FIND A NEED AND FILL IT

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

FIND A NEED AND FILL IT

(Luke 10:33) But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.

When I read success stories I find that many times a person was offering a product that nobody else was offering. The person saw a need and filled that need. It became a hit and they became a winner. I've had so many ideas for inventions and they usually come because I saw a need that nobody was addressing. I've told myself that one day I'll have time to submit my idea and patent it. But I guess I wait too long because somebody comes along and steals my inspiration!

Here's one idea I hope to patent one day. It would be a replacement for the foil over a hot potato. I burn my hand every time trying to peal it off. I tell myself that one day I'm going to solve this problem and invent a new way to keep the potato warm and still keep my skin intact! Those guys up in Idaho need a guy like me in California. By the way, if you beat me to it that's okay. You just have to tithe 10% of all profits to the ministry! (Just kidding!!)

Many Christians make the will of God so complicated. They say that until God puts something into their lap they aren't going to do anything. But if you think about it, ministry is all around us. We make it so formal that we lose sight of the needs right here and now. While we're looking for a sign in the sky we overlook the sigh in the street. We're waiting for an invitation but bypass the devastation. As we wait for a pitch we fail to scratch an itch. And that could be the discovery of a new niche!

You know the story of the good Samaritan. A guy was mugged and left for dead. The priest and the Levite saw the need and took a detour. Then a despised Samaritan came by and saw the victim and had compassion on him. He responded by getting involved. He gave time and treasure without measure. He got the job done while the religious folk were concerned about getting to church on time. (1 John 3:18) My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Do you want God to use you? Then what are you waiting for? There are needs all around you. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see what He wants you to see. Then take a step of faith and watch what God will do! You can't meet every need present but you can address yourself to those needs that present themselves.

You have so much to offer. You know the Lord. You are filled with the knowledge of His Word. Compassion is in your heart. Don't be a wasted resources. It would be a shame to do nothing because you are unsure or are afraid. (Luke 12:48) ...For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. There is a hurting person who needs a helping hand. How do we get the two of you together? Pray! (Mat 9:36-38) But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Don't be like me who keeps saying one day I'll submit my hot potato wrapper idea. Get out there now and serve the Lord. Quit waiting for a phone call and follow the call of God for your life. Praise the Lord...and pass the potatoes!!

Louie

ANNIVERSARY OF ROE v WADE

Just a heads up that yesterday (January 22) was the 37th anniversary of Roe v Wade in which abortion was legalized in our nation. Please review the following Shepherd to Sheep and let's keep praying for rights of the unborn!

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

ABORTION

(Psa 139:15) My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Each year 1.5 million babies are aborted per year in America. That’s about 4,000 babies per day since 1973. If you do the math, you will grieve in your heart. And you know what gets me? How the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade is about the same time we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Now that’s hypocritical to me. You celebrate civil rights for each American citizen and then celebrate a woman’s right to choose to take away the fundamental right of the unborn who cannot speak for themselves. Double-standard! Hello . . . anybody inside that brain??

It truly is unreasonable how America views abortion. People say it’s just a fetus and not a real person. Again, reasoning breaks down here. You mean to tell me that if you want the child, then it’s a person? And if you made a boo-boo and got pregnant and you weren’t ready for that, then it’s now just tissue, instead of Timmy or Tina? Doesn’t make sense to me. But then I think of the how the Bible says that there would be that reprobate mind in people who don’t know the Lord and they would throw reasoning to the wind for their own convenience and immoral choices (Romans 1:28).

I think the basic argument over abortion is this: When does life begin? At conception? At birth? Somewhere in-between? Listen to what the Bible teaches:

• (Psa 139:13 16) For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. {14} I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. {15} My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. {16} Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

• (Psa 51:5) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

Look at these scriptures and see God’s intimate knowledge and observation of a child in the womb. Then look at how David said that the human nature of his parents was passed down to him at conception.

An American law doesn’t mean that it is right! We must compare that law to the law of God. God will require of this generation the blood of the unborn: (Gen 4:10) And He said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground." When the prophets walked the land of Israel they cried out against the iniquities of the land very specifically and forcefully. What would a Jeremiah say today as he walked the streets of major American city? The topic of abortion would no doubt be on his lips along with many other injustices in the land.


Christian, say a prayer now for our country and beg God’s forgiveness and mercy. Let’s cry out to God for the little babies that are whisked away in a mute and sterile and legal holocaust each and every day. How can we be patriotic and say “God bless America” when the silent scream of these children are rising to God every moment of every day in this land of freedom? May God hear our prayer and may the unborn be granted the inbred right to see the light of day and the born (you and I) to see the glory of God covering our nation once again.

Louie

EXHAUSTION

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

EXHAUSTION

(Judges 8:4) ...exhausted but still in pursuit.

First you were tired. Then it was constant fatigue. Finally exhaustion set in. You became good for nothing. You knew it was coming. Keeping up that pace was bound to catch up with you. Then when the unexpected hit it pushed you over the edge. You then became edgy. But you were too tired to care. You function when you must but the rest of the time is a bust. You've got so much to do and it makes you more tired to even think about it. All you can think about is your bed...sleep...couch...movies...pajamas...candy bars...and all the above in Hawaii if you had the strength to get on a plane!

Our fast paced society has led many to exhaustion. Just think about it. The constant bombardment of responsibilities, schedules, appointments, and obligations. Then add on the tension of technology. Nice to have but messages are constantly coming in that you have to answer. There's no down time. No getting away for a breather. It's that constant sense of being "on." All the excitement of the fast paced life was fun at first and it can be thrilling to live on the wild side. But then it gets old quick and makes you want to check out. There's a constant underlying depression and sense of failure added to it due to feeling like you can never measure up to the demands.

The apostle Paul hit that place in his life. Listen to him describe it: (2 Cor 1:8-11) For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, 11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. Yes Paul, that seemingly indefatigable warrior for the Lord, became exhausted and even felt he was going to die!

But notice how Paul saw purpose in his exhaustion. He learned that when he is overwhelmed and exhausted he was not to trust in himself and his depleted resources. He was to trust in God who raises the dead. (He probably said that because he felt like he was as good as dead!) He then said that God was constantly delivering him. What confidence he had in the Lord even in his exhaustion! Then he got people to pray for him that he might continue on in his calling and that others would be blessed by his efforts. Paul was always looking up and out even when he felt like caving in.

Gideon and his men faced exhaustion in their pursuit of the Midianites (Judg 6-8). But I like how it says they were exhausted but still in pursuit. That means they didn't give up. They expected the Lord to come through for them so they could finish the task that had been assigned to them. (Isa 40:31) But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. As Gideon and his men kept on they became hungry. (Judg 8:5) Then he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted...” The bread is the Word of God (Deut 8:3) and is Jesus Himself (John 6:35). God's promises sustain us and Jesus will maintain us!

When you can rest...take it! But when you can't the Lord will be your rest. Somehow and in some way you will find the strength you need to carry on one more time for one more day...His way! Let's fight on!!

Louie

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT TITHING?

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

TITHING

(2 Cor 9:7) So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

A lot of Christians have questions about tithing. How much should we give to the Lord? Is it a strict 10% or are there other principles to guide us? We all would like to give more to the Lord but we have bills to pay, etc. What should be our attitude on Christian giving?

We know from the Old Testament that God’s people did tithe (“tithe “means 10% in the Hebrew) to the Lord. But putting it all together it looks like there were three tithes of the people! There was the required LEVITICAL TITHE for the Levites (Num. 18) and this was also called the “the Lord’s “ tithe (Lev. 27:30). This supplied the needs of the Levites who served God. Secondly there was the FESTIVAL TITHE which was used for the temple and the great feasts of Jehovah (Deu. 12). Then every third year was the POOR TITHE (Deu. 14:28) which went to the poor and needy in the community. These three tithes were required giving and equaled almost 25% of the annual income of the people of God and were more like the taxes of the land. Then added to this were the freewill offerings of the people that the Bible talks so much about (Exodus 35; Lev. 22:18; Deu. 12:6; 2 Chr. 31:14; Ezra 1:4; etc.).

But we live under the New Testament and are not under the law and need to know what the principles of New Testament giving are. The departments of giving are the same . . . required giving and freewill offerings. The required giving would be to the government by paying our taxes (Romans 13:1-7; Mat. 22:21) and the freewill offerings would be offerings to the Lord with the percentage amount placed upon our heart from the Lord. We are not bound by the tithe but there are three principles that give us guidance in our Christian giving. We are to give:

1) Generously - (2 Cor 9:6) But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. We need to walk the way Jesus walked (1 John 2:6) and that would be giving generously as He did (John 3:16). All our money belongs to God anyway and our giving shows the level of trust we have in God to supply all our needs. But what about if you don’t have much to give? The Bible teaches that we are to give according to our ability (Acts 11:29) but it also models sacrificial giving such as the widow who gave her last two mites (Mark 12:41-43; 2 Sam. 24:24; 2 Cor. 8:1-3). God gave sacrificially through Christ and true love is always displayed in it’s sacrificial nature.

2) Cheerfully - (2 Cor 9:7) So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. Did you know the word for “cheerful” in this verse is from the Greek word “hilaros” from where we get our English word “hilarious”? That means when we drop that gift in the offering bag or that check in the Agape box or send that special offering to that missionary, we are to do it not grudgingly or by compulsion but with “knee-slapping” joy in the Lord!

May these principles guide you into investing your money in the kingdom of the Lord. May God help us all to be good stewards of His money (1 Cor. 4:1-2), to make wise and prayerful purchases, and to invest the rest into the Bank of Heaven “... where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mat 6:20 21)

Louie

HAITI EARTHQUAKE DISASTER RELIEF

There are many good organizations that are currently giving aide to victims of the earthquake in Haiti. But if you are looking to give but don't know where to send your donation, please consider the evangelical Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse (Franklin Graham). You may donate online at www.samaritanspurse.org or by phone at 1-800-528-1980. To give by mail, please send donations to: Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000. God bless you as you give! (Gal 2:10) ... remember the poor...

REALITY OF RACISM

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

REALITY OF RACISM

(Acts 17:26) And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth...

When you look at the strife and wars that nations and societies face, so much of it is caused by the reality of racial discrimination. Just because the color of the skin is different there is a fear and suspicion developed that leads back to a person's or a group's pride and insecurity. To feel better about themselves they have to put down another group. It's as old as the bully in grade school. But racism has a greater consequence than being bullied by Big Bubba in the school hallway.

The Bible says we are all from one blood. That means that we all are related back to Adam and Eve. In the book of Genesis we see that there was the eventual migration of peoples. Perhaps over time physical adaptation and genetic mutation took place in people groups and thus accounts for skin color and distinctive physical features. These people groups formed communities, languages, and lifestyles that were unique to themselves. But the same blood that flowed through our parents in the garden still flows through us all as a world community.

It's the pride of man that says he is better than someone else. And racism is just one way man manifests his conceit. Racism stems from an unchecked sinful heart (Jer 17:9) and is also learned from others (1 Pet 1:18). Racism can be personal or corporate. It can lie hidden under the surface or it can manifest itself into all out genocide. It flies in the face of scripture that actually teaches us to esteem others better than ourselves (Phil 2:3). (That almost sounds like reverse racism on oneself!)

God had a dream for us to all be one. (Gal 3:28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. What would be the glue that would hold us all together in a common bond? (Col 3:14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. God's agape love in a person's heart sees no racial, social, or gender distinctions. The only disgrace is the fallen race...not any particular race. When a person is born again they get a new heart (Eze 36:26) and become new creatures in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). They can now love as Christ taught us to love and demonstrated from the cross.

Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. He spoke it out on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. His "I Have a Dream" speech is credited with mobilizing supporters of desegregation and prompted the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The next year, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. We've come a long way since then. And to see the day we would have our first president of African-American descent! But the reality of racism is still in the world today and the fight against prejudice and bigotry will continue.

But may we console ourselves that racism will one day be eliminated from our existence? (Rev 5:9-10) And they sang a new song, saying: “ You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” Just think of it. One day we will all be around the throne of God from all backgrounds in perfect unity. But notice, the aspect of diversity will still be a distinctive even in the heavenly scene. But it all ties back to redemption. Through the blood of Christ we can all be redeemed and return to the universal reality of being one blood! Let's be different without causing a difference because Jesus makes a difference!

Louie

MISSION'S CONFERENCE 2010

The Mission's Conference was awesome this week. It was at the Calvary Chapel Murrieta Hot Springs Conference Center and was from Monday through Thursday. Missionaries came in from all over the world for this annual conference. Cheryl and I attended all week and saw many of our GO! missionaries as well as met some new missionaries. Pastor Chuck was not able to make it due to his recovery from his stroke but Brian Broderson was there as well as many other missionary speakers who encouraged us all in the Lord. What a privilege to be able to attend!

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(Rom 1:12) that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

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THE FAITH ZONE

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

THE FAITH ZONE

(Eph 6:16) above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

The question is often asked, "What would you take with you if your house caught on fire?" Some immediately say their pets. Some refer to their valuables. Still others will make mention of their pictures and keepsakes. It's good to think about in case there was an emergency. But Paul basically said that before you leave home make sure you have your shield of faith!

When Paul was in prison the Lord gave him the analogy of the Christian being dressed in the armor of God as a Roman soldier is outfitted for battle. He goes on and describes the various pieces to put on as we fight against those spiritual forces of wickedness (Eph 6:10-18). Every piece is important but then he says "above all" in verse 16. What would that above all piece of armor be? It's the shield of faith. It's like Paul is saying if there was a fire and your armor was in the closet (I guess we should even sleep in it!) and you could only take one piece...make sure you select the shield of faith.

Why is this shield of faith so important? Because with it we will quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. You see, the Roman shield was oblong and about four feet long so if you crouched your entire body would be protected. It was overlaid with linen and leather to absorb fiery arrows. The stratagem of the enemy was to light their arrows on fire and shoot them off rapidly one after another. The victim's shield would light on fire and the soldier would then cast the shield away exposing him to that final and fatal projectile.

Brothers and sisters...you and I have to stay in the "faith zone." That means that at all times it is essential to have our shield of faith with us because Satan is constantly barraging us with his darts of doubt and arrows of alarm...his bullets of bleakness and his rockets of reality...his spears of fears and his missiles of menace. Satan's minions will strike at any time. Maybe when you're leaving church or right after your devotions. It could be when you're shopping at the grocery store or when you're falling asleep. It could be when you're online or in the line. Perhaps it's that person you're dealing with. As Paul said many times we are not dealing with personalities but principalities (Eph 6:12).

I love the faith zone. It tells me to believe God no matter what! Even if life is crazy and things are going wrong and are out of control. Don't worry. Don't try to figure it out. Refuse to yield to anxiety or discouragement. It's like the pilot who has to navigate his plane by his instruments and not by what he sees outside the window. He mustn't go by his feelings or he will lose control of his vessel and plunge to the ground. And did you know the faith zone is not in your head but in your heart? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." (Pro 3:5)

Do you remember the disciples who were freaking out on the boat in the Galilean storm? Where was Jesus? He was sleeping down in the hull! They woke Jesus up in a panic. Jesus stilled the storm and then said to them, "Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25) That means they could of stayed in the faith zone. (Jesus probably went back to sleep!)

Guaranteed peace in all circumstances awaits you. Take up your shield of faith and live in the faith zone!

Louie

RUNNING THE CHRISTIAN RACE

Here are some verses about running the Christian race from our midweek study. May they inspire you to keep in the race for our Lord as it will soon be over and your reward lies with Him!

• (1 Cor 9:24-27) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

• (Phil 2:16) holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

• (Phil 3:13-14) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
• (2 Tim 2:5) And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

• (2 Tim 4:7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

• (Heb 12:1-2) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

It's the new year and it's time to get into the Word! Want to know where to start? Take the pastor Louie challenge and start from the beginning and read through the whole Bible in a year! This program averages three chapters a day at the rate of twelve minutes a day. Just think of it...this time next year you would have read through the whole Bible. Print out the handy guide from our resources tab and keep it in the flyleaf of your Bible.

This year let's get the spiritual muscle that we're going to need for all that lies ahead in 2010!

1 John 2:14 ...I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you,And you have overcome the wicked one.