New Year Refocus

The Christmas season is so fun and crazy...and a total departure from "regular life".  The regular routine of life is pretty much out the window for most of us!  You stay up late - talking, playing games, watching movies - with relatives, friends...then go to bed (usually in the guest room or on the pull-out couch)...then wake up, after sleeping in late, and eat an incredible amount of fattening food all day long.  There are always plenty of emotions to tap into when you're with family you don't see very often.  Someone's usually annoyed or frustrated because of someone else, the kids are usually loud and easily bored, and it's difficult to remember what day it is because things are so "not normal".  Hopefully there are also wonderful family moments, warm hugs to share, and maybe even a few sentimental words exchanged.

And I look forward to the crazy wonderful chaos of it all every year!  But now that's it's winding down, I am really looking forward to a week to refocus and "start fresh".  I am looking forward to the week of prayer and fasting more than ever this year.  I don't know if you've ever set aside time for fasting before, but here are a few reasons why I enjoy this time (even though it's very difficult at the same time).

• The end of the year usually seems to end with lots of disorganization (for the reasons I mentioned in the first paragraph).  So after the new year begins, I am SO ready to get refocused.  I don't really buy into the whole New Year Resolution thing, but I do believe that it's important to take time to evaluate where you are, where you'd like to go, and how you think you'll get there.  I think that the perfect time to do that is while you're fasting!  Your body is cleansing itself of impurity - what better time to allow your mind to be washed by the Holy Spirit?  There's a certain spiritual clarity that comes when you commit yourself to a fast.
• Don't allow your fear of having wrong motives stop you from fasting.  Something I hear from a lot of people about fasting is that they are afraid they're doing it for the wong reasons.  Like "I like losing weight, I feel like I'm being more 'spiritual', I'm going to try to convince God to do something for me..."  Those are all things we've all thought about.  I've decided in the last couple of years that I'm not going to let those things stop me from developing a spiritual discipline that Jesus Himself practiced!  Yes, I think I will struggle at times with having right motives while I'm fasting.  I think that's part of the struggle between the spirit and the flesh.  But instead of giving up, I'm going to talk to God about it (He already knows), and ask Him to help me grow in faith so that my motives come into line with His will.  Developing a discipline is always a good idea!  You may waffle a bit in why you're doing it, but it will be another weapon in your spiritual arsenal...and when you get stuck in a difficult place, you will be glad it's there.
• I don't want to just keep trudging along in life.  I know that God has guided my life and will continue to do so.  But I'm serious when I say I want to see Him do something HUGE here.  I think there are a lot of amazing stories that He's waiting to write, but He's waiting on us to be ready.  We get too caught up with just trying to make our life better that we miss some incredible opportunities to impact others for the Kingdom of God!  Wouldn't it be awesome to see a great move of God in our community?  Like to see people crammed into a church service because they just can't wait to see what God is going to do next?  Maybe it won't look like I imagine it - but I know God desires to see an epic revival - even in little old South Dakota.  :o)  On whatever scale (large or small) it might be, I want to see God's Spirit move among us...and I want to do whatever my part of that might be.  From what I see in the Word, Jesus said that His followers will fast when they're seeking His return.  I'M READY!!! 
• Good death practice.  Paul says that we have to die daily as we walk this Christian life.  Fasting is definitely dying to the fleshly appetites.  By telling your body NO, you are setting aside the natural desires and appetites, and asking the Lord to fill you with supernatural nourishment.  We ALL need more of this.  If you really want to see your loved ones come to know Christ, if you really want to see your school or workplace filled with believers, if you really want to find God's purpose for your life...then this is a great time to put more of you to death.  Less of me, more of Him. 

I'd like to challenge you to go a step farther in your fasting this year.  We are fasting together as a church - to seek God's direction for us.  If you have no other reason to fast - that's your reason!  We are only as effective as we are surrendered to the will of our Heavenly Father.  Without His direction and the fuel of the Holy Spirit, we are just running in place here.  Working hard - but not going anywhere. 

Payton shared this story with me - brave choice!

There is this new girl in school and she is a freshman like me. She came from Beverly Hills so alot of people are and were jealous of her (which I have to admit I was jealous as well) but she started hanging out with the "preps" so basically people just talked behind her back. Well today in P.E. class, all of the "preps" left during SRP time (extended class period) to go do gift wrapping so I starting thinking "you know you should go sit by her; how would u feel". So I told my friends that I was going to go sit by her and they thought I was weird for having the idea. So I ignored them and went and sat by her. And right then I felt something inside of me telling myself, wow good job for standing out. So we talking and my friends actually ended up coming over to sit with both of us. I was very prould especially when I saw the expression on her face telling me that she was very thankful that I would be such a nice friend. It was very nerve racking to know how she would react since I didn't know her to well.

Pastor Annette says, "That something inside her was the Holy Spirit! And being obedient to that was so rewarding for her. Thanks Payton for sharing that...so proud of you!"

Subject: Hi Dad (email forward)

After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table..

As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor. 'He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him. The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes... He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.' The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell.'

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of every little sin, some that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.' When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'Hi, Dad,' and then He turned to address the court.' Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wages of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.'

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.' My Lord continued with, 'His name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from Me..Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.' As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done..''I've done it all.'

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips..' This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. 'Case dismissed.'

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one.' I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?' Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full~'

HAPPY EASTER

Story from Wednesday night

AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP,WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING.

IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE. WITH THAT, AN ELDERLY MAN STEPPED UP TO THE PULPIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK.

'A FATHER, HIS SON, AND A FRIEND OF HIS SON WERE SAILING OFF THE PACIFIC COAST ,' HE BEGAN. 'WHEN A FAST APPROACHING STORM BLOCKED ANYATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO THE SHORE. THE WAVES WERE SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH THE FATHER WAS AN EXPERIENCED SAILOR, HE COULD NOT KEEP THE BOAT UPRIGHT AND THE THREE WERE SWEPT INTO THE OCEAN AS THE BOAT CAPSIZED.'

THE OLD MAN HESITATED FOR A MOMENT, MAKING EYE CONTACT WITH TWO TEENAGERS WHO WERE, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE SERVICE BEGAN, LOOKING SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN HIS STORY.

THE AGED MINISTER CONTINUED WITH HIS STORY, 'GRABBING A RESCUE LINE, THE FATHER HAD TO MAKE THE MOST EXCRUCIATING DECISION OF HIS LIFE: TO WHICH BOY WOULD HE THROW THE OTHER END OF THE LIFE LINE. HE ONLY HAD SECONDS TO MAKE THE DECISION. THE FATHER KNEW THAT HIS SON WAS A CHRISTIAN AND HE ALSO KNEW THAT HIS SON'S FRIEND WAS NOT. THE AGONY OF HIS DECISION COULD NOT BE MATCHED BY THE TORRENT OF WAVES. AS THE FATHER YELLED OUT, 'I LOVE YOU, SON!' HE THREW OUT THE LIFE LINE TO HIS SON'S FRIEND.

BY THE TIME THE FATHER HAD PULLED THE FRIEND BACK TO THE CAPSIZED BOAT, HIS SON HAD DISAPPEARED BENEATH THE RAGING SWELLS INTO THE BLACK OF NIGHT. HIS BODY WAS NEVER RECOVERED.

BY THIS TIME, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE SITTING UP STRAIGHT IN THE PEW, ANXIOUSLY WAITING FOR THE NEXT WORDS TO COME OUT OF THE OLD MINISTER'S MOUTH. 'THE FATHER,' HE CONTINUED, 'KNEW HIS SON WOULD STEP INTO ETERNITY WITH JESUS AND HE COULD NOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF HIS SON'S FRIEND STEPPING INTO AN ETERNITY WITHOUT JESUS. THEREFORE, HE SACRIFICED HIS SON TO SAVE THE SON'S FRIEND.

'HOW GREAT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT HE SHOULD DO THE SAME FOR US. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SACRIFICED HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WE COULD BE SAVED. I URGE YOU TO ACCEPT HIS OFFER TO RESCUE YOU AND TAKE A HOLD OF THE LIFE LINE HE IS THROWING OUT TO YOU IN THIS SERVICE.'

WITH THAT, THE OLD MAN TURNED AND SAT BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR AS SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM. THE PASTOR AGAIN WALKED SLOWLY TO THE PULPIT AND DELIVERED A BRIEF SERMON WITH AN INVITATION AT THE END. HOWEVER, NO ONE RESPONDED TO THE APPEAL.

WITHIN MINUTES AFTER THE SERVICE ENDED, THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE AT THE OLD MAN'S SIDE. 'THAT WAS A NICE STORY,' POLITELY STATED ONE OF THEM, 'BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS VERY REALISTIC FOR A FATHER TO GIVE UP HIS ONLY SON'S LIFE IN HOPES THAT THE OTHER BOY WOULD BECOME A CHRISTIAN.

'WELL, YOU'VE GOT A POINT THERE,' THE OLD MAN REPLIED, GLANCING DOWN AT HIS WORN BIBLE. A BIG SMILE BROADENED HIS NARROW FACE. HE ONCE AGAIN LOOKED UP AT THE BOYS AND SAID, 'IT SURE ISN'T VERY REALISTIC, IS IT? BUT,I'M STANDING HERE TODAY TO TELL YOU THAT STORY GIVES ME A GLIMPSE OF WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE FOR GOD TO GIVE UP HIS SON FOR ME.

YOU SEE...I WAS THAT FATHER AND YOUR PASTOR IS MY SON'S FRIEND.'

I've heard so much...

I've heard SO many things over the last week that my brain can hardly digest it all. So here are the highlights...

• I can't convince someone else that being extraordinary should be part of being a Christian. But if I live an extraordinary life for Christ...maybe they will see that and accept the challenge themselves! So where do I start?
• Greatness and success are two very different things. One is Kingdom driven and one is self driven.
• Everything that matters in this life begins with family.
• Love and infatuation look remarkably similar...for a while. But time and trial will reveal what's true.
• It is a sin to be good if God has called us to be great.

If I took time to elaborate on all these things now, I'd never get anything else done. So let those tidbits intrigue you for a while.

I can't wait to hear from STUDENTS on this blog! Who will be first???