Don’t be Sharp, Just willing!

My Belief

So many Christians tell me, “Well…I don’t know how to talk about Jesus or I’m not ready”… This is SILLY! Christians don’t want to talk about Christ because they are (OF) this world instead of being (IN) this world. I feel I present a very convincing argument for the evidence of Intelligent design (GOD) and the accuracy of the Bible, but I DON’T NEED TOO! The more I share Christ's gift of love and salvation with people the more I realize that NO argument in the world convinces anyone. Only the HOLY SPIRIT changes a persons heart. We are called to simply “toss” seed around on all the ground. God changes the condition of the soil it lands on. You are only asked to give an account of the Hope that you have in Christ Jesus. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Self, do I have eternal hope in Jesus?'” If the answer is yes, than share it. When people say there is NO stability in the market, this job, or my investments; tell them where the security and the hope is. The only solid ground is Jesus. You don’t have to be convincing, just be willing to share and pray with them.

Scripture

Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

1Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Application for Life

Do you have hope in Christ? Do you know that all the bills, situations, and problems of this world are frivolous? If so then pray for God to give you opportunity to share that hope with all you meet. Be like Paul and say, “my hands are clean because I told everyone I met about Christ”. You don’t have to debate or convince, just tell them. Jesus said that his sheep will hear his voice and follow, so let Jesus speak through you.

 

I’m Sorry Again…

My Belief

Do you ever struggle with the same sin over and over and over again? I do! Some times I think I have all of my sinful self completely under control and I feel close to God. Other times, it is like I let my guard slip and I don’t know how I can ever be close to God. There are times when I am tired have not been in the Word and I let my mind and actions wonder toward those things of Anger, Lust, and Gluttony. I give in somewhat to the evil desires of my flesh. I have done this most of my life and I figure I will for pretty much the rest of it too. I pray and pray that God will forgive me and give me the strength to overcome my sin. He does, EVERY TIME. Paul described this same problem in Romans. All though he is in Christ he is also a sinful man. Though his heart is for God, he is prone to all the sinfulness in the human condition. The beautiful thing is, is that God always forgives us that are in Christ Jesus. He loves us and restores us to start a new day every time.

Scripture

Romans 7:24-26 - ²⁴What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? ²⁵Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
      So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

1 John 1:9 - ⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness

Application for Life

Don’t think that you will ever beat your sin, ONLY JESUS COULD! He was the only perfect one that could fix this problem. Instead, embrace the fact that you are a wicked sinful person who NEEDS Jesus to survive. Don’t let the devil lie to you and let you think that God will not forgive you again. You are one of his children and He will always pick you up and dust you off again.

The End is Near!

My Belief

There are a lot of myths and thoughts about when the world will end. People look at the Bible and current events trying to determine if the end is near all the time. They see things in the news that seam to fit with end of days Biblical prophecy and the return of Christ. Some think the time is now and some think it is far from now. Let me assure you, time is very short! I don't know if the hour of Jesus return is upon us, but I do know your world is going to end very soon! Most of us are, or soon will be in our second half of life. Forty years will go by in a flash and then your time here will be expired. A friend that I grew up with was recently killed. He was only 30 years old and left behind a beautiful family. He didn’t do anything wrong, but his time was cut short when another motorist slammed into his motorcycle. He was a great guy with a lot of life in front of him, but unexpectedly his time came to an end. Knowing that we have such a limited amount of time remaining, what will you do with it? Will you build a wonderful "nest" of stuff? At the end of your life, will you look back your big house, cars, and money and have comfort? Or, will you look back and realize you made real connections with people? Will you look back and see the lives that you touched for Christ? Will you look back and see that God was able to use you for his Glory and to spread his word to his people? During your last breaths will you be able to look forward with excitement and anticipation? 

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

¹¹For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹²If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. ¹⁴If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. ¹⁵If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Application for Life
Our time is finite. Weather or not the world ends soon, YOURS surely will. How much can you get done with the time remaining? How many people in your office or place of work can you be a real friend to now? How many of those friendships can result in another dirty soul being saved by Christ? Will you take anything with you at the end of your days?

Christian? What’s That?!?!

My Belief

While sharing my hope in Jesus Christ on the flight deck, I have come across and interesting dilemma. Many people claim to be Christian, but have no idea what it means. Recently I had a First Officer tell me, “ I am a Christian but I don’t believe that Jesus was God or The Bible is accurate”. I have also heard this same thought from Catholics and Southern Baptists who claim to be Catholic or Southern Baptist, but don’t necessarily think they believe Jesus or the Bible are accurate. How did people get here? How has “Christian” become a term for nothing more than a group of “churchy” people as oppose to what it REALLY MEANS. 1. Christian means you believe in Jesus Christ. 2 Believing in Jesus Christ means that you believe Him to be God, and that he died for your sins to bridge the gap between you and Almighty God.  If you are a Christian please know what it means and don’t thing that it just means you are part of the local church club.

Scripture

Acts 11:26 (NIV) - 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

John 1:12 (NIV)

12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

1 John 2:4 (NIV)

4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Application for Life

If you claim to be Christian, then know what it means. If you look at these definitions and decide that you are NOT Christian – That is fine! I then urge you to do the research. If you have found that you are just part of a group or church but are not a believer in who Jesus said He was, then explore it. At least give yourself the opportunity to decide if you believe it or not. Look at all the information and decide if you want to be a follower of Jesus, also known as a CHRISTIAN.

The “Tool Box”

My Belief

I worked as an Aircraft Mechanic for the airlines for the better part of six years before I started flying. One thing that was great about working on airplanes is that we were so well organized. We had kits that were developed for specific jobs on airplanes. So a brake kit would have all the tools and hardware need to do a brake job. An electrical kit would have all of the meters, wire strippers, and splice equipment needed to solve an electrical problem. In the same way we had individual kits and tool boxes for aircraft problems, God has gives us a very specific Tool Box for all the problems we encounter in life. The Bible! Many view the Bible as a philosophical book that is good for intellectual conversation on Sunday and at Bible Study. I would like to offer a different perspective. I believe the Bible can be looked at as a Tool Box with many kits to solve our issues in life. The Bible offers guidance on how to deal with financial issues, relational issues, and a myriad of others. The Bible is a kit we can find information to fix the “brake problems and electrical issues” that happen in our real lives.

Scripture

Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 7:24–27 (NIV)

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on

Application

When life hits you with the challenges of divorce, witnessing, raising children etc… Do we pray and look to the Bible for answers or do we look for answers in this world? Go to God’s word to find all the answers for life. If you are not sure where to look, find a more mature Christian to help you. Dig into God’s Word to solve the problems. God will bless you for praying for guidance and looking into the guidance that He has already  given you.

When Robbers Break In…

My Belief

I was casually talking to a friend on the phone as I entered my house. I had just arrived home from a multi day trip, and I was anxious to trade my pilot uniform for some comfy loose fitting clothes. As I rolled my luggage through the house and into my office, I noticed things seemed to be out of place. My safe was open and so was my window. Someone had broken into my house and stolen a significant amount of money and things from our home, while both my wife and I were away. Most of us would have feelings of anger, fear, anxiety and violation.

This however is not what the Bible asks us to do, and not what my wife and I will allow in our home. We are choosing to refuse to feel sorry for ourselves- God gives and God takes away. He has provided for us and we have been blessed with much. Instead, we are choosing to forgive the thief. NOT because we are such good Christians, but because God has forgiven us much. We are commanded to have mercy to our fellow sinners. One sin is no worse than another in God’s eyes. Jesus says that even non- Christians love their friends, but we are to love our friends and our enemy's. I pray that these criminals will find salvation in Jesus before their time runs out. I pray that they will see the error in their ways and repent of their sins to our Holy God. But if they do not, it is not our place to judge- that is God’s right alone.

Scripture

Matt 6:20 - But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Matt 5:43-48 - ⁴³"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.' ⁴⁴But I tell you: Love your enemies^[b] and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Application

As Christians we are told to strive to be like Jesus. Jesus love everyone. He loves both the righteous and the evil. Who do you love? Do you love only those who love you? When someone hurts you or steals from you, will you be able to forgive and pray for that person?

WAIT!!!

My Belief

I was flying a flight to Michigan recently that was a perfect example to me of the virtue of patience and waiting. Our flight was delayed for weather and the passengers were grumpy as a result of it. Once we were prepared to leave the unthinkable happened. My new flight attendant lost her ID badge and was illegal to fly the flight. The passengers were irate. Most of them demanded to be put on the next flight which was a few hours later. We assured them another flight attendant was being looked for to fly this flight, but most of the passengers were in disbelief. They stormed off to wait for the next flight in a different part of the airport. Well, another flight attendant was found shortly there after and we departed with only a fraction of the originally full flight. The flight attendant that was now with us, was pulled from the later flight to work our flight. The later flight would now be either severely delayed or canceled. Do we do this in our own lives as Christians? Do we say this sucks and God is taking too long. I will do it myself. Are we one of the few that waited on the Lord and are put on board or are we the majority that think we can do it ourselves and are left behind? When we grab hold of the reigns ourselves we are certain of only one thing, FAILURE! When we wait on God's timing, no matter how uncertain things may seem, he will provide exactly what we need, in his time.

Scripture

Isaiah 40:31
Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Application for Life

Wait for the Lord in everything. Wait for the job, the house, the school, the relationship and the lost soul. God blesses us when we are patient and wait for him. You don't have to remain idle. God says there is something specific for us to do in the mean time. PRAY! Pray to the Lord for guidance and opportunity. Saturate everything in prayer and WAIT upon the Lord.

Running down the Clock late in the game.

My Belief

When it is late in the game and one team is wining, the same thing is always on there mind...WASTE TIME. They have enough points to win and all they need to do is run out the clock before the other team can catch up. THIS IS HAPPENING TO US AS CHRISTIANS. Satan knows that if he can fill our minds with our own lives then we will be too busy to worry about anyone else. As Christian Americans we never have enough time. "There are not enough hours in the day". "I would, if I had more time." We are so busy building up our treasures on earth that we don't have time for anyone. Satan has created a politically correct world where we don't talk about "religion" or "politics" and now he is running down the clock. We are all worried about our career, our house, our car, and our bank account. What about our coworker, our neighbor, and all the strangers we meet everyday? They don't have the safety net of Jesus in place! They are behind and if they don't score soon there game will be over. If they don't hear about Jesus from you, and have time for the Holy Spirit to work on there heart, they are going to ROAST and I believe you will have to WATCH IT!

Scripture

Matt 16:15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

Matt 6:20
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

1Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Application for Life

Open your heart. Stop wasting time and letting Satan win. Build up treasure in heaven. Love the people around you enough to say something. You don't have to debate them! You don't have to convince them! You just have to tell them. Just let them know what you believe. Let them know why you have hope of a real future. Love them enough to give them the opportunity for that same hope.

Who made you Judge, Jury, and Executioner?

My belief

Why do Christians feel they need to judge the world? This is not what we are called to do! We are called to LOVE the world! It does not matter which group you label yourself as, Catholic, Baptist, non denominational, our anything else. Christians everywhere do the same thing. For example, homosexuals are going to hell, evil murders are going to hell, or even gossiping about fellow Christians that we don't care for that much. Jesus said LOVE everybody. Love those that hate you, do evil things, or are not well received. Many Christians are the worst critics, clicks and judges around. How is this trying to be like Christ? How is this loving thy neighbor? How can we turn the other cheek, when we won't even offer up the first one? JESUS will judge the world, our job is to love the world. God says all sin condemns us, but through the blood of Christ he forgives it all. Why can't we?

Scripture

Mark 12:31
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Matt 7:1
1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Application for Life

How do you look at the ugly people on the bus, in the store, or in the office? How do you think about the people who are mean, nasty, or offend you? Do you look at them with resentment or disgust? How would Jesus look at them? He made them! How can we be salt or light if we can't love all of God's creatures?