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What if you closed your eyes?

There is so much noise in the world today…not just audible noise…but visual noise. You’ve got TV, movies, the web, magazines, books, newspapers, school work, paper work, junk mail, billboards, and on and on we go. 

The truth is we’re bombarded by hundreds, if not thousands of marketing messages on a daily basis. On top of that, we’re immersed in a visual culture where constant stimulation is the norm. All of that eye candy has a way of occupying our brains and preventing us from “seeing” things that are so much more important.

What if you closed your eyes for a minute?

What if you stopped and allowed all the visuals to fade away? What if you gave your mind’s eye a chance to reboot? I think we’d be surprised at what we would see:

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Maybe it’s time to renew our minds. Maybe it’s time to ask God to give us eyes to see this life from His point of view. As I close my eyes today and focus on God, I begin to see this life in a whole new light; I begin to see people from God’s perspective; my big problems don’t seem so big after all; what I thought was important isn’t so important after all; and life begins to take on a whole new focus.

Let me encourage today, to stop, close your eyes, be still and know He is God. Focus on Him and the noise of this world will begin to fade away.  

Chasing Rabbits

When you woke up this morning, you had a choice: Invest yourself in the things that matter and focus on your mission; Or, spend your day chasing rabbits.

You see “rabbits” are the Distractions that vie for our time, our attention, our energy, and our spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. The word Distraction is defined as follows: “dis” - which means “away from”; “tract” - which means “to draw or carry”. So distractions are simply those things that tend to: “draw us or carry us away from that which is important”. 

Personally for me, I find that it’s very easy and natural to focus on the distractions of life and as a result they keep me from focusing on my mission in life. I’ve found that I can receive 10 compliments and 1 criticism and I seem to waste so much time focusing on the criticism. Can anyone relate?

One of the things that God is teaching me is, what we focus on, will determine the success or the failure of our day. If we choose to worry about things that are out of our control; if we choose to focus on false accusations and negative comments, those distractions will carry us away from the mission that God has called us to fulfill.     

Paul put it this way in Philippians 3:13-14 “This one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” 

What distractions are drawing or carrying you away from the positive activities that God has planned for you today? Let me encourage you, Stop chasing rabbits and press on.

We got the FUNK

Ever had one of those days we’re you’re in a funk. You find yourself burdened down with the stresses of life and you can’t seem to get out from under those horrible circumstances? If so try some of the following:

* Pray

* Read a verse or two.

* Journal your real thoughts - Be honest!

* Take some time to cleanse your heart before God.
* Talk to someone you trust and let them give you a new perspective.
* Take a nap. (This is my favorite one)
* Spend 30 minutes in the gym.
* Step away from the candy bar.
* Turn up some worship music really loud. Shut the door and sing along.
* Take 30 minutes and get re-organized.
* Encourage somebody who would never expect it.
* Serve somebody - A Random Act of Kindness.

* Apologize to someone.  Even if it’s not completely your fault.
* Stop complaining!
* Tell somebody “Thank You”.

* Smile - God loves you!
* Call a loved one and tell them you love them.
* Praise God for His faithfulness in your life.
* Realize He’s right there with you and He’ll never leave you.

Just a few ideas to get you started.

You can take it from here

Cause or Effect

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brother, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

The first time I read that verse I about fell out of my chair. James, what do you mean, “consider it joy when you face trials?” At first glance, that doesn’t make any sense at all. But the longer I’ve been a Christian the more I understand what James is saying. You see God's goal for our lives isn't happiness, His goal is Christ likeness. So many times God allows trials into our lives to mold us into the individuals He created us to be. So when it trial hits your life you can focus on cause or you can focus on effect. And a lot of times I think we focus on cause. And what I mean by that is, we want to know “why”. God why are you allowing this trial in my life? And let me say, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to know why bad things happen, but that’s not the primary issue. The primary issue is effect. Why it happened is less important than who you are becoming as a result? In other words, God, I know you’re in control and I know you have a plan, so what are you trying to teach me. You see when a trial hits we can get bitter or better. It can make us stronger or weaker. And the effect is totally up to you.

In a sense, you are not responsible for trials, but you are responsible. Let me explain what I mean. You may not have caused it, but you are response-able. You have the ability to choose your response. Holocaust survivor, Victor Frankl, said it this way in Man's Search for Meaning: "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms--to chose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances."

So let me encourage you today, God has a plan, He knows what He is doing, and He allows trials in our lives for a reason. He wants us to be “mature and complete lacking nothing.” So the next time a trial hits, Instead of looking inward, look upward, don’t ask the question “why” ask the question “what”. God what are you trying to teach me through this situation because more than anything else God wants to mold you and make you into the mature, complete individual that He created you to be.  

Jesus might be talking behind your back

When John the Baptist was in prison questioning the works of Christ, Jesus sent him a pretty straightforward message and reminded him that He was in fact the Son of God and commanded John to persevere. You can read the whole response in Matthew 11:1-6. I’m sure this response brought limited consolation to John, and maybe even felt a little cold or callous.

But after John’s messengers left, Jesus started talking about John to the crowd. Keep in mind John never heard this part. Jesus starts saying all kinds of terrific things about John behind his back. He even gives him the distinction of being the greatest man ever born of a woman (Matthew 11:11). That’s pretty high accolades coming from the Son of God.

But these words never reach the ears of John the Baptist because Jesus didn’t intend for John to hear them. When John died and went to heaven, I wonder if he read John 11:11 and thought: Why didn’t you say so, Jesus? It would have been nice to know how much you thought of me while I was rotting in prison.

Maybe Jesus wanted John to place his confidence in the character of God rather than affirmations sent by human messengers.

Today, maybe you find yourself in a similar spot. Maybe it’s been a long time since anyone told you: Good job. I’m proud of you. You’re making a difference. Perhaps Jesus is talking about you behind your back. Please know He’s proud of you. He sees potential in you and He has a purpose and a plan for your life.

So stay faithful. Even if it doesn’t seem like God is speaking directly to you, there will come a day when all of your labor in the Lord will be rewarded openly. So press on, your work is not in vain.

Don't you Remember?

In Matthew 16:7-9 the Bible says, “When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. ‘Be careful’ Jesus said to them, ‘Be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees’. They discussed this among themselves and said, ‘It is because we didn’t bring any bread.’ Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, ‘You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’”

How quickly the disciples forgot! Jesus had just miraculously multiplied bread and fed thousands not once, but twice! And yet the disciples are all freaked out about bread. As a result they missed out on the bigger lesson that Jesus was trying to teach them. 

But before we criticize their faith, I think a lot of times we live the same way. Wouldn’t you agree? We face what seems to be an impossible situation and instead of running to God and trusting that He’s going to provide, we focus on the problem in front of us and we miss out on the bigger lesson that God is trying to teach us. 

God must being saying to us, “Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember how I’ve provided for you in the past?” 

Today, instead of focusing on your problems, focus on God. Remember that He’s a faithful God. He’s provided in the past. And He’ll take care of you today. Don’t miss out on the bigger lesson that He’s trying to teach you. 

Praise You In This Storm

Hey everybody, Check out this amazing video from our Video Director @ Grace. His name is Chris Powers and he truly has a gift. It is totally awesome. What a wonderful message in video. 

Praise YOU in this Storm: An Animation from Grace in Cranberry on Vimeo.

Teens & Tech - A Survey

A few weeks ago I came across a study on how technology is reaching our teens. I thought it was  a real eye opener and it raised some really good questions in my mind, so I thought I would post the results. Take a look and give me your thoughts. 

Youth Survey Results (Ages 12 - 18)

% of students with internet at home: (93.1%)

% of students with cell phones: (87.1%)

% of students with internet on cell phones: (41.8%)

Number of hours spent each week on internet (15 hrs)

15 Most popular websites in order:
1.    Facebook.com
2.    Myspace.com
3.    Youtube.com
4.    Email
5.    Google.com
6.    Yahoo.com
7.    IMDB.com
8.    Y8.com
9.    Pandora.com
10.    Hulu.com
11.    Espn.com
12.    Failblog.com
13.    Addictinggames.com
14.    Myxer.com
15.    Photobucket.com

Teens were asked: If you could make a website, what would you want on it? 

Answer: Music, videos, sports, pictures, games, life advice, life stories, save the earth, Christian stuff, friends, arts, photography, massive explosions, jokes, blog site, fashion, bible, quotes, clothes,  quizzes, recipes, graphics, free stuff, hot girls phone numbers, raise money for causes, Justin Beiber, coupons, a place like facebook (but where you can only say nice things), site about problems we are facing, army stuff, messaging, free money, answers to homework, books, coupons, advice about clothes, dance, art work from students, historical stuff, super gross games.

What surprises you about these results? Do they give you any ideas on how to reach teens today?

One Motivating Verse

Every once in a while in our services, I’ll reference the passage that says, “To much is given, much is required.” I’ve had so many people ask me, “Matt, where is that verse found?” So I thought I would mention it today.

In Luke 12:48 the Bible says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

To me, this is one of the most haunting verses in all the Bible. If I’m reading it right, it means that God expects a lot of me because He’s been so good to me.

Now, I understand that He doesn’t expect me to do anything on my own, and that He’ll never make a demand on my life without giving me the corresponding supply.  It’s not like God wants me to pay Him back, or help Him out.  Jesus paid it all, and He doesn’t need my assistance.

Still though, it’s a reality and a challenge that motivates me on a daily basis. I’ve been given so much. So what am I doing with what God has given to me?

Today - stop and take a look at everything God has given to you. Praise Him for all the many ways He has blessed your life. But then always remember - to much is given, much is required. What are you doing with what God has given to you? 

Stop Achieving - Start Receiving

In Colossians 2:6 Paul says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him…”

In order to fully appreciate these words, I think we need to clarify something first:

How did you initially receive Christ Jesus as Lord?
By working hard? By doing good works? By getting it right all the time? By being perfect?

Of course not. You didn’t achieve Jesus as Lord.
You received Him as Lord.
By GRACE.

Paul says:
The same way you received Him initially-by grace-
is the way you’re supposed to live continually in Him from one day to the next.

Many people freely receive the forgiveness of Jesus at the point of salvation, but then spend the rest of their lives trying to pay God back, like: “Thanks for the jumpstart of grace, God. I’ve got it from here.”

Stop trying to achieve His love, blessings, and favor through ridiculous, frantic, fleshly, performance based self-righteous rigmarole.

Continue to live in Him the same way you started your life in Christ.  

Receive it. By GRACE