Digging Deeper

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want”

- Philippians 4: 12

The Apostle Paul was a member of a specialized group of the ruling body of Israel, a division of the Sanhedrin, called the Zealots. They were the classic overachievers, well schooled, wealthy, in control and basically the cream of the crop as well as being wealthy. That is the background Paul is writing from and where we see the growth in his own personal life. Is there something wrong with being prosperous? Absolutely not! Why should Satan’s domain have all the money, especially when our heavenly Father “owns the cattle on a thousand hills”? Where’s the beef? God prospers us in the scheme of His plan for our life. He gives us exactly what we need and when we need it. When the Holy Spirit is ruling our life, we can be content with our circumstances. Does this excuse us from working hard, being creative, educating ourselves to get a better job? How about NO! However we should thank God for how he has blessed us and for what we have in this life and use it for His glory. I have been thrilled with those who have given their time and sweat to work on the new addition, work in Bible School, and generally help out at the church. God is prospering us with new relationships and friendships through this process. Not all prosperity comes in the form of money or stuff. God gives us exactly what we need. As for prosperity and integrity, for the Christ-believer, they must go hand in hand. All things are given by God and should therefore be subject to his authority and dominion. Amen

Prayer: Father, I know that all things come from you. Help me to be contented in any situation that I find myself because it is a learning experience from You…..

by Rick Drake

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ through which the has been crucified to me, and I to the world”

- Galatians 6:14

I have lived a lot of life in my fifty four years. I have experienced much, met many people, and lived many places but that was God’s planning not mine. I would have much rather had the little white house with picket fence, 2.5 children in the backyard, go to church on Sunday morning and Mom and Dad’s on Sunday afternoon for fried chicken and home churned  ice cream. Instead of looking forward to retirement I am actually changing my career so as to better serve the church and the latter years of my working life. Big difference huh? Twenty five years ago at a seminar, we were asked to plot the next fifty years of our life. According to that I am suppose to be teaching Pastoral ethics in a seminary and working on my fifth book. Instead I have earned the nickname “Forrest” and am writing blogs in the middle of the night. Why? The fact of the Cross of Christ pushes us and stretches us in ways we never imagined. Our success or failure lies in the path the Cross has cleared for us.  One of my favorite authors is Henry Blackaby and the book I am now reading is “Experiencing the Cross, Your greatest opportunity for victory over sin”. I guess my point here is that when you are tempted to be less than God created for you, look for the shadow of the Cross in your life. Many of us think that Christ was crucified for us but the Apostle Paul says that we are crucified with Christ. (Galatians 2:20). When we are able to see that Christ was crucified instead of us, then our choices in life, the way we live, our integrity quotient is totally different. We owe everything we are to Him and the Cross that stretches across history.  I will close with a quote from Henry Blackaby,         “Christ’s death was God’s decisive deed in your life, conquering sin once and for all. The cross beckons you every day, with power to transform every detail of your existence as you begin to see Calvary from God’s perspective.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to see the Cross through your eyes and may I have the courage to change into the disciple that you want me to be…………..

by Rick Drake

“”What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul”

- Matthew 16:26

The Bible talks about money a great deal but more importantly, our attitude toward money. Money, in itself is not evil but the love of, or the lack of, (some people concentrate on that and it paralyzes them and thus denies the power of God) but I digress. Jesus while on earth talks more about attitudes and condition of the heart more than anything or any doctrine than anything else. Attitude drives who we are and what we do in relation to the world around me. Recently I was confronted with a rather unpleasant situation with a person of my acquaintance of some thirty years. I could have reacted, like I have in the past or I could put my faith on the line, swallow my pride and minister to the person. I did the latter. I don’t know why but I did. Normally I would storm off and fume for several hours, days, or weeks. You see the bottom line is that we have choices to make everyday. When Paul was in the midst of his missionary journey’s there was a new disciple named John Mark, a friend of Barnabas, who wanted to help in the ministry. Paul saw some weak points in Mark’s character and sent him away but Barnabas knew that John Mark could change and he did and became a tremendous asset to the work throughout Asia. Paul also had another helper who decided that he would “love this present world more”. He was never heard from again. Stephen Covey in his book “The 7 habits of Highly Effective People” says that integrity is one of the three pillars of a person’s character. What is integrity? There are several definitions but the one that speaks to me is “doing the right, Godly thing, when no one is watching”. What are your dirty little secrets? If someone would go through your computer, or personal library, or video collection, what would they find? Would we be embarrassed or humble?  What is your integrity quotient?  Only when we admit exactly where we are in our life, I believe that is why David the giant killer, was a man after God’s own heart, can we truly prosper as the people of God and grow to true maturity in Christ.

Read Matt. 16:22-28

Prayer:   Father, help me to trust you with all my life. Not only my public life but my very secret, deepest, darkest places that I have shared with no one, may your Holy Spirit meet me there and heal me. Thank you God for loving me at all my broken places.

by Rick Drake

“Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands”

In a world of cheaters and liars, God calls us to work hard and be honest. I find it most interesting that of all the blogs that I am writing that all three are terribly ironic. Currently, I am unemployed but have the promise of a job soon. However, having owned my own business before I can think of many times it would have been easy to skimp on service or raise my prices unnecessarily and abuse the relationships I had built with my great customers because they trusted me and what I stand for. To many of my customers, employees and those that supplied my business, I was the only Christ they would ever meet. If I cheated them, over charged or under produced they would see Christ that way. Churches already have a reputation for being “all about money” and that is the reason our pastoral staff takes such great pains in insisting that we don’t fund raise at the Ridge. We must be better and more accountable than ever before. Can we really prosper without cheating and being dishonest? A resounding yes! We can start by giving an honest days work for what we are paid for. Paul told us when we work, work as unto the Lord. We no longer just work for a pay check or a boss but we work for the very Kingdom of God. Most of you work very hard. The true temptation here is to just do things “the way everyone else does it”. You are not everyone else. You have been bought with a price and you represent the King of the Universe in this world. Don’t rationalize your sin. Playing an extra hole or two at the golf course, bowling a few extra frames, “sampling” the grapes at Walmart, taking home some products from work, taking advantage of a friendly boss, not giving to the church (ouch!) . This is technically stealing from God. All of these things are considered acceptable by the world but we are not the world. I am not trying to beat anybody down but if it feels wrong it probably is…I just want you to think about it. God will honor your efforts and like our scripture says “God will make you most prosperous in all your work” . I believe He wants to make us prosperous. Why should Satan and his kingdom have all the dough? Have a great day!

Prayer “Father from your hands I have everything. Make me a shining example of the Christ who lives in my life”

by Rick Drake

“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:13

The word love appears in the NIV version of the Bible 551 times. In 1 Corinthians 13:13 God tells us through Paul that Love is greater than hope. Love is even greater than faith. In Ephesians 5:25-26 He instructs us “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy…”Ephesians 5:28 “So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies…” It would seem that God wants us to know something about love and the power He has given us through it.

If He feels it’s so important shouldn’t we also? Wedding vows vary. I have heard many different kinds but, I have yet to hear one set that did not contain the word love. You may stumble, you may fall, you may back pedal but keep love alive and it will certainly help to repair, rebuild or protect the relationship you and your spouse have. It doesn’t happen over night and it’s not easy but I will be praying for you and all things are possible through Christ Jesus.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Heavenly Father, thank You Lord for giving us this gift of love to be shared with each other. To see us through the good times and bad times. Lord I promise to use this gift to heal, mend or keep strong my relationship with the one You have united me with. And Father, I love You too. Amen

Author: Rick Phillips

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.”
- Colossians 3:19

Always try to keep the lines of communication between you and your spouse open and honest. Not simply a “how was your day?” but actual discussion about how you are feeling about each other and your relationship. You should be more than a mother, father, husband, wife, or provider. You should be friends, confidants, advisors, supporters, and cheerleaders. (Not the way you’re thinking guys). We all need these things in our lives. When they are absent in the home we unfortunately tend to look elsewhere for them, work, the local hang out, even church. When we find them, all too often, in the opposite sex we latch on to them. Our judgment becomes clouded and we confuse our feelings for this person with our need for the attention they are giving. Attention that we should be getting and giving to our spouse.

Now open and honest communication is not always easy. There may be things you don’t want to say or hear. Speak only in love and receive it the same way. Don’t take it or give it as criticism. Do not let the conversation get heated this could too easily turn it into a full blown argument. Always remember to show each other grace and forgiveness. If Christ forgives us our sins shouldn’t we forgive each other and ourselves?

Finally, try not to ever go to bed angry. One way to communicate together is to pray with your spouse. Jenni and I try and pray together at night before we go to bed. It’s not only a wonderful way to end the day but it is one the most intimate moments you can share with each other. It’s also hard to go to sleep angry or frustrated with each other after opening up to the Lord together.

Read John 8:1-11

Heavenly Father, we come to You with open hearts and open minds. We praise You and thank You for each other. We trust in You Lord and we will heed Your teaching and work together to be the “one” You have created us to be. Amen

Author: Rick Phillips

“But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself.”
- Proverbs 6:31

Adultery is not always about sex. Often just the opposite seems the case. When a sexual affair is uncovered, people often say, “What did he see in her?” or “What did she see in him?” Frequently the sex is better at home, and the marriage partner is at least as attractive as the adulterous partner.

Being pretty, handsome, or sensual is usually not the major issue. Partners in affairs are not usually chosen because they are prettier, more handsome, or sexier. They are chosen for various sorts of strange and nonsexual reasons. Usually the other woman or the other man in an adulterous relationship meets needs the spouse does not meet in the marriage. More often than not these needs are not physical or sexual.

Who are your friends or confidants? Are they of the same or opposite sex? Are you unknowingly putting yourself in danger by seeking help or advice from the wrong person? Having an accountability partner can be a great thing when done right. James 5:16 says “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” However, it is best for us to meet with people of the same sex. We may be lacking communication in our marriage and if that need is being met by a member of the opposite sex, whether there is ill intent or not it can get out of control quickly. Too often emotions can cloud our judgment and we can easily confuse care and concern for affection.

While it is important to open up to and seek the counsel of others it is also important to communicate with your spouse and of course, God. Tomorrow we will explore this idea further. Today I would encourage you to evaluate your relationships with your friends, co-workers, spouse, and God. Are you where He would have you be or are you drifting from the path you should be on?

Read 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

Father, help me to be discerning in my relationships with others and to end those that may be leading in an inappropriate or unhealthy direction. Lord, lead me to a Godly person that I can confide in, work with and grow spiritually with. Also, Father give me the wisdom to guide and counsel that person along their journey. Amen

Author: Rick Phillips

Flee from sexual immorality.
- 1 Corinthians 6:18

The seventh commandment says “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Ok, no problem I won’t cheat on my spouse. But, what is adultery? Have you committed it? No? In Matthew 5:27, 28 Jesus said “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Want to rethink your answer?

Adultery is not just a physical action with another. It involves your thought life too. Sexuality and sexual content seem more rampant and acceptable than ever. The media reports on and sensationalizes the affairs of politicians, millionaires, and Hollywood stars, TV shows like “Desperate Housewives,” “Swingtown,” or “Two and Half Men” feature and even promote adultery. Advertising, such as Cadillac’s sultry spokesperson asking; “when you turn your car on does it return the favor?”

With this behavior becoming more prevalent are we, as a society, becoming numb to it and allowing of it? While we may not be able to eliminate seeing or being around it we can limit our intake of it. We can be more discerning about what we expose ourselves and our families to. Martin Luther once said “You can’t stop the birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them from nesting in your hair.”

What’s on your TV? What are you reading? What’s in that video game? What are your children seeing or better yet what are they seeing you seeing? Is it what Christ would want for you?

Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Forgive me Father for my straying mind or wandering eyes. While I appreciate the beauty You put into the creation of others I appreciate more and praise You for the blessing You have given or will give in the spouse that You have set aside for me. Amen

Author: Rick Phillips

“…let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
- Matthew 19:6

This week we will explore the seventh commandment and God’s concern for marriage. Matthew 19:5-6 NLT says “…and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” Let no one split apart… No one… Not even ourselves. Marriage is a union formed by God. Not the state of Ohio or the U.S. government, but by GOD, and while we certainly have the ability and nature to split it apart we don’t have the authority.

Adultery not only defies God it destroys families and degrades people. It affects more than just the individuals directly involved. It can destroy or damage friendships, trusts, beliefs, and faith. One of the unfortunate reactions we have if or when an affair occurs is we distance ourselves from those that love and care for us including our spouse, we stop going to church and we try to hide from God. Because of shame or embarrassment we avoid not only the people that could help but more importantly Jesus Christ, the one who saved us from our sins in the first place.

This reaction seems so illogical but it happens time and time again with all sin. While Jesus hates our sin He loves us unconditionally. So I would urge anyone in this situation to confess your sin, surround yourself with Christ, your family, and your church family, pray and have others pray for you both. Before I gave my life to Christ my wife and I went through a very tough season. I know that my wife’s faith, the support of her friends, family, church and the peace and grace of our glorious God are the keys to our marriage surviving.

Read Proverbs 5:1-15

Lord, I know that I am weak, that I can and will fall prey to temptations. Please Father protect me and thank You for being my strength. I know through You and Your word I will find the courage and ability to over-come these and other temptations that may damage my relationship with You and those that I love.
Amen.

by Rick Phillips

“Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”

- Proverbs 4:23

In best-selling author Max Lucado’s book, “Every Day Deserves a Chance”, he offers strategies for living each day with a positive attitude.  One strategy I found helpful is to face challenges in stages, one small step at a time.

          ‘An accomplished Ironman triathlete told me the secret of his success.  “You last the long race by running short ones.”  Don’t swim 2.4 miles; just swim to the next buoy.  Rather than bike 112 miles, ride 10, take a break, and bike 10 more.  Never tackle more than the challenge ahead.

          Didn’t Jesus offer the same counsel?  “So don’t ever worry about tomorrow.  After all, tomorrow will worry itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

          When asked how he managed to write so many books, Joel Henderson explained that he’d never written a book.  All he did was write one page a day.  Face challenges in stages.  You can’t control your temper forever, but you can control it for the next hour.  Earning a college degree can seem impossible, but studying one semester is manageable, and logging in one good week is doable.  You last the long race by running the short ones.

          I tend to shut down and get totally stressed out when I think too far ahead.  So I’m learning to tackle each battle moment by moment, knowing God will give me the strength to endure. As I sit for six hours each week watching chemicals drip into my IV, I can’t think about tomorrow.  Each drip gives me hope for today…and I am using this gift of 24 hours to live!

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:31-34

I praise You God for the joy of living this day!  I submit to You.   

Author: Dianna Brisco