Search Me, O God

Photo by Quinn Dombrowski

Scripture: Psalm 139:23a

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Insights: This week is Vacation Bible School (VBS) week at FBC Bowling Green.  We are Submerged and Finding Truth Below the Surface.  This weeks focal verse is Psalm 139:23-24.  With the kick off of VBS I sensed the Lord telling me to preach on these verses.  The first part of the verse twenty-three informs us the Lord is the One who searches and knows our hearts.  All too often we lie to ourselves regarding what is really going on in our lives.  I provided FBC Bowling Green a tool that we unpacked through all four points of the sermon.  The tool can be found in Avery Willis, Jr.’s The Disciple’s Personality from his Master Life series.  Willis provides us with an ACTION step which parallels these two verse beautifully.  The A of the ACTION step stands for Acknowledge the emotion.  In other words, as you are asking God to search your heart He is going to reveal to you what you are currently feeling.  So, you may be feeling angry, hurt, sad, lonely, afraid, happy, excited, anticipatory or any other kind of emotion.  When we feel these emotions, however, there is typically something going on deeper within us that is causing this emotion.  At this point, we move to the second step in the ACTION plan.  The C stands for Consider why you have it.  The it in this step is regarding the emotion.  For example, let’s imagine the emotion you were experiencing was fear.  What is actually lying underneath the surface that is churning this fear?  Have you done something and now you are afraid of the consequences?  Are you employed somewhere that is experiencing job cuts and you fear you may be next?  This consideration of what is really going on is the heart of this part of verse twenty-three.  The only One who can truly give you this answer is the Lord God Himself.  Turn to Him and ask Him to search your heart and reveal what is really going on inside of you; at your very depths.  Join me the remainder of this week as we continue to submerge below the surface of our lives to find the truth of our hearts.

Questions:

1. What emotion have you acknowledged is affecting your life at the moment?

2. When you considered the underlying cause behind the emotion, what did you discover?

Prayer: Father, You truly do know my heart better than I do.  Help me grow in Your grace and truly know what is going on deep within my very soul.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Submerge Deep in Your Life

Photo by LifeWay

Emotions are a funny thing.  There are times in one’s life in which they are so exhilarated and passionate they feel they could scale Mount Everest and not even break a sweat.  There are other times in which one is so drained and depressed they feel as if they cannot even get out of their bed.  It has always intrigued me as to how some people are able to feel something and yet still press on toward either a positive or a negative end.

This coming Sunday I will be preaching our Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme verses because on Monday we start VBS.  Our theme this year is to Submerge and Find the Truth Below the Surface.  As we investigate this particular verse Sunday I think  we will discover that for most people there is something going on deeper in our lives than the surface emotions with which we are experiencing.

On Sunday, I will provide you with a simple action step to find out what you are experiencing and why.  We will not stop at just the discovery phase of our emotions, however, we will submerge deeper and learn what we can do to not let our emotions dictate our activity.

If you do not have a church home, let me encourage you to come worship with us at FBC Bowling Green.  Our worship service starts at 10:45 a.m. and our Sunday School hour starts at 9:30 a.m.  Let me also encourage you to invite a friend with you this Sunday and let them learn this simple action step to live life to the full and not to be trapped by one’s emotional situation at the present moment.

May you have a blessed weekend and I look forward to seeing you Sunday.  God bless!

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Stand True No Matter What

Photo by David

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:15-16

David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!”  So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord;

Insights: The final lesson we learn this week from our passage deals with standing true no matter what.  These three warriors of David were true to him even at the potential cost of their very lives.  They knew David desired water from the well in Bethlehem and because of their love for him they risked their very lives to get him a drink.  They stayed true to David no matter what the cost.  Our founding fathers of our nation did the same regarding our liberty.  Most of the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence lost their fortunes.  Many died or lost loved ones in the American Revolution.  These men who had lived lives of comfort and wealth knew the greater good of freedom lay before them.  They knew this truth to be more important than anything else.  As a result, they signed and fought no matter the consequences because they knew they needed to stand true to the cause of freedom.  Beloved, we are approaching a day in which I personally believe Christ-followers will experience persecution and prison in the United States.  I do not long for that day, but I do think it is a very real possibility.  My question for you is will you be one who will stand true to the Lord no matter what may come?  It is my prayer you will.  May we have the same resolve as David’s mighty men.  May we have the same resolve our founding fathers of this great nation had.  May we be like Jesus because He fills us with His power and grace to stand true.

Questions:

1. Is there any reason you can think of which would give you cause enough to compromise your faith?

2. Why do you think so many “Christians” in the United States compromise their faith?

Prayer: Father, Your standard is the most important.  Help me to stand with You no matter what happens around me.  I see a day in which Christ-followers may be imprisoned for their faith in the United States.  If that day comes, let me be strong enough in You to face the punishment of the state.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Stand Alone at Times

Photo by Dan Eicher

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:10-12

He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and the Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain.  Now after him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines.  But he took his stand in the midst of the plot, defended it and struck the Philistines; and the Lord brought about a great victory.

Insights: Notice with me a second truth from these verses today.  As the Philistines began to advance onto the Israelites, the Israelite people fled from them.  All of them ran for their lives except for Shammah.  He knew this ground of lentils was the food for his people.  Many would starve to death if he did not fight for this crop.  All his compatriots lost courage and ran, but he took a stand in the midst of the plot and defeated the Philistines.  There are times in our lives in which the Lord calls us to stand alone.  Everyone else may desert us, but we need to remember from yesterday that our strength is not in us, but the Lord.  If we will rest in His strength, then we will be able to stand alone when the pressure comes.  Many are unaware that when our country was founded there were about a third of the people loyal to England.  There was another third who remained indifferent about the war.  This means only a third of the people were willing to stand against England.  Now I understand that a third is more than one, but the point is these individuals were willing to stand for the right principle even if everyone else turned their backs on the truth.  Beloved, I pray, in the midst of our current political catastrophes, that we will be willing to stand alone for the Lord and His right even if it means persecution and death.  Let your life bring glory to the Lord.

Questions:

1. Have you ever found yourself standing alone regarding an issue?

2. Were you able to maintain your conviction in the midst of opposition?

Prayer: Father, I do not like to stand alone in the midst of difficult circumstances.  Lord, however, I do wish to honor You and to obey You.  Help me to stand alone for You if that is what You call me to do.  Let me find my courage in You.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Stand Strong in God

Photo by Katie Budris

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:10-12

He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and the Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain.  Now after him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered into a troop where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the people fled from the Philistines.  But he took his stand in the midst of the plot, defended it and struck the Philistines; and the Lord brought about a great victory.

Insights: Before I share my Thoughts by Scott with you this week I desire to give credit to C. Philip Green.  He is the pastor who preached the sermon and whose points I have used this week.  I concur with pastor Green regarding what is required for our nation to change.  The passage of Scripture we are investigating deals with king David’s mighty men and their exploits as the foundling nation of Israel was brought together under the divinely chosen monarch who would bring stability and balance to the people.  The first thing we learn from these men is that to change a nation we need people who will stand strong in the Lord.  Notice in verse ten and twelve that Samuel indicates the reason these men were successful was because the Lord brought about the victory.  In other words, these men were standing strong in the Lord and trusting Him to be their provision of strength and power.  The Lord God is the One who enables us to face major opposition and say, “I will walk with the Lord and no other.”  When we are strengthened to live life this way, we are better for our country.  When our strength and dependence is on the Lord, we have an opportunity to change the course of our nation.  My prayer is that men and women all across this nation that claim to live under the Lordship of Christ Jesus will find their strength in Him and stand for Him.

Questions:

1. Have you found the Lord to truly be a source of strength in your life?

2. Are you able to name and describe a time in which the Lord provided for you a supernatural strength to stand for Him?

Prayer: Father, I desire for the United States of America to change.  I desire for us to be a country in which You truly are our foundation.  As a result, please help me to have the strength I need to stand strong in You.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Happy 4th of July!

Photo by Bill Dickinson

Today marks the day in our history in which we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  This year is the second year I have had my children under my care for 4th of July, but it is the first year in which they were residing here in the United States of America.  I feel a heavier weight this year to make certain my daughters understand the importance of our national freedom which was so costly paid for by our founding fathers.

I recently listened to a podcast that is produced in Canada.  The host of the show was talking about the way people think as a result of the birth of their country.  In other words, America was birthed out of conflict and personal rights that we felt had been violated.  Canada, on the other had, did not get birthed out of conflict and as a result they are a much more relaxed people who mostly go with the flow.

I sense there is truth in this podcasts hosts perspective regarding worldview.  As one born in the United States there is a fierce determination to be on the side of right and justice.  It is an aspect that is innately born in most citizens of this great nation.  I do not think every nation ought to be governed like us.  Lord knows our current political system is broken and damaged, yet it is the one to which I strongly support and adhere to.

Yesterday at church I challenged families to speak with their children and grandchildren about the importance of this day.  I am personally showing my daughters two cartoon style histories of our nation.  It is not an in depth history.  In fact, it only is about ten minutes long.  It does, however, give a good overview of the reasons and causes for our Independence.  You can view this two videos at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfnrdWYmZus  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McyeEnkDLKA 

Let me encourage you at some point today to reflect on our nation.  Let us not just enjoy food, fun, family and fireworks.  Rather, let us remember the importance of this great day and be grateful for God’s grace He has allowed to fall on us in spite of ourselves.

The remainder of this week will be me expounding on my sermon Sunday as it was centrally located around our nation and the lessons we could learn from Israel in it’s fledgling state under king David.  I hope you come back the remainder of this week and learn about what kind of men and women God uses to change a course of a nation.  It is my hope you will be such a person.

To God be the glory on this day and may He bless the United States of America.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Help Others to Understand God's Grace

Photo by David Hollcraft

Scripture: Hosea 3:5

Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days.

Insights: Today’s verse is my favorite of this passage.  Even though Israel had made poor choices and would soon face the consequences of those choices, God informed them the punishment would not last forever.  In fact, He went on to tell them they would return and seek Him with trembling in the last days.  In other words, as the Lord becomes their King of kings of through the line of David, they will receive His mercy and grace.  Grace, unmerited favor, is what the Lord offers to all of humanity.  Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the tomb have displayed the full power of God in redeeming humanity.  If one will receive this free gift, then they will forevermore experience God’s grace and mercy.  It is my prayer that if you are reading these words and have not experienced God’s amazing grace, that you do so today.  All you have to do is cry out to Him and let Him know you acknowledge you are a sinner in need of a Savior.  If you are truly sincere in your cry of desperateness, He promises to enter into your life.  From that point until you are eternally reconciled with Him, you will be taken through the process of sanctification.  Sanctification is the process in which all of your old sinful habits are transformed by God’s righteousness.  He will convict you of sin and instruct and lead you to lay that sin down.  This laying down of sin and walking in Him and His righteousness is called sanctification.  Salvation does not give us a free get out of jail card.  We cannot just sin as we always have done and then say, “But I have received salvation in Jesus.”  Rather, because of His grace and salvation we ought to desire to please Him and walk in purity of life.  I hope and pray others see the distinction of a life in Christ Jesus in You.  Live under His grace and experience His mercies new every morning.

Questions:

1. Have you experienced God’s grace?

2. Are you amazed at His goodness?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your salvation You extend to me.  Let me remain in Your love and grow in Your grace.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.