THE DEATH OF A PET

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

THE DEATH OF A PET

This week our beloved cat Samson died after 17 years of blessing our family.  He was a gift to our daughter Kelsey on her five year birthday.  We had expected his passing and it was hard to see him decline on the last leg of his journey.  He had entertained us to no end with his antics and our house seems so empty without his presence.  It is amazing how a cherished pet can become such a member of your family and how devastating it is when they leave us.  What are some things to think about when you need comfort on the loss of a treasured pet?   

Think about how God made animals in the creation story (Genesis 1).  Then think about how some animals are so domesticated that they can become a member of a human family.  What a gift from God this is.  Between children and pets you have all the entertainment you need!  Horses to ride, loyal dogs greeting you at the door, cats jumping up on your lap, etc.  Companionship and unconditional love.  It’s such a beautiful way God colors our world.  (James 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above… 

I love the story of the poor man and his lamb that the prophet Nathan shared with David: (2 Sam 12:3) But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it was like a daughter to him.  Then Nathan shared how this lamb was taken from him.  How you can feel the man’s painful loss and you see even David getting emotional.       

Of course the big question is will we see our beloved pets in heaven?  We must examine the Word of God for this.  Consider this scripture:  (Eccl 3:21) Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth?  In this verse we see the spirit of man going up to God for judgment and the spirit of the animal going down to the earth.  So we can’t really say animals will be in heaven because they are not redeemed like people are.  (Rev 5:9) 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.   

But here’s an encouraging thought for all animal lovers.  Animals will be in the thousand year reign of Christ! (Isa 65:25) The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox…  And when Jesus comes to earth at the end of the Tribulation He will be riding on a white horse. (Rev 19:11) Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.  And we will be riding on steeds behind Him!  (Rev 19:14) And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.  So let us be thankful for God’s creation and the wonderful gifts He gives that fills our hearts with love and joy.  We will miss you Samson!    

Louie

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS – Part II

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS – Part II 

(Pro 14:12) There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. 

Last time I sought to encourage Christian college students to maintain their Biblical worldview in the midst of intellectual and educational liberalism.  Now it is my goal to inspire the believer in academia to maintain a godly lifestyle amidst the backdrop of moral liberalism.  

You have come into the scholastic environment with a Christian background that will be challenged to no end with fellow students testing the limits of morality.  Many Christians have been devoured by the lion because they were either caught off-guard or fell to the pressure of temptation from their peers (1 Pet 5:8-9; Pro 1:10-19).  Be determined like Daniel to not bow to the idols of this world.  (Dan 1:8) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 

College age is a time of experimentation.  Cherished beliefs will be challenged by the desire to have fun and to push the envelope on what has been traditionally acceptable.  And being a social outcast is the last thing you want to add to your college life.  But remember what the Bible says about sin:  (Heb 11:25) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.  The Bible admits to the fact that sin is pleasurable.  But it also emphasizes how these pleasures are fleeting and consequential.  Alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. will be the norm in the dorm but is that why you signed up for college?  You don’t have to drink poison to know that poison is damaging!  Many a Christian has died on the battlefield of collegiate compromise.  They believed and then were deceived.  Don’t let that be you!   

So what do you do to stay strong?   

STAY IN THE WORD:  (Psa 119:9) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.  Read your Bible before you read any other book!  

STAY IN FELLOWSHIP:  (Acts 2:42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Find a church to go to close to your college.  Seek out other Christian students for fellowship.  Attend the Christian clubs.  If there aren’t any then start one!  If you are a commuter, keep attending your home church faithfully.   

STAY FIRM IN YOUR FAITH:  (Heb 3:6)…hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.  Say yes to Jesus and in so doing you will be saying no to the world.   

You can reach graduation without losing your salvation.  Keep your armor on!  (Eph 6:10-18) 

Louie

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS 

(Col 2:8) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Just think of how far you have come in your life.  High school is over and you’re in the big leagues of life.  You are now a young adult preparing for your future.  The doors of education have opened for you and you have ventured forward ready for the challenge.  But as you take this step to attend a secular college or university you will find that your faith will be tested beyond anything you have yet experienced.  Here’s some encouragement for you as you move forward to what lies ahead.   

The first thing you will confront is a predominating worldview that is contrary to your Christian beliefs.  Since the Bible is in low esteem in education these days, liberal ideas will manifest themselves in just about every subject of study.  This will take some getting used to.  At first you will be taken back by this but after a while you will come to just expect it.  Every system of belief will arise to assault what you believe.  Every garden variety of philosophy and ism will be handed to you on a tantalizing platter.  In some cases you might be insulted for standing up for your cherished principles.   

College is a time for critical thinking.  The educational environment provides a time to reassess what you have believed and perhaps have taken for granted.  What the devil designs for your downfall can actually be something God can use to strengthen and galvanize your faith.  Never be afraid of subjecting your Christian core values to the crucible of secularism because the truth of God’s Word will always withstand the attacks leveled against it.    Truth is truth and lies are lies.  And God even invites the reasoning person to dialog with Him and the truth:  (Isa 1:18)

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord…  If the reasoning person is reasonable then he or she just may embrace the reasons of life.  This will only be induced though by the light of God’s Word and the illumination of the Holy Spirit bringing the honest and hungry seeker to saving faith in the person of Jesus Christ. (Jer 29:13; Mat 16:17; John 16:7-11)   

Many ideas look good on paper but are unable to deliver what people really need in life.  Look at the idea of Karl Marx in regards to the failed experiment of communism.  How about Sigmund Freud and his inability to identify a spirit in man that relates to God and how this has taken away the Savior and replaced it with behavior.  And let’s not forget Charles Darwin and his argument for the theory of evolution by means of natural selection. Through this notion modern man has lowered himself from his God-given human dignity to living only on a sensate level like an animal that he is supposed to have derived from.   Be careful about what you hear from a distinguished and charismatic professor.  High ideas do not necessarily translate into high ideals.  It’s time to really believe what you believe.  That way you’ll never be deceived! 

Louie

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SERIES LESSON SEVEN: USHERS

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SERIES LESSON SEVEN:  USHERS 

One of the most practical ways for men to serve in the church is to be an usher.  Just think of it, the usher is typically the first person that greets a visitor and makes them feel welcome.  Right away people feel accepted in the love of Christ and assembling together becomes a positive experience.  If you are feeling a tug to become an usher here’s a few things to keep in mind: 

USHERING IS A DESIRED POSITION: (Psa 84:10) For a day in thy courts better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.         

AN USHER ACTS AS A DEACON AND OPERATES WITH THE GIFT OF HELPS: (Acts 6:3) Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business…(1 Cor. 12:28) And God hath set some in the church...helps…  

GREETING PEOPLE CORDIALLY MAKES PEOPLE FEEL BELONG: (Gal 2:9)…James, Cephas, and John…gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship…(Rom 12:13)…given to hospitality…(3 John 1:14)…Greet the friends by name. 

BEING JOYFUL LET’S PEOPLE KNOW CHURCH IS A HAPPY PLACE!: (Psa 100:2) Serve the Lord with gladness… 

USHERS ARE TO HELP MAINTAIN ORDER IN THE CHURCH: (1 Cor 14:33) For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints…(1 Cor 14:40) Let all things be done decently and in order. (2 Tim 4:5) But you be watchful in all things… 

USHERS ARE TO USE WISDOM IN DEALING WITH ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE AND SITUATIONS: (James 2:2-4) For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes,  3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,”  4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?  

USHERS FIND THEMSELVES IN VARIOUS ROLES: Greeting; passing out the church bulletin; helping people find their seats; giving guidance to newcomers about Sunday school and restroom locations; being sensitive for special needs; assisting in the offering collection (1 Cor 16:1); assisting in distributing communion; and after service clean up (Mat 14:20).   

USHERS ARE MEN OF CHARACTER WHO ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST AND THE CHURCH: (2 Cor 5:20) Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ… 

Louie

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SERIES LESSON SIX: YOUTH WORKER

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SERIES LESSON SIX:  YOUTH WORKER 

One of the most exciting ministries in the church is working with young people.  Teenagers are full of life and working with them is a constant joy.  I was a Youth pastor for 11 years in two different churches and was almost sad the day I was “promoted” and had to leave the youth ministry.  I would do it all over again and want to encourage anyone looking for a ministry in the church to think about serving youth and leading them to Christ.  Here’s what it’s going to take:  

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE:  Young people need a lot of love.  They are trying to discover their identity and usually struggle with feelings of insecurity and acceptance.  Loving them for who they are is a gift you give them as they transition toward adulthood.  They appreciate feeling valued and when you show interest in their lives.    Ask them questions about their life and then listen intently.  Some young people have no one to listen to them.  Let God’s love shine through you!  (Phil 2:3-4)…let each esteem others better than himself.  4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 

UNDERSTANDING:  Those who work with teens need to recognize adolescent behavior for what it is.  Not only is their body changing but also their emotional and psychological development is transforming.  Then add on their curiosity about spiritual things and you’ll find that so much is happening in them at such a rapid pace.  Understanding this will put you in a mode of acceptance, the very thing they appreciate and makes the feel valued.  (Rom 15:7) Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. 

BE YOURSELF:  Some say the most effective youth worker is the young and cool person who knows all about the current pop culture the youth are into and can talk their language.  It is valuable to be discerning of current trends but you don’t have to be hip to reach young people.  That means you can be any age and any type of person.  Kids are reached through love not by wearing the right jeans or the coolest shoes.  Don’t try to be one of them.  Just be yourself because God made you who you are and He can use you and your background just the way it is.  (Psa 139:14) I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…   

JOY:  Young people are out for a lot of fun.  Having joy is a way of letting them know that walking with the Lord is the happiest life there is. (Psa 144:15)…Happy are the people whose God is the Lord! 

TIME AND ENERGY:  Youth ministry is an active ministry due to the nature of the energy a young person has.  This means lots of energy is needed to keep up with them and lots of activities need to be provided for them.  This incorporates not just Bible study time but also fun excursions, sports, games, camps, outreaches, mission trips, staying up late, etc.  (Neh 8:10) … the joy of the Lord is your strength.”   

Louie

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SERIES LESSON FIVE: SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SERIES LESSON FIVE:  SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER 

One of the greatest ways to serve the Lord at your local church is being a Sunday school teacher.  Just think of the impact you can have as you sow the seeds of God’s Word into young hearts who are so open and tender to the things of God.  Is the Lord calling you to step forward into this ministry of sharing the love of Christ to children?  Then here’s some things to think about: 

LOVE FOR CHILDREN: It is obvious that in order to effectively reach children for the Lord it is essential to have a heart for children.  Kids can sense if you’re sincere or not the minute they meet you.  Remember when the little children were brought to Jesus that He might bless them?  The disciples rebuked them but Jesus had a heart for the children:  (Mat 19:14)  But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”  Ask the Lord for His embracing and abiding love for the children that you serve.     

COME PREPARED: Your Sunday school director will hand you curriculum to study and to prepare for.  This will usually include a schedule of class time use such as a lesson from God’s Word, craft time, etc.  You will need ample time to prepare so avoid waiting until the last minute.  You will need time to pray and ponder the lesson, memorize any key verses, collect and organize the craft items, etc.  You will find that when you come adequately prepared it helps to alleviate some of the things that can go askew as you work with children.          

PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN: Throughout the week it is important to pray for your children.  You will find that when you pray for your kids you will feel close to them because they are in your heart and mind as you lift them up to the Lord.  (Eph 6:18) praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.  Pray for their spiritual growth, protection, their families, the prayer requests they brought up and anything else the Spirit will lead you to pray for.   

BE A SOUL WINNER:  Seek to win your children to Christ.  Don’t assume they are all saved just because they are from a Christian family, etc.  (Pro 11:30) … he who wins souls is wise.  Talk to them individually about their relationship to Christ.  Give periodic invitations to receive Christ in your class.  Show movies or have skits or presentations that are evangelistic in nature.  (2 Cor 13:5) Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?

FAITH FOR THE FUTURE:  Finally, have faith that the seeds you are sowing will grow in their hearts as they get older.  God’s Word is powerful and it endures forever!  (Isa 55:11) So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void…  What you are doing is having a lasting impact in their lives.  Soon they will be adults and serving the Lord!   

Louie

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SERIES LESSON FOUR: WORSHIP LEADER

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

CHURCH LEADERSHIP SERIES LESSON FOUR:  WORSHIP LEADER 

One of the things we love so much about gathering together as Christians is the time we sing praises to the Lord.  From the old hymns to the new praise songs it’s a glorious time that warms our hearts and gives us the glow of the Spirit.  (Psa 147:1) Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.  And how we appreciate our worship leaders who are so talented with their instruments and voices.  But can anyone just go up to the microphone and lead a group in worship?  What does the Bible say about what it takes to be a worship leader in the church? 

- TALENT:  (Psa 33:3) …Play skillfully with a shout of joy.  It would be nice to say that just anyone is able to lead worship in the church but that is just not so.  You don’t have to be a professional but you do have to possess a certain level of proficiency without being a distraction by being offbeat, etc.  A worship leader then has to practice and strive to be the best he or she can be for the Lord.  Some are self-taught while others will need music lessons. 

- CHARACTER:  (1 Cor 11:1) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.  Worship leaders must keep in mind that they are in front of others and therefore need to be an example to the believers both at church and out in public.   They are to be humble as they use their talents and avoid the pride that comes with being in front of people playing music.  Remember Satan used to be the worship leader in heaven before he fell.  The old quote says it well: “When Satan fell out of heaven, he fell into the choir loft.”  In other words the devil seeks to puff up those leading worship.  This tendency must be resisted since we are to be servants, not celebrities.  

- SUBMISSION:  (1 Pet 5:5)…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”  Worship leaders are to submit to the leadership of the church and not be resistant to direction.  They are to open minded when the pastor or leader directs them in a way that they don’t agree with.  For instance, if a leader says to play a hymn when the worship leader doesn’t really like hymns, he is to yield to authority and do it as unto the Lord.  

- COOPERATION:  (Psa 133:1) Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!  Musicians can be moody and independent of spirit.  But when you lead worship with others you must be open to other people’s ideas and be willing to yield.  Don’t be a know it all when it comes to music.   There is a lot of give and take in worship ministry.   

A note to pastors:  Always place character above talent.  It is better to have an average musician who is humble than a gifted and charismatic worship leader who is proud.     

Verses to ponder: 1 Sam 10:5; 1 Chr 25:1; Psa 96:1, 150:1-6; John 3:30, 4:24; Eph 5:18-20.  

Louie