EMPTY CHAIRS AT CHURCH

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

EMPTY CHAIRS AT CHURCH

(Heb 10:25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

As we gather to worship our King

Around the room is a curious thing

Not only do we see who’s there

But scattered about is that empty chair 

What causes a seat be lone?

Is someone sick or depressed at home?

Did they stay up late or are sleeping in?

Are they losing their fire because of some sin? 

Now Bobby’s got a decent reason

He’s on vacation, it’s hunting season

And Joe, he’s on a business trip

It’s just a week, that’s why he skipped 

The Jones’ we haven’t seen in awhile

He got that raise, they’re up in style

And the Williams, if I heard it right

Have soccer so their time is tight 

Max and Sarah aren’t getting along

How can they sit and sing a song?

Jose and Mary they’re all tied up

Working on their house and stuff 

A game’s on TV, a political debate

I’m pressed for time, I don’t want to be late

A garden to plant, and bills to pay

Maybe we’ll go some other day

Lord, I can see that empty chair

Fill them up so all can be here

Revival, Lord, is what we need

Hear our prayer in all due speed 

Louie

PEOPLE PLEASING

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

PEOPLE PLEASING

(Gal 1:10) For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Are you a people pleaser? Do you have a hard time saying no to others? Do you feel it’s your responsibility to make everyone happy around you? Do you make decisions to please people that you regret later? Then it looks like you may be a people pleaser for sure! Why do some have this tendency and how can a person overcome this weakness? Well, like anything else we struggle with the solution is in the Bible. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say.

In the book of Acts the disciples were told to not preach any more in the name of Jesus. That didn’t set right with them as they were told by Jesus to go everywhere and preach the gospel (Acts 16:15). So this is how they replied: But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29) Don’t you love it? They had the capacity to say no to others and yes to what they knew was right. How did they do it? Where did their strength come from? Their boldness came from the desire to please God rather than man.

Jesus said something quite amazing: (John 8:29) And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” May that be the desire of every follower of Christ! To always please the Lord and not to please man. But it’s interesting when we please the Lord then it also trickles down into our relationships. (Pro 16:7) When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. But in between the time people will get mad that you didn’t do what they wanted. But eventually you just may gain their respect because you stood for what was right when you were under pressure to do the opposite.

It is deep in many of us to be liked. No one wants to be rejected. So in that desire to be accepted we may go a little too far in pleasing people. This inclination could lead us to compromise our values and do things we never set out to do (Pro 29:25). It could lead to burnout because we say yes to everything and fail to pray about it (Josh 9:14). It surely leads to frustration because we find ourselves living for the approval of others when our goal is to live for Christ and His commendation. (John 12:43) for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

When are we going to learn that we are not responsible for other people’s happiness? They have to rely upon God for that. When we people please we are taking over God’s job! No wonder this way of living wipes us out. Yes, we are to serve others as our Lord taught us but we are not their savior. When we people please really no one is pleased…including God, ourselves, and even that other person. So let’s please the Lord because that is so pleasing!

Louie

POLITICAL DEBATES

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

POLITICAL DEBATES

(2 Tim 2:24) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

It’s crazy how things can get before an election.  The political rhetoric and mudslinging can get out of control.  This is the juncture where a lot of people get so upset over politics and the state of affairs in the government with the issues that are in the forefront.  It can get crass as people go for the jugular.  It’s because things have hit a nerve.  And when a nerve is touched there is an instant “ouch!”  You lash out at the cause of the pain.  People can only take so much and then there will be an outcry.

There are a few things to keep in mind when things amp up politically and we feel that sense of justice against inequity.  First, we must realize that the Lord is in control.  God appoints leaders as He seems fit.  (Rom 13:1) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. You may have heard it said that God puts leaders in control that we deserve!  (Pro 29:2) When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 

Take a look at Bible history.  We find that God used ungodly nations to bless as well as harass Israel.  It all depended if they were in line with God’s commandments or not. (1 Kings 11:14; 2 Chr 36:22-23).  Then as we get into the New Testament we find that God used Cesar over a tax issue to get the child Jesus from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy! (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-7)  The plan of God will get worked out no matter who is in office!  (Pro 21:1) The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Remember who is King of kings and Lord of lords!! (Rev 19:16) 

These are the last days.  God’s people need to realize that in these dark times God will take care of us and our loved ones.  His covering hand will be with us and then Jesus will come to take us home!  Until then we are protected and provided for through His loving oversight of our lives.  Yes, we should be concerned and do what we can in the political process, but remember that this world is not our home.  We’re just passing through!  (Phil 3:20)  For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  The world’s not going to be right until Jesus reigns!  (Hab 2:14) For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Based upon this we can be at peace and not get caught up in argumentation based out of frustration.  No one is in control except Jesus!  He’s got the whole world in His hands!!  Now we can dialog with others with peace in our hearts and we can disagree without losing our temper and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).  It’s a fallen world but not for long!  Maranatha!!

Louie

DO ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD?

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

DO ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD?

When you go somewhere you’ve never been before you usually look on a map or get online directions. You find that there are more ways than one to get there. You take into consideration the mileage, etc. and you finally make your decision. In ancient days they had a saying that all roads lead to Rome. If you got lost you would eventually see a sign that said Rome was this particular way. Is that the way it is with God? Do all roads lead to Him? Can you choose from any path and will it eventually end at His doorstep? That’s a good question and many people are asking that in their hearts even if they don’t seek it out practically.

There is a common voice out there in our world that says all roads do lead to God. The world is more united than it used to be. We can thank modern travel and the internet mostly for that. People are coming together like never before. There is a respect for not only diversity but also a cry for unity. Within that openness is a respect for each other's beliefs and world-view. In the desire to become one there is also that tendency to join in the voice that says all roads lead to God and that though religions are different they all are a vehicle to a common destination. That might be a good-feeling statement but is it true?

Jesus had been talking about heaven and His coming again to take His disciples there. His disciple Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:5-6) He said He was the only way to the Father. That's pretty exclusive. He said elsewhere that His road would not be popular. (Mat 7:13-14) "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. [14] Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

After Jesus' departure from earth and return to His Father, His disciple's proclaimed the message that only one road leads to God and that road is Jesus alone: (Acts 4:12) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." So today if we bend to the notion that all roads lead to God we would be distancing ourselves from what Jesus and His followers taught.

To get to my house I can give you many different choices because our southern California freeways are so extensive. But to get to God's house you have to go through His Son Jesus. You might say that's elite and limited but to me it's simple. I like simple. Don't give into the prevalent spirit of the day that says to embrace all. You might ruffle some feathers but speak the truth in love. (Eph 4:15). We’re not out for some popularity contest. Salvation is serious business. Sometimes the truth hurts but it would hurt more if we gave people wrong directions and they ended up being lost forever!

Louie

THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING!

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING! 

(Mat 25:6) “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 

Oh how fun it has been to anticipate my daughter Lindsay’s wedding to Jonas.  In just two weeks they will be married!  It’s been an exciting time for our family for sure.  But the anticipation of Jonas coming from his home country Sweden has built up an expectation that was only fulfilled by his arriving at the airport just a few days ago.  How excited she was to dash off to greet him.  Now they will be together always.  No more long distance relationship.  No more of that agonizing longing.  No more separation!    Together as one!! 

That’s how it is with the body of Christ as we look for the coming of our Lord to take us home to be with Him!  (Phil 3:20) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  (Titus 2:13) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.  You see, we are called the bride of Christ in scripture.  (Rev 21:9)…“Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”  (Rev 22:17) And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”…  In the Song of Solomon this is beautifully and prophetically played out between Solomon and his bride.  Paul also uses this motif in Ephesians 5:22-33 in reference to husband and wife relationships.  He says the man and woman union is a picture of Christ and the church. 

So what are to do as we anticipate our Bridegroom’s return?  We are to make ourselves ready!   (Rev 19:7) Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”  And that is what I have observed Lindsay do all this year.  She has made herself ready for Jonas’ coming.  It’s amazing all there is to do for a wedding!  She has been so busy preparing details of the ceremony.  Shopping for that dress.  Making sure it fits just right.  Now all the accessories.  Practicing with her hair curls.  The right make up and nail polish.  And the list goes on.  She tried her dress on the other day and called me in to see it.  Wow!!  (She was in front of the same mirror where she used to play dress up when she was a little girl.  Flashback!!)  She was astoundingly beautiful and breathtaking.  Watch out Jonas!    

Paul said (Eph 5:25-27)…Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.  As we are in the Word we will be washed and ready to be presentable for our Lord.  Each book of the Bible is a love letter from Jesus.  As we read it we are preparing ourselves for that proper presentation to Him.  No torn blue jeans or raggedy T shirt or shabby hair.  It’s going to be a special day.  THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING!  Are you ready to meet Him? 

 Louie

THE PRODIGAL IN YOUR LIFE

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

THE PRODIGAL IN YOUR LIFE

(Jer 31:16) Thus says the LORD: “Refrain your voice from weeping, And your eyes from tears; For your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD, And they shall come back from the land of the enemy.

Is there a person in your life that has strayed away from the Lord? Perhaps they have outright just walked away from a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ into the dark domain of the world and it’s ways. Or maybe it’s more of an inward rebellion that hasn’t manifested yet so much outwardly. Either way it looks like you have a prodigal on your hands. What are we to do when those we love so much love the world more than the Lord? How do we get them to return to their first love and back on fire in serving Him? Luke 15:11-24 records the popular Bible story of the prodigal (wasteful) son. Let’s notice some particulars that will encourage us.

- Notice first how the father let the son go (12). That’s hard to do with those we care about. Letting them go to get whacked in the world isn’t an easy task. The Lord will have to strengthen us. When we let go then the Lord takes over control. He will see to it that when they hit the bottom they will have a soft landing because He will be there for them. We want to spare our loved ones the hurt but that might be the very thing to wake them up (1 Cor 15:34).

- Then observe how the prodigal came to himself (17). That means the light bulb finally went on and the awareness of his desperate situation finally hit him (1 Kings 8:47). You see when we walk in deception we are blinded to the truth (2 Cor 4:4). It’s the Spirit’s job to bring conviction of sin (John 16:8). When the heart softens (Eze 36:25-27) then the Spirit is allowed to do His work of strengthening that person to repent (2 Cor 7:9-11) and then to change and make amends (Jer 7:3-7).

- So what does the concerned person do in the meantime? Don’t worry…pray! (Phil 4:6-7) I’m sure the father in the story had to remind himself constantly not to worry but to wait. The situation’s in the oven. Don’t take it out until it’s ready. If you keep taking it out and worrying over it then you hinder the overall progress. Get yourself a prayer partner and pray, pray, and pray! What is granite to the rock crusher of prayer? Yes it’s taking a long time but do you want your prodigal to return with a half or a full heart for the Lord?

- Then be ready to receive your prodigal. Notice how the father saw his son return from a great way off (20). That means he was watching and waiting anticipation. He received his child back and lavished him with love and gifts he didn’t deserve (20-24). No condemnation (Rom 8:1). Welcome home!! Let’s forget the past and move forward. Fresh new start!!

Keep up your shield of faith and turn your cares into prayers (1 Pet 5:7). They’re almost home!!

Louie

ARE YOU GOD'S FAVORITE?

 

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

ARE YOU GOD’S FAVORITE?

(John 13:23) Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.

The mystery of the universe is that God loves us through Christ and even sent His Son to die for our sins (Eph 3:17-19). A further baffling thought is that He continues to love us when we falter and fail. This is what you call God’s grace. You can’t earn it and it keeps on operating in our lives. But do some have a closer tie to God’s heart than others? Like a favored child in a family does the Lord endear Himself to one over another perhaps because he/she is more compliant or has certain qualities that make God smile more than others?

Joseph wore a coat of many colors given to him by his father Jacob and it made his brothers jealous. Joseph was the firstborn son of the love of his life Rachel. The other brothers were from other women. Rachel had passed away so every time he looked in the eyes of Joseph he saw Rachel’s eyes. He couldn’t help it and he made this fancy robe that made Joseph feel special and one of a kind. He wore it like a proud peacock and his brothers were provoked to wrath by this favoritism. (Gen 37; Eph 6:4)

The apostle John mentioned four times that he was the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20). When I first read this I thought that John had a special relationship with Jesus that the other disciples did not. I envied John and began to look into the reasons for him feeling like he was the Lord’s favorite. You toss around ideas in your head like maybe he was a little proud or cocky or self-deceived to think like that. But then I threw that line of thinking out because John’s book is inspired of God.

Okay, so how else am I to think? Maybe he really was special and just had that inroad into the Lord’s heart. Not like Peter who always put his foot in his mouth and vacillated in his faith. But then I looked up verses about John and saw he wasn’t perfect after all. He had his faults and needed to be corrected (Luke 9:51-56; Mark 9:33-37). So the mystery continued for quite some time until the light dawned through my own experience of God’ grace working in my life. Then I heard my wife Cheryl say she felt like she was God’s favorite! I was taken aback by her intimate referral to God with such a statement. It reminded me of John saying he was the disciple whom Jesus loved. Then the Spirit made it real to me. All of us are God’s favorites because of His amazing grace!

What a revelation that day! Now I can truly say that I too am God’s favorite. I am also the disciple whom Jesus loved. God shows personal favoritism to no one. He loves us all the same in Christ! We all wear the special robe of righteousness (Isa 61:10; 2 Cor 5:21). John knew he was just as fallen as Peter but he also accepted the grace of our Lord which made him feel close to the Lord’s heart. I wonder if you know you are God’s favorite too?

Louie