Last week, the pastors and deacons of The Rock Church got away together. We went to Eden to spend some uninterrupted time together. For three days, we ate, sang, laughed, and prayed. We shared what the Lord was doing in our lives. There was even time for some brothers to golf and hike together. (It may not surprise you that I stayed back at the house to spend the afternoon with a cat who lived nearby.)
Author F.M. Alexander said, “People don’t define their futures, they decide their habits, and their habits decide their future.”
We all have habits. They range from the mundane (like brushing our teeth or what we listen to on our way to work) to practicing an instrument or creating art. Habits can be amoral, while others can be sinful. Whatever type it is, it will affect you (positively or negatively).
I’ve been reading a book called “A Body of Divinity.” It was written in 1692 by a Puritan named Thomas Watson (I love the Puritans).
The chapter on the covenant of grace explains how much better it is to have that covenant than the previous covenant of works. He said something that I had to re-read a few times. Then I had to stop and think about it for a little while. I oftentimes have to do that because his excellent illustrations of truth and significant points about God’s Word challenge me. This particular point encouraged me so much that I wanted to share it with you.
I certainly love the different seasons of the year in Utah. This year, we had record-breaking heat, and it seemed like the hot summer would never relent. Now we anticipate the fall leading into winter. They say, “A hot summer leads to a cold winter!” I like and dislike many things in every season. As a young man (with a bit of wanderlust), I tried to escape the cold winter by living in Arizona, California, and Florida. Those are all fine places, but I yearned for a more dramatic change of seasons, similar to my Midwest upbringing.
We moved our family to Utah in the spring of 1999. It wasn’t for the remarkable topography and weather; we wanted our lives to bear fruit. In retrospect, it was a sweet season for our young family of five. I honestly believe it was a pretty simple plan. We raised our faith-filled sails, and God (the Holy Spirit) billowed us along.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” — Philippians 1:6
Right now, there are no doors in the upstairs of my home. As a matter of fact, there is also no furniture, functioning bathroom, pantry, bedroom, or living room. We are walking on “ram board” floors, and wiping drywall dust off our clothes every few minutes. None of this is surprising since we’re blessed to be smack dab in the middle of some home renovations.
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith…” — Romans 12:4-6
These verses explain how the Church is made of different parts (people); they fulfill unique functions, like a human body. We do not have the same roles, but collectively, God uses us to do incredible things. I recently witnessed a powerful example of this.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
It can be so easy to be discouraged. Whether it’s something in our own lives or the world around us, we are surrounded by hard situations and events. Perhaps your health is deteriorating, your job is going poorly, or your marriage is in shambles? Maybe a loved one is struggling? Do you look at the state of our world today and wonder what will happen next? No matter what the circumstances, life can be (and is) very hard to rejoice in. But, that is exactly what the Lord calls us to do!
What’s the big deal about Jesus anyway? Is He truly The One Christians claim He is? Does Jesus honestly have an impact on our lives today?
We live in a world that has global influencers around every corner. From TikTok stars to political leaders, their imprint is worldwide. Because of that influence (and our society’s significant progress socially, economically, technologically and scientifically) it has become very easy for us to ask, “Does Jesus even matter anymore?” Many people think Jesus seems just, well, a bit… outdated.
In a recent message, I shared an illustration that has made an unmistakable impact on my life. I found this story in the devotional by L.B. Cowman, “Streams In The Desert” (July 7 entry):
“There is a very famous “Pebble Beach” at Pescadero, on the California coast. The long line of white surf comes up with its everlasting roar, and rattles and thunders among the stones on the shore. They are caught in the arms of the pitiless waves, and tossed and rolled, and rubbed together, and ground against the sharp-grained cliffs. Day and night forever the ceaseless attrition goes on–never any rest. And the result?
