To Serve out of reward or love!

I remember a scene from the movie "Facing the Giants" where the coaches wife gets a report that she is not pregnant, again. She is devastated and walks out of the clinic crying and she stops at her truck and starts praying to God. She basically says that God it doesn't matter if she every has a child that she will always  love the Lord. Then miraculously the nurse comes out and says that the results were mixed up and she is pregnant.

It sounds so Hollywood. Almost as if the Christian film industry needed to show God as this happily ever after being. However, this is exactly a picture of God. We see it in His word. Shadrach Meshach and Abednego are an example as they face the furnace of Nebuchadnezzar. They say our God is able to save us from this furnace and if He doesn't we still will not bow to any other God. Then as they are thrown in the furnace a fourth person appears that look like a son of the Gods (Jesus) and they are rescued. The echoing statement here is that it doesn't matter if they get what they want from God they will serve Him no matter what.

The very notion of serving God, loving Him and doing what we are called to do is not dependent on what He does for us everyday because He done all He needed to do on the cross. That alone is why we serve Him, love Him!

So why the rant on this subject. Well yesterday I just settled up with God that I might choose to do certain things but I will follow the direction that He takes me. I have been searching for the next job and place without any direction. I was looking what would fit for me. Then I said God it doesn't matter what it is as long as You want it. I don't need the money, status or position; I just need You. Then all the doors started to open. It was like the doors to the Ark opened and I saw the land in a new way.

A couple a very awesome opportunities are opening up and both are feasible. However, they will be the biggest test of my faith to date. No matter how they turn out I will still serve and love my God! I will seek you earnestly and praise Your holy name. This life is not about what I can get out of it but how I can serve a Holy and Righteous God; One full of power and glory.

Here is that part of the movie that I was speaking of!

Understandable

The thing that boggles the mind is the direct and purposeful intention of filling in gaps of communication that are missing with false information. I know it is hard for us as humans to not have the complete story. We cannot stand to be left in the dark. That is why so many kids try and sneak peaks at Christmas presents before they get a chance to open them. So many people will try and fill the gaps of void information with whatever makes sense to them, whether or not it is true. I feel that mis-communication is a problem. The only way that is solved is to seek the source where the missing information can be filled in and known. Most people avoid this fix and I feel maybe because the truth will hurt or that it is not what they want to hear. I really don't know and the funny thing is that I have been at fault for doing the same thing. I know of many times I have filled in the blanks of information with my own thoughts and usually I am wrong.

So in order for those who actually read this, I would like to clarify what is happening in my life. As most know I have resigned my position at FBCS and will be moving forward in whatever ministry area that God leads me. The decision was tough as all faith stepping decisions are; however nothing easy grows faith. I moved as the Holy Spirit has called me. I will see that God has the glory for this and not me or any man. It is important to see that it is God moving. I know for some especially secularly to see how this makes sense to step out of a job and not know what will be next. I mean did Peter really know what would happen when he took that first step out of the boat. I am sure his faith was set that he would walk as I am sure that God will provide everything I need not to sink. I know there might be many questions and to clear up each one I am going to post my resignation letter so everyone can see what was said on October 16th as I resigned my position as Minister of Students and Singles.

To the congregation of First Baptist Church of Shallotte:

The past three plus years I have served you as the Minister of Student and Singles. I have grown in many ways as God has developed me as a disciple of Jesus. I have had a wonderful experience in the Lord learning how to grow youth and young adults. There have been good days and tough days as this transition into church staff ministry took place. I am grateful that God has been so good to place me in a church that has led to my growth in my spirit with Jesus. I am blessed to have met people that will forever be a part of my life because we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Now, for the past several months God has been working in my life to open my eyes to be more obedient to Him and His call. I know now with complete revelation from God through the Holy Spirit that He is calling me and my family to step down from ministry at FBCS. He is leading us somewhere and at this time, we have no idea of what that is. We have no next step at this moment. We are just stepping out on faith knowing that God has something for us.

Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I must give my resignation of Minister of Students and Singles to be effective on November 27, 2011. God gave me this date with the understanding that we could transition all ministry areas in youth and the church to continue without hindrances or pauses. There are a great number of things that must be done before I leave in order to ensure a positive transition. I want to ensure that ministry and those involved in ministry will continue to move forward to continue to create leaders for First Baptist.  I will continue to be involved and purposeful as I can to make sure that all transitions are made so that the youth and young adult ministry can continue to be positive and impactful.

I will ask that you continue in your prayers for me and my family as this transition occurs. It will be a testing time in our life to trust on the Lord for all our needs. I will be in constant prayer that the Lord will continue to move mightily in the midst here of First Baptist to continue the growth and vision to reach all those who need Jesus, growing people in love, faith and hope. I am blessed and loved, thank you all. It has definitely been great to grow and serve in the Lord with you. I pray that God will bless you as a congregation to grow as people who Love God, Love One Another, and Love the World.

With Love in our Lord Jesus Christ

Keith Wilson

Minister of Students and Singles

At

At His feet is what I should live for
But His throat is what I reach for
Living a life contrary to His Word
Speaking deceit, being about my word
Flesh so weak, desires so twisted
Sin is what we are, because we miss it
The mark of His glory, righteousness
Holy Spirit moves, the heart's indecisiveness

Wanting to be free from the malice
Heart needing sanctifying justice
Seeking grace that is so implicit
The way of the Father is so exquisite
Exponential love that fills the cup
Overflowing joy, magnified lifted up
Spirit moving as rushing wind
At His feet is where I am called friend

What about faith?

As I have been reading in my great new theology text book (ha), that I have notice God opening up this word to me about faith. I am still trying to make sense of what he is trying to tell me but I think what is becoming clear is that faith does not matter as much as the object of your faith. Now I know this is not a new concept or even that it requires much thought to know the truth of that statement. However, if it is so important why are so many people putting their faith in a false object that can do nothing for them, even Christians?

I have spent some time in deep thought over the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and its beliefs about Mary, Peter, popes, and law. I have looked at how man tries to define the deity and humanity of Jesus. I have even peeked into how cults add or take away from Jesus. Even to the aspect of what is important as doctrines of God, i.e. spiritual gifts, women in the church, the problem of evil. What I started to see was this concept, that all these people have faith but what are they putting their faith in? One author describes an encounter with one such person.

"I didn't expect to find this kind of heresy in the church. But one evening at a religious gathering I found myself seated next to a popular woman pastor who skillfully blends Christianity with the New Age movement, which teaches that God exists within every person and simply is awaiting discovery. "Do you believe Christ is the only way to God?" I asked, quite sure that she would deny such an exclusive claim. "Of course I believe Christ is the only way to God," was the direct reply. "What makes you think I wouldn't believe that?"

But I persisted. "Do you believe that all the religions of the world are equally valid?" I asked, forcing her to define her doctrine with more precision. "Yes I do," she answered candidly.

"Then how does the square with the view that Christ is the only way to God?" I asked, puzzled at what seemed to be a contradiction. "When I speak bout Christ, I am not speaking about Jesus of Nazareth" was her honest reply.

For her, the name of Christ was generic, to be used for whatever god one wished. Christ was the one universal that exists in every person. This Christ, she candidly admitted, was not the Jesus of the Bible.¹

So in light of understanding faith and for even those who say they believe in Christ the next questions should be, "Which Christ?" or "What is it that you have faith in?" Most of us when we talk to people take for granted that when someone says they believe in God they believe in the God, Yahweh, Jehovah, the God of the Bible. Some people will claim to know Christ but which Christ. What about saying the name of Jesus, is it the Jesus that is pointed out in Scripture? Unless we ask, we will never know. Today, with so many heresies floating about we cannot take anything for granted.

Maybe you are looking an answer to the object of your faith. What do you believe and why do you believe it. You might be one who has a whole lot of faith but it is unclear the object of your faith. Maybe it is time that you clearly define the object of your faith. Remember, your faith must rest upon Jesus and not just Jesus the man but the one who died and rose from the dead to make the way for our salvation. It is in that we have redemption.  Maybe this will be the chance for you to reconcile a relationship with the Father that was built on traditions and not Jesus. It is time that we stand up and say that there is only one Christ and He is Jesus the Nazarene. 

I don't believe this needs to be long!

As Christians in America, we often complain about how antagonistic people are toward Christ. Personally, I'm not sure that Americans are really rejecting Christ. Maybe they just haven't seen Him. - Francis Chan

You know is is crazily affirming that God is trying to get the attentions of us so called "Christians". More and more we see God calling us to stand and confirm our faith by emulating Jesus. However, our faith is an emulation of our traditions and emotions. Our actions as Christians in today's culture seem to blend with society which was not at all who Jesus was. If you want to read more on Chan's thoughts go to the link below:

The Term Good Christian

Retrospective of Life

It is so funny how we take life for granted. We think we have forever and then in a moment it is gone. God's holy word gives us much insight to how short and precious life really is. We do so many things that chance our life. We never really grasp the fullness of the fleeting heartbeat that drums loud one minute and echoes away the next. James writes, " yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (James 4:14) It is amazing that we don't recognize that we have no idea when our time is up, that we are just a hot breath on a cold day.


This year has given me more to think about when it comes to this subject. My father-in-law passed away in January. My wife who was amazingly strong was able to see God's work and purpose. Then just as things started to settle after arriving back from the funeral it got bad. A family of four, a husband, wife and two small boys; two more fathers; a high school student; a close friend's cousin; and the devastating loss of my cousin's seven year old little girl Marissa. There are so many things that come to mind. And I know that these deaths are but a drop in the bucket compared to those who died around the world today. However, it is the ones that hit close to home that open our eyes.

I pray that we see the necessity of surrendering our lives to Christ. See it's not a matter if we die, it is when we die. I know that most people don't want to face the reality of losing someone, especially a child but we do and I pray that those things draw us closer to God. I write this today to help us in times such as these that we should celebrate life and not just remember it. Memorials are fine but celebrations bring joy. I want to post this not to remember Marissa Woods but to celebrate a life that will be missed but that life now rejoices with our Father in Heaven and sits with Jesus as the heavenly host worships God!

Marissa Woods

Terms

Coming to terms with my nature is not easy. Your whole life is spent in perpetual blindness. You think you have this life worked out with church and good works when all along it is nothing but filthy rags. When will we see that our nature is against the Father and Jesus is the answer. You think this would be a thought for the lost. In turn it is for us the generation of works and religion.

God expels the tradition of man. It is a contradiction of His word. However, we are still the ones who try and play the game instead of living the life.

Philippians 2:13 Paul say that we are to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. We are so prideful in thinking that it is us who secures our eternal gift. I guess we missed the fear and trembling part. No work or good deed gets us heaven only Jesus. Our work, deeds, love, everything is a reversal of human nature when it comes to God. We don't obey to earn His love, we obey because of His love. Everything we do should be a thanksgiving because of the gift given. We don't work to earn the wage of God. He gives it freely! That is why we live for Him. That is the cause of our change.

See our life doesn't become deeds and works for salvation. Our life becomes worship because of His salvation. The terms of human nature is backwards from the nature of God. Nothing we can do or say can change anything absent of the Holy Spirit of God moving.

No matter how prideful one may be God is the mover we are just the hand carts!

A moment to reflect.

Not in as much time as it takes to formulate a thought does it take God to move you to action. I have felt as if there were to many things compounding my mind, my heart and my soul. I have seemed to let busy take the place of my love. Stress and worry of the world seem a proper replacement for faith and trust of the LORD when things seem out of hand. I know that Jesus tells us that we should worry about things. That is always easier said than done in this human existence. I have set a new path one that exists in a different light. A light that is not of my own doing but one that is of God. Yes I believe I follow His guiding already but not the way Jesus did. I feel that there is so much more room to grow and I need not to be the obstacle to the growth. It has been a while since I have blogged here and I know I had moved to the Tumblr site but I will be back here because even in that move to make things simpler has opened a door to more of the world to come in. So here am I ready to see difference in a life already captured by Christ, to see the real new life that is deserved in those chosen and sealed by the Holy Spirit. I pray that together we can come to this understanding that a a choice of living in the salvation of Jesus is the way we are chosen. I love that God loved us to give us a choice. I pray that I will always see the escape in Jesus, I will always boast in my weakness, that I will rest in the sufficient grace of Jesus and that I will be more than just a church going Christian but consistent constant follower of Jesus!

Making a move

Just wanted to say that I will be doing all my blogs from Tumblr now. So here is the url and go and follow me there.
http://changecanhappen.tumblr.com/