will foster spiritual growth by guarding against those things that hurt you and displease God. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me . . . they are cramming for their final." - George Carlin (1937-2008)

Stay Connected

newlife.com

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Being Before Doing

Being Before Doing

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. - Psalm 46:10 

Filling our lives with activity and busyness puts us in dangerous territory. Aside from making us emotionally frazzled and physically exhausted, it's also threatening to make us both intellectually and spiritually deficient. 

I'm not suggesting you live a passive life. Nor am I suggesting there's a dichotomy between being and doing. But I am suggesting there's a priority. Why?

 

- Doing creates and perpetuates the myth that we're in control; being acknowledges that God's in control.  

- Doing commits us to safety; being acknowledges that the Christian life is one of faith-and that means one of risk.  

- Doing engenders spiritual pride; being produces humility.  

- Doing is about correcting behavioral patterns; being is about spiritual renewal through knowing God.  

- Doing is about reactionary response; being is about thoughtfully, prayerfully, and intentionally bringing what the Bible teaches to bear upon every aspect of life.

 What are you "being" as you live your life doing? 

- Steve Arterburn 

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon (1940-1980)

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Banishing fear

From New Life Ministries...

Banishing Fear

When we feel threatened in relationships, we tend to become defensive and guarded. On the other hand, when we feel safe, we're far more willing to be open and vulnerable. This is true of our relationships with other people, and it's also true in our relationship with God. 

The apostle John wrote: "Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that [God's] love has not been perfected in us. We love each other as a result of his loving us first." 

If Jesus hadn't paid the price for our sins on the cross, there would be every reason for fear and defensiveness before a holy God. But, God showed His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins and free us from them. As a result, it's safe to open yourself to God. 

Jesus has his arms wide open, calling you to come and receive His love. Could there be anything better? His love is real, and waiting to embrace you. His love is ready to transform you and drive the fear from your heart. God is love, and He shows Himself to you in and through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

When you open yourself to God's love, you'll become open to seeing the truth about God and yourself-and you'll no longer need to be afraid. 

- Steve Arterburn 

"Never take counsel of your fears." - Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863)

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Where do you place the Risen Christ in your life?

What do you do with the Risen Christ?

The Church of my childhood has chosen to "upstage" a beautiful Risen Christ cross which has hung above the altar since the 1950s. They are reinstalling a window that was taken out at that time for the installation of this cross.   They have stated that the Risen Christ cross will remain in the church. They are now trying to figure out how best to place it.

That got me thinking... Where do I place the Risen Christ in my life?

Where do you place the Risen Christ in your life?

Bearing each other's burdens...

This is from Steve Arturburn of New Life Ministries:

Bearing Each Other's Burdens

We are called to walk alongside others on the journey of discipleship. We serve our brothers and sisters by helping them stay on or return to the path of faithfulness. And we also serve them by making sure we continue in faithfulness. Self-neglect and irresponsibility impose an unfair burden on your brother and sister in Christ, because they're responsible to help you. The body of Christ is not a place of self-sufficiency. It's time we quit believing those lies we've been listening to for so long. The Christian faith is not each person looking out for him or herself. Nor is it the survival of the fittest.

The body of Christ is a place of interdependency. When you share the troubles and problems of others, you're fulfilling the law of love. Our burdens bring us together! As you call on others to help you bear your burdens, you will find your love and appreciation growing. Your weaknesses call forth other's strengths. And when others call on you, you have the opportunity to be an agent of God's mercy and grace, looking for nothing in return.

Do you know someone who is under a heavy burden at this time? What practical way can you come alongside that person and help him or her bear it? Prayerfully consider what God may be calling you to do, then step forward and do it.

- Steve Arterburn

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." - Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

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How do we protect ourselves from ourselves?

Recently, someone who I've known professionally has been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.  I can't and won't speak of the specifics of this exact case other than to say that I never would have suspected this person of being in this situation.

Whenever I've heard reports of some adult being accused, it is always an adult I've never met and probably never will meet.  This changed when the person I know was accused.  I was left asking myself this question:

How do we protect ourselves from ourselves?

Recent laws calling on everyone to be a mandatory reporter...

Three different background checks...

No less than two unrelated adults in a room at a time with young people...

Installing windows in solid doors...

Wherever possible, providing separate bathrooms for adults and young people and separate sleeping and shower facilities for overnight settings...

These are all good ways to reduce the chance that something inappropriate will happen but...

It's not THE answer.

These "answers" are almost the equivalent of putting skin cream on a rash when the source of the illness is in the heart.

When our society decides to get back to teaching and modeling moral behavior, we'll see a reversal in these inappropriate relationships.

For people who prefer short blogs...

Hurt people hurt people.
Be a healer, not a hurter.

God hears your heart sing...

God doesn't hear your voice sing. 

God hear's your heart sing.

I heard this statement on Saturday night when Cindee and I went to a concert at Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting.  It got me thinking...

When I sing a hymn or any Christian song, my voice is singing.  That's obvious.  Is my heart singing?  Hmm...

See Psalm 30:12

He's caused to much trouble. I'd prefer that he not come to youth group.

"He's caused to much trouble.

I'd prefer that he not come to youth group."

How many of us in youth ministry have heard this from your supervisor/pastor and/or said it under your own breath?  Chances are, you have.  I know I have.  The next thing you know, that poorly behaving young person has been removed or has picked up on the vibe that he's not wanted and away he goes never to enter the group again.

We, or the powers that be, may be releaved to know that the troublemaker is gone. For the health of the group, that may be a good thing. But wait... You are not running a group. You are, or should be, leading a ministry!  

That young person who's causing so much trouble needs the ministry that you offer more than you may realize. His behavior is a result of his issues and his issues need your ministry!

It may be best that he not attend ministry gatherings until his behavior improves. That does not mean that you don't concern yourself with his welfare. Find a way to minister to his needs and that of his family. You'll need other adults working with you and him in the process for a couple of reasons, the most critical of which to realize is that you can't minister to everyone. Find godly people who can walk alongside this troubled young person and help him carry his burden and then be healed from it. To do any less is to be a group leader and not a minister of God's church. 

Dad

aka: The Reverend Edward W. Battin

June 20, 1925

Had he not gone home on January 7th, 2008, 

he would be 90 years old today.

Click here to visit a page dedicated to him.

Rediscovery 

Rediscovery seems to be my "mode" these days.  Having made a major change in our spiritual journey, Cindee and I are on a new and wonderful path.  I'll be saying more about this in time.  Well, I guess I will.  This blog stuff is new to me and I'm not sure why I'm doing it.  I guess I'll discover why...  in time...