Tired of where you’ve been? Not sure where you’re headed? Here are four practical tips to help you refocus your life so that in 2007 you can move in the direction you want.
1. Assume responsibility for your life. No one can make you a victim and no one will make you a victor. It’s your choice. Why not make a good one? Don’t blame others. Don’t make excuses for yourself. After all, failure is just a synonym for education.
2. Believe you can change. Quit saying, “I can’t”; start saying “I can.” Better yet, say, “I will.” That will lead to “I am”, and be followed by “I did.” You always do what you truly believe.
3. Clarify what’s important. Determine your values and value what you determine. You don’t deserve second-best, hand-me-downs, or leftovers. God gave his best so you could have his best. Don’t insult him by settling for less.
4. Do it now. You can’t change yesterday, but you can change tomorrow—today. Forget your past failures; God did.
Give God what you have, and like the loaves and fishes used to feed 5000, that will be enough—in God’s hands. He will bless whatever you give him.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Lost & Found
Al Gore didn’t invent it, but the Internet is a wonderful tool. And with the help of some of the search engines used on the web, I found my brother.
It’s not that he was lost, but we’d lost touch with each other—for more than a decade. As life turns out, we’ve both escaped death and we’ve both enjoyed some amazing success. We’ve also both experienced our share of tragedy. And both of us have come home to God.
I’ve often seen myself in the role of the prodigal, and while I am older than my brother, I want to avoid becoming the elder brother in the familiar story that Jesus told about two brothers and their father.
In what many people consider to be a parable, but I believe is a true story, the elder brother reacts to the good news of his brother’s return with disdain. We never see him overcome his reaction though the father pleads with him to join the celebration in honor of his sibling. Instead, he charges his father with playing favorites and never giving him what he deserves.
I know better than to make that claim. Indeed, I never want God to give me what I deserve; I always want him to bestow what cannot be earned.
Regarding my brother, it seems we both identify with the prodigal son and we both love our heavenly father. I hope neither of us ever sees the other in the role of the ungrateful brother. Rather, it seems we both want to celebrate our mutual good fortune and rejoice with each other.
We were lost, but now we’re found.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
It’s not that he was lost, but we’d lost touch with each other—for more than a decade. As life turns out, we’ve both escaped death and we’ve both enjoyed some amazing success. We’ve also both experienced our share of tragedy. And both of us have come home to God.
I’ve often seen myself in the role of the prodigal, and while I am older than my brother, I want to avoid becoming the elder brother in the familiar story that Jesus told about two brothers and their father.
In what many people consider to be a parable, but I believe is a true story, the elder brother reacts to the good news of his brother’s return with disdain. We never see him overcome his reaction though the father pleads with him to join the celebration in honor of his sibling. Instead, he charges his father with playing favorites and never giving him what he deserves.
I know better than to make that claim. Indeed, I never want God to give me what I deserve; I always want him to bestow what cannot be earned.
Regarding my brother, it seems we both identify with the prodigal son and we both love our heavenly father. I hope neither of us ever sees the other in the role of the ungrateful brother. Rather, it seems we both want to celebrate our mutual good fortune and rejoice with each other.
We were lost, but now we’re found.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Priceless
Your dumpster is full. You’ve already run out of batteries. You managed to extricate various toys and accessories from adult-proof packaging. And maybe, just maybe, you paid cash for what may be broken or forgotten within the next few weeks or months. So, what value do you put on presents?
Cashmere sweaters, $258.
Parkas, $418.
Skis, $1598.
Vacation for two, $2936.
The famous MasterCard® commercials put a price tag on most products but recognize that some things—friends, family, memories, being together for the holidays—are priceless.
That doesn’t mean such gifts are without cost. But for those of us lucky enough to have such wonderful things, they are worth whatever we pay.
Unfortunately, not everyone has such blessings and others lose what is most precious when they should be enjoying them most. And too often many of us don’t appreciate what we have while we have it.
Life is shorter than we think and may change or end abruptly. Sudden unexpected tragedy can strike any of us at any time. When that happens regret and remorse sometimes become our companions rather than unwelcome visitors.
Because I know several families who are heartbroken over recent events, I’m mindful more than ever that I should act now. So here’s one of my resolutions for 2007—and the rest of my life: Become familiar with the word no.
I want to say no frequently until it becomes a word I speak on a regular basis, with ease. When people ask me if I can help them, I want to evaluate whether or not someone else could do so or if they should help themselves. I want to carefully and prayerfully consider their requests rather than saying yes in haste because I like being needed. I want to calculate the price I will pay and the cost my family will incur, before I become indebted and indenture them. As with credit cards, it’s too easy to sign your life away only to realize later that what must be sacrificed is of far greater value than what is received, by anyone.
Starting now, I encourage you to think before you speak and realize that saying no to some things means you say yes to others. And if the latter is what you value most, then no matter what the cost, some gifts—love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness—become priceless.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Cashmere sweaters, $258.
Parkas, $418.
Skis, $1598.
Vacation for two, $2936.
The famous MasterCard® commercials put a price tag on most products but recognize that some things—friends, family, memories, being together for the holidays—are priceless.
That doesn’t mean such gifts are without cost. But for those of us lucky enough to have such wonderful things, they are worth whatever we pay.
Unfortunately, not everyone has such blessings and others lose what is most precious when they should be enjoying them most. And too often many of us don’t appreciate what we have while we have it.
Life is shorter than we think and may change or end abruptly. Sudden unexpected tragedy can strike any of us at any time. When that happens regret and remorse sometimes become our companions rather than unwelcome visitors.
Because I know several families who are heartbroken over recent events, I’m mindful more than ever that I should act now. So here’s one of my resolutions for 2007—and the rest of my life: Become familiar with the word no.
I want to say no frequently until it becomes a word I speak on a regular basis, with ease. When people ask me if I can help them, I want to evaluate whether or not someone else could do so or if they should help themselves. I want to carefully and prayerfully consider their requests rather than saying yes in haste because I like being needed. I want to calculate the price I will pay and the cost my family will incur, before I become indebted and indenture them. As with credit cards, it’s too easy to sign your life away only to realize later that what must be sacrificed is of far greater value than what is received, by anyone.
Starting now, I encourage you to think before you speak and realize that saying no to some things means you say yes to others. And if the latter is what you value most, then no matter what the cost, some gifts—love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness—become priceless.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Unwrapped Presents
What if Jesus had never been born? How would our world be different?
In “It’s a Wonderful Life” George Bailey learned how friends and family would have suffered without him. His brother would have drowned. His wife, mother, and many others would have experienced a different world. Indeed the town would have borne the name Pottersville, after the greedy man who would have owned the community and fashioned it in his image.
In much the same way, if Jesus hadn’t been born we’d live in a different world. Hitler might have succeeded. Communism might never have collapsed. Liberty might have all but disappeared, because it only exists where the Lord’s spirit reigns triumphant.
In fact, if Jesus hadn’t died to redeem us from sin’s grasp, we’d still be its captives. Or at best, we’d be under the Law, the first covenant. There would be no atoning sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath so the guilty could be declared innocent.
Without Christmas, the world and our lives would be very different. Thankfully, we’ll never know what that might have been like. Then again, maybe some do.
There are those who for a variety of reasons—pride mostly—have not accepted God’s gift. And because they have not, it’s as if the greatest present ever given remains unwrapped and unused.
Until we receive a gift, it’s of no value—at least to us. An inheritance uncollected makes the heir no richer. A check uncashed is of no benefit to the payee. In the same way, if we don’t appropriate God’s salvation it is of no value to us.
Salvation will benefit others who accept God’s grace. But for those who reject Christ—and that is what we do as long as we cling to our ability to do reimburse God—grace and mercy remain unopened gifts.
This year, make it a point to open all of God’s gifts. After all, you wouldn’t leave any presents still wrapped under the Christmas tree.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
In “It’s a Wonderful Life” George Bailey learned how friends and family would have suffered without him. His brother would have drowned. His wife, mother, and many others would have experienced a different world. Indeed the town would have borne the name Pottersville, after the greedy man who would have owned the community and fashioned it in his image.
In much the same way, if Jesus hadn’t been born we’d live in a different world. Hitler might have succeeded. Communism might never have collapsed. Liberty might have all but disappeared, because it only exists where the Lord’s spirit reigns triumphant.
In fact, if Jesus hadn’t died to redeem us from sin’s grasp, we’d still be its captives. Or at best, we’d be under the Law, the first covenant. There would be no atoning sacrifice to satisfy God’s wrath so the guilty could be declared innocent.
Without Christmas, the world and our lives would be very different. Thankfully, we’ll never know what that might have been like. Then again, maybe some do.
There are those who for a variety of reasons—pride mostly—have not accepted God’s gift. And because they have not, it’s as if the greatest present ever given remains unwrapped and unused.
Until we receive a gift, it’s of no value—at least to us. An inheritance uncollected makes the heir no richer. A check uncashed is of no benefit to the payee. In the same way, if we don’t appropriate God’s salvation it is of no value to us.
Salvation will benefit others who accept God’s grace. But for those who reject Christ—and that is what we do as long as we cling to our ability to do reimburse God—grace and mercy remain unopened gifts.
This year, make it a point to open all of God’s gifts. After all, you wouldn’t leave any presents still wrapped under the Christmas tree.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
How To Lose Friends Without Really Trying
If hindsight is 20/20, perhaps it’s easier to learn how not to do something.
Case in point: relationships. It’s easier to neglect friendships than it is to maintain them. And don’t think anyone is immune to destructive behavior. A pastor, perhaps suffering from compassion fatigue, once boasted that if his church got too large, he could “whittle it down in one or two services.”
Oddly enough, he’s still a pastor, though it’s doubtful his church or his people will ever grow to maturity. Because he’s chosen a pattern of behavior that is self-destructive. The problem is that what he does affects others. The same is true with each of us.
So here are a few tips on how to destroy relationships wherever they may be found—home, work, church, and throughout everyday life.
1. Sweat the small stuff; everything is important—and urgent—to you.
2. Insist on being right at all times, about everything.
3. Discount, if not disregard, the opinions and ideas and feelings of others.
4. Be inflexible, intolerant, insensitive, and inconsiderate.
5. Be steadfast, immovable, and implacable regarding your opinions.
6. Remember, rehearse, and recite your past pain.
7. Refuse to change who you are and how you act.
8. Always blame others; never accept personal responsibility.
Do these things and you will succeed in alienating people and losing friends. In the process, you will ensure that your life will remain insignificant.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Case in point: relationships. It’s easier to neglect friendships than it is to maintain them. And don’t think anyone is immune to destructive behavior. A pastor, perhaps suffering from compassion fatigue, once boasted that if his church got too large, he could “whittle it down in one or two services.”
Oddly enough, he’s still a pastor, though it’s doubtful his church or his people will ever grow to maturity. Because he’s chosen a pattern of behavior that is self-destructive. The problem is that what he does affects others. The same is true with each of us.
So here are a few tips on how to destroy relationships wherever they may be found—home, work, church, and throughout everyday life.
1. Sweat the small stuff; everything is important—and urgent—to you.
2. Insist on being right at all times, about everything.
3. Discount, if not disregard, the opinions and ideas and feelings of others.
4. Be inflexible, intolerant, insensitive, and inconsiderate.
5. Be steadfast, immovable, and implacable regarding your opinions.
6. Remember, rehearse, and recite your past pain.
7. Refuse to change who you are and how you act.
8. Always blame others; never accept personal responsibility.
Do these things and you will succeed in alienating people and losing friends. In the process, you will ensure that your life will remain insignificant.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Giant Killers
Almost everybody admires a giant-killer; almost nobody wants to fight a giant.
How you look at something makes all the difference in how you act. What you focus on also influences what you do.
Joshua & Caleb looked at the abundant life God wanted to give them. The other ten men were nearsighted. They saw the giants who stood in the way and those ten men never saw God’s promises or realized their potential.
Giants often block our view. They stand in front of us, full of bluster and bravado, and shout epithets about God, our churches, friends, and families. They talk trash about us. They remind us of our past and predict our future failure.
But what if they’re wrong? What if rather than looking at the negative and believing bad reports, we choose to look at the positive and believe what God promises rather than what others say?
When David faced Goliath, he had two choices: believe the one shouting across the valley or trust the one who’d walked through the valley with him.
Goliath wasn’t the first seemingly insurmountable problem David faced. He killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands and God’s help. Instead of worrying about defeat, David considered the possibility of victory.
We should do the same. What if God hasn’t changed? What if he still heals? What if he still forgives? What if it’s not too late? What if God restored your marriage, your dignity, your integrity? What if God gave you a second chance for the umpteenth time?
You can rest assured he can, he has, he does, and he will. But he won’t kill your giant. That’s your task. He will help you. He’ll remind you of past victories. He’ll strengthen your abilities. He’ll sharpen your aim. But you’ll have to pick up the stones he provides; you’ll have to use the weapons he makes available. When you do, you may only need one shot.
Regardless of how many times you try to kill your giant or how many giants you have to kill, with God on your side success is certain. When you see others who are enjoying the fruit of God’s promises, consider how many giants they fought. And when you defeat your enemy, you should celebrate. Carve another notch in your gun. Take time to tell others what God did. Mark the time and place in your memory. Then, when the next giant threatens you, ask yourself one question. What if God gives me the victory—again?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
How you look at something makes all the difference in how you act. What you focus on also influences what you do.
Joshua & Caleb looked at the abundant life God wanted to give them. The other ten men were nearsighted. They saw the giants who stood in the way and those ten men never saw God’s promises or realized their potential.
Giants often block our view. They stand in front of us, full of bluster and bravado, and shout epithets about God, our churches, friends, and families. They talk trash about us. They remind us of our past and predict our future failure.
But what if they’re wrong? What if rather than looking at the negative and believing bad reports, we choose to look at the positive and believe what God promises rather than what others say?
When David faced Goliath, he had two choices: believe the one shouting across the valley or trust the one who’d walked through the valley with him.
Goliath wasn’t the first seemingly insurmountable problem David faced. He killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands and God’s help. Instead of worrying about defeat, David considered the possibility of victory.
We should do the same. What if God hasn’t changed? What if he still heals? What if he still forgives? What if it’s not too late? What if God restored your marriage, your dignity, your integrity? What if God gave you a second chance for the umpteenth time?
You can rest assured he can, he has, he does, and he will. But he won’t kill your giant. That’s your task. He will help you. He’ll remind you of past victories. He’ll strengthen your abilities. He’ll sharpen your aim. But you’ll have to pick up the stones he provides; you’ll have to use the weapons he makes available. When you do, you may only need one shot.
Regardless of how many times you try to kill your giant or how many giants you have to kill, with God on your side success is certain. When you see others who are enjoying the fruit of God’s promises, consider how many giants they fought. And when you defeat your enemy, you should celebrate. Carve another notch in your gun. Take time to tell others what God did. Mark the time and place in your memory. Then, when the next giant threatens you, ask yourself one question. What if God gives me the victory—again?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Receiving Thanks
Maybe giving thanks isn’t the problem. Perhaps receiving the gratitude of others is more difficult.
After all, we’re supposed to be humble. And accepting accolades from others isn’t easy to do without appearing prideful. When someone expresses their appreciation of what you do for them it’s easy to slip into false humility. We cloak our fear so others won’t see who we are.
We know who we are and frankly many of us don’t like ourselves very much. Especially when we sin. And we do—all of us. That should be comforting, but it isn’t because in such moments when we recognize our failures and weaknesses we feel naked and, like Adam and Eve, ashamed.
We’re not supposed to sin. We know that. And so when we do, we feel guilty. That’s good. But our emotions don’t stop there. Even though God forgives us, we remember what we’ve done. In turn that produces in us a sense of unworthiness. And everyone knows that if you’re unworthy then you shouldn’t accept praise.
The truth is we all get it wrong sometimes, and other days we get it right. We fail in some areas and excel in others. The fact that we do should make accepting the gratitude of others easier.
When someone gives you a gift, writes a thank you note, recognizes your contribution publicly, calls you, or takes time to express their gratitude in person, you don’t have to say anything except, “Thank you.”
I’ve learned to accept the thanks of others for what I write. At first it was hard. But now, I can look someone in the eye and be genuinely grateful that what I write touched that person’s heart.
Whatever you do, this season, give yourself permission to open the gifts people want to give you.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
After all, we’re supposed to be humble. And accepting accolades from others isn’t easy to do without appearing prideful. When someone expresses their appreciation of what you do for them it’s easy to slip into false humility. We cloak our fear so others won’t see who we are.
We know who we are and frankly many of us don’t like ourselves very much. Especially when we sin. And we do—all of us. That should be comforting, but it isn’t because in such moments when we recognize our failures and weaknesses we feel naked and, like Adam and Eve, ashamed.
We’re not supposed to sin. We know that. And so when we do, we feel guilty. That’s good. But our emotions don’t stop there. Even though God forgives us, we remember what we’ve done. In turn that produces in us a sense of unworthiness. And everyone knows that if you’re unworthy then you shouldn’t accept praise.
The truth is we all get it wrong sometimes, and other days we get it right. We fail in some areas and excel in others. The fact that we do should make accepting the gratitude of others easier.
When someone gives you a gift, writes a thank you note, recognizes your contribution publicly, calls you, or takes time to express their gratitude in person, you don’t have to say anything except, “Thank you.”
I’ve learned to accept the thanks of others for what I write. At first it was hard. But now, I can look someone in the eye and be genuinely grateful that what I write touched that person’s heart.
Whatever you do, this season, give yourself permission to open the gifts people want to give you.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Monday, November 20, 2006
A Foundation for the Future
Most of us want to belong to a church that is thriving. We want relevant preaching and teaching that will help us apply God’s truths to our everyday lives. But not so many of us are willing to contribute to create the atmosphere we want to be part of.
Most people today are busy. Many us are too busy. But busyness isn’t the key to a successful church. It’s not a question of how much can a few people do or if some can do more. The issue is our awareness and contribution in the little things.
In almost any church or any other organization there is an endless need for people to do what they can. And that doesn’t take organization or planning or meetings or permission. In a church it simply means we are Christians 24/7. That's less about what we do and more about who we are.
The fact is “Together we can do what we could never do alone.” But the truth goes beyond our theme for 2006. Together we can be what God intends us to be. We can build the church we want to be part of. Especially if we live out our beliefs.
In the days of Nehemiah in the Old Testament, the people realized they hadn’t been doing all that they should have done. Convicted, they were on the verge of deep sorrow. Instead of beating themselves up emotionally, the prophet offered another course of action.
He suggested that they go to their homes and throw parties. He explained that they should be thankful because they got the message, accepted responsibility, and decided to change.
That's sound advice for us today. This week and the rest of this year right into 2007 we should rejoice. The choice is ours. We can be bummed out or we can enjoy a sacred celebration.
Now, to many people sacred is synonymous with stodgy, stuffy old religion. But it doesn’t have to be. We can enjoy all the traditions and music and pageantry of the holidays and yet keep our joy fresh. Because joy doesn’t really come from what we do or how much we have or who we are with. Those things add to our happiness. But joy comes from God.
Furthermore, God’s joy strengthens us year round. And that should be cause for us to encourage one another. Such encouragement is needed at all times; everyone could use a little now and then.
So the next time you see someone who is struggling because they’ve not done what they know they should have or because they’ve done what they know they shouldn’t, why not do the unexpected?
Rather than tell them how short they fall from God’s standard of perfection, show them the same compassion Jesus shows you. Like you, they’re probably aware of their shortcomings. Like King David, they probably remember their weaknesses every time they look in the mirror. Like the adulterous woman brought before Jesus to be stoned they need what they don't expect.
And so do we. And when we get what we don’t deserve—grace—it changes our attitude and our actions. We want to do better rather than quit. Instead of condemning ourselves, we can get up and purpose to change.
And if we fail again, hopefully someone will encourage us again. And again. And again. And again.
We condemn ourselves enough without getting hit by the rocks others throw. What we need—and what we need to do for one another—is speak words of encouragement. That’s the fuel that propels us to excellence. That’s the foundation for a culture—a church—that people will want to be a part of.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Most people today are busy. Many us are too busy. But busyness isn’t the key to a successful church. It’s not a question of how much can a few people do or if some can do more. The issue is our awareness and contribution in the little things.
In almost any church or any other organization there is an endless need for people to do what they can. And that doesn’t take organization or planning or meetings or permission. In a church it simply means we are Christians 24/7. That's less about what we do and more about who we are.
The fact is “Together we can do what we could never do alone.” But the truth goes beyond our theme for 2006. Together we can be what God intends us to be. We can build the church we want to be part of. Especially if we live out our beliefs.
In the days of Nehemiah in the Old Testament, the people realized they hadn’t been doing all that they should have done. Convicted, they were on the verge of deep sorrow. Instead of beating themselves up emotionally, the prophet offered another course of action.
He suggested that they go to their homes and throw parties. He explained that they should be thankful because they got the message, accepted responsibility, and decided to change.
That's sound advice for us today. This week and the rest of this year right into 2007 we should rejoice. The choice is ours. We can be bummed out or we can enjoy a sacred celebration.
Now, to many people sacred is synonymous with stodgy, stuffy old religion. But it doesn’t have to be. We can enjoy all the traditions and music and pageantry of the holidays and yet keep our joy fresh. Because joy doesn’t really come from what we do or how much we have or who we are with. Those things add to our happiness. But joy comes from God.
Furthermore, God’s joy strengthens us year round. And that should be cause for us to encourage one another. Such encouragement is needed at all times; everyone could use a little now and then.
So the next time you see someone who is struggling because they’ve not done what they know they should have or because they’ve done what they know they shouldn’t, why not do the unexpected?
Rather than tell them how short they fall from God’s standard of perfection, show them the same compassion Jesus shows you. Like you, they’re probably aware of their shortcomings. Like King David, they probably remember their weaknesses every time they look in the mirror. Like the adulterous woman brought before Jesus to be stoned they need what they don't expect.
And so do we. And when we get what we don’t deserve—grace—it changes our attitude and our actions. We want to do better rather than quit. Instead of condemning ourselves, we can get up and purpose to change.
And if we fail again, hopefully someone will encourage us again. And again. And again. And again.
We condemn ourselves enough without getting hit by the rocks others throw. What we need—and what we need to do for one another—is speak words of encouragement. That’s the fuel that propels us to excellence. That’s the foundation for a culture—a church—that people will want to be a part of.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Heaven on Earth
What if you could have a little heaven on earth?
Life would be different, better. No arguing with your teenagers. No misunderstandings with your partner. No miscommunications at work, church, home, or elsewhere. Store clerks would be cheerful all year, especially at Christmas. No one would forget to say hi to you. Your boss would praise you. Your spouse would keep you in mind when deciding where to have dinner and what movie to see.
But at times life is more complicated than easy. Today we are more harried and hurried than ever before. And too often we’re swept along by popular opinion and conventional wisdom regarding what is important.
Culture encompasses all that we do; it also includes the how and why of our decisions. Culture is a way of living, a way of thinking, which may be good or bad. For most of us, much of the time, life is a mixture. Some days we live well, others we settle for mediocrity.
We build what we want to live in and be a part of. Our relationships with others bear a striking resemblance to us. We imprint our likeness on all we touch. And again, that can be bad or good.
Just as a physical structure bears the image of its architect, a society, a church, or a family reflects the image of its members.
But how do we become who and what we are? Too often we draw our identity and values from the world around us. We are influenced rather than influencing others. But that’s not what God intends.
He expects us to emigrate into the culture of his kingdom. We are to leave what we’ve known so we can learn what we don’t know so we can become what we aren’t.
When we immigrate into God’s way of thinking and living—his culture—we change. We don’t lose our individuality, our personality, but rather we gain our identity. When we’re born-again we become citizens of heaven, foreigners to the world. We think and act less and less like we once did and more like God does.
When we change we change others. Our sphere of influence expands and enlarges as we do in order to embrace new people and new ideas. It’s not that we become tolerant or politically correct in our views. We should never lose our sense of direction, of right and wrong. But we ought to be willing to examine what we think we know and be willing to learn what we thought we did.
The problem is we want to live in communities that are kind, but we don’t always want to be kind. We want others to love us, even on our worst days, but we aren’t always quick to love others on their best days. We all have ideas of how others should act, but we generally aren’t nearly as interested in hearing what others might say regarding our behavior.
If we want to be part of a friendly church, we ought to befriend those who have no friends. It’s not enough to love those who love us. We need to love the unlovely. After all, that’s what God did when he saved us.
To have a little bit of heaven on earth, we must act like what we are—citizens of another culture. We should be inclusive not exclusive. Generous not stingy. Compassionate not cruel. Forgiving not judgmental. We should serve others and not ourselves.
What would life be like if you could offer someone a little heaven on earth?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Life would be different, better. No arguing with your teenagers. No misunderstandings with your partner. No miscommunications at work, church, home, or elsewhere. Store clerks would be cheerful all year, especially at Christmas. No one would forget to say hi to you. Your boss would praise you. Your spouse would keep you in mind when deciding where to have dinner and what movie to see.
But at times life is more complicated than easy. Today we are more harried and hurried than ever before. And too often we’re swept along by popular opinion and conventional wisdom regarding what is important.
Culture encompasses all that we do; it also includes the how and why of our decisions. Culture is a way of living, a way of thinking, which may be good or bad. For most of us, much of the time, life is a mixture. Some days we live well, others we settle for mediocrity.
We build what we want to live in and be a part of. Our relationships with others bear a striking resemblance to us. We imprint our likeness on all we touch. And again, that can be bad or good.
Just as a physical structure bears the image of its architect, a society, a church, or a family reflects the image of its members.
But how do we become who and what we are? Too often we draw our identity and values from the world around us. We are influenced rather than influencing others. But that’s not what God intends.
He expects us to emigrate into the culture of his kingdom. We are to leave what we’ve known so we can learn what we don’t know so we can become what we aren’t.
When we immigrate into God’s way of thinking and living—his culture—we change. We don’t lose our individuality, our personality, but rather we gain our identity. When we’re born-again we become citizens of heaven, foreigners to the world. We think and act less and less like we once did and more like God does.
When we change we change others. Our sphere of influence expands and enlarges as we do in order to embrace new people and new ideas. It’s not that we become tolerant or politically correct in our views. We should never lose our sense of direction, of right and wrong. But we ought to be willing to examine what we think we know and be willing to learn what we thought we did.
The problem is we want to live in communities that are kind, but we don’t always want to be kind. We want others to love us, even on our worst days, but we aren’t always quick to love others on their best days. We all have ideas of how others should act, but we generally aren’t nearly as interested in hearing what others might say regarding our behavior.
If we want to be part of a friendly church, we ought to befriend those who have no friends. It’s not enough to love those who love us. We need to love the unlovely. After all, that’s what God did when he saved us.
To have a little bit of heaven on earth, we must act like what we are—citizens of another culture. We should be inclusive not exclusive. Generous not stingy. Compassionate not cruel. Forgiving not judgmental. We should serve others and not ourselves.
What would life be like if you could offer someone a little heaven on earth?
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
The Absolute Truth
Pilate asked, “What is truth?”
Jesus said, “I am the truth.” He also said that if we know the truth the truth would set us free. Yet many of us are bound to lie if necessary.
We’ll withhold the whole truth if part of it serves our purposes. We’ll add to the truth. We’ll stretch it. Twist it. Bend it. Do anything but speak it—plain and simple. Pure and unadulterated. Unvarnished. Nothing but the truth? Not on our lives.
Self-preservation drove one politician to insist he didn’t inhale and he didn’t have sex with that woman. The same force drove a minister to claim he bought drugs, but didn’t use them, and paid for a massage from a man, but didn’t have sex with him.
Hard to believe? Yes. Harder to forgive? Absolutely. And we don’t quickly or easily forget either.
Because we live with the constraints of time, we tend to remember. How many of us will ever forget these names? Jimmy Swaggart. Jim Baker. Bill Clinton. Ted Haggard.
It doesn’t matter which side of the political fence we sit on or which side of the church aisle. The truth is we’re human. That’s not an excuse; it’s an explanation.
The good news is God knows that. The bad news is we can’t change it. But that leads us back to the good news. God can. He’s offered to. He made provision for such a transformation.
You only have to answer one question: Do you want to change?
If you do, tell the truth. I lied to myself for almost three decades. When I stopped lying, I not only took responsibility for my actions, I admitted who I was. I realized it wasn’t enough to say I was sorry for what I did wrong. I had to tell the whole truth. I sinned because I was a sinner.
Now, have things changed? Yes. And no. I don’t do most of the things that I used to do, but I still struggle with some old habits. Yes, I’m a better person. No, I’m not perfect. Yes, I could give in to temptation. No, by God’s grace I won’t be what I once was.
The truth of the matter for me—and you—is this. We’re weak, flawed. We’ll never measure up to God’s standard: absolute perfection. We’ll never be sinless. But we can sin less.
Whether we do or not isn’t the point. The fall of a high profile leader changes nothing. Like it or not, the truth remains. God never changes. He tells us the rules. We break them. He loves us anyway. And when we ask him, he forgives us.
Will he restore us? Sometimes. Will we forfeit everything? Sometimes. Will we lose what he gives? Never. And that’s the absolute truth.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Jesus said, “I am the truth.” He also said that if we know the truth the truth would set us free. Yet many of us are bound to lie if necessary.
We’ll withhold the whole truth if part of it serves our purposes. We’ll add to the truth. We’ll stretch it. Twist it. Bend it. Do anything but speak it—plain and simple. Pure and unadulterated. Unvarnished. Nothing but the truth? Not on our lives.
Self-preservation drove one politician to insist he didn’t inhale and he didn’t have sex with that woman. The same force drove a minister to claim he bought drugs, but didn’t use them, and paid for a massage from a man, but didn’t have sex with him.
Hard to believe? Yes. Harder to forgive? Absolutely. And we don’t quickly or easily forget either.
Because we live with the constraints of time, we tend to remember. How many of us will ever forget these names? Jimmy Swaggart. Jim Baker. Bill Clinton. Ted Haggard.
It doesn’t matter which side of the political fence we sit on or which side of the church aisle. The truth is we’re human. That’s not an excuse; it’s an explanation.
The good news is God knows that. The bad news is we can’t change it. But that leads us back to the good news. God can. He’s offered to. He made provision for such a transformation.
You only have to answer one question: Do you want to change?
If you do, tell the truth. I lied to myself for almost three decades. When I stopped lying, I not only took responsibility for my actions, I admitted who I was. I realized it wasn’t enough to say I was sorry for what I did wrong. I had to tell the whole truth. I sinned because I was a sinner.
Now, have things changed? Yes. And no. I don’t do most of the things that I used to do, but I still struggle with some old habits. Yes, I’m a better person. No, I’m not perfect. Yes, I could give in to temptation. No, by God’s grace I won’t be what I once was.
The truth of the matter for me—and you—is this. We’re weak, flawed. We’ll never measure up to God’s standard: absolute perfection. We’ll never be sinless. But we can sin less.
Whether we do or not isn’t the point. The fall of a high profile leader changes nothing. Like it or not, the truth remains. God never changes. He tells us the rules. We break them. He loves us anyway. And when we ask him, he forgives us.
Will he restore us? Sometimes. Will we forfeit everything? Sometimes. Will we lose what he gives? Never. And that’s the absolute truth.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Built To Last
How are you constructing your life?
Make no mistake—you are building something. The question is will your work stand the test of time.
Best-selling business author, speaker, and leader Jim Collins offers insights from years of research. But his principles apply to much more than corporations. His concepts can be put into practice in the social sector and even our personal lives.
Collins poses three questions which if carefully considered and thoughtfully, truthfully answered can open your eyes and help you move from “good to great.” Here’s my paraphrase:
1. What’s your passion?
2. What’s your talent?
3. How do you fuel your fire?
If you want to build to last, it makes no sense to construct a life you don’t like. To work a job you hate. To romance, then marry someone you don’t love. To waste your time and energy doing mundane tasks that produce no satisfaction. Those are the building blocks for disaster.
Moreover, what good is talent if it’s not honed? Skill is the result of practice. But practice doesn’t make perfect; it makes permanent. Doing the wrong thing will never make you good at anything. And it certainly won’t make you great. But practiced discipline and a willingness to examine all that you think you know will set you apart.
Finally, what drives your passion will hone your skill. But you’ll never achieve greatness—never be head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd, the person others look up to—until you recognize your weaknesses. You need help; everyone does.
President Ronald Regan often voiced the idea that, “You can get a lot done if you don’t care who gets the credit.” Because of this he surrounded himself with people who knew more than he did about those things he knew little about.
Regardless of whether you’re leading a nation, a company, a group of volunteers, or your family, you’d be smart to take time to look over the materials you’re working with to ensure that what you do will be built to last.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Make no mistake—you are building something. The question is will your work stand the test of time.
Best-selling business author, speaker, and leader Jim Collins offers insights from years of research. But his principles apply to much more than corporations. His concepts can be put into practice in the social sector and even our personal lives.
Collins poses three questions which if carefully considered and thoughtfully, truthfully answered can open your eyes and help you move from “good to great.” Here’s my paraphrase:
1. What’s your passion?
2. What’s your talent?
3. How do you fuel your fire?
If you want to build to last, it makes no sense to construct a life you don’t like. To work a job you hate. To romance, then marry someone you don’t love. To waste your time and energy doing mundane tasks that produce no satisfaction. Those are the building blocks for disaster.
Moreover, what good is talent if it’s not honed? Skill is the result of practice. But practice doesn’t make perfect; it makes permanent. Doing the wrong thing will never make you good at anything. And it certainly won’t make you great. But practiced discipline and a willingness to examine all that you think you know will set you apart.
Finally, what drives your passion will hone your skill. But you’ll never achieve greatness—never be head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd, the person others look up to—until you recognize your weaknesses. You need help; everyone does.
President Ronald Regan often voiced the idea that, “You can get a lot done if you don’t care who gets the credit.” Because of this he surrounded himself with people who knew more than he did about those things he knew little about.
Regardless of whether you’re leading a nation, a company, a group of volunteers, or your family, you’d be smart to take time to look over the materials you’re working with to ensure that what you do will be built to last.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Stranger Than Fiction
“What if it were true?”
That was the premise that gave birth to the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. But if you think her stories are fantastic, you should read the Bible.
Just a few of the characters are enough for a best-selling series. A know-it-all snake. A talking donkey. And a man who conversed with a burning bush. Another man who built a boat—before it ever rained. A fish that swallowed a runaway. A bird that fed a prophet. And a valley full of brittle bones that assembled themselves into an army.
Those are just a few of the characters in the Old Testament. Then there are the events that even Hollywood can’t duplicate. From Creation to Armageddon, the Bible is filled with the fantastic, the extraordinary, the supernatural.
And some people think God is boring. He has an imagination unrivaled by Steven Spielberg or George Lucas.
What would it be like to meet the God of the Bible? To be there when he parted the Red Sea or raised Lazarus from the dead? To listen to him pray? To eat with him? To feel his gentle grip rescue you from some as-yet-unseen consequence?
What if you could live when Jesus walked this earth? Sail with him on the Sea of Galilee? Sit at his feet with Mary?
What would you say? How would you act differently?
What if instead of you going back in time, God lived in your world today?
We may piously think if Jesus visited any of our homes that we wouldn’t get caught up in preparing a fancy meal. We might imagine that we wouldn’t lose our tempers as Peter did. We wouldn’t believe we’d be capable of doing what we do every day. But such dreams would never come true.
Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us. He is a very present help in time of trouble. He promised he would never leave us; that he would be with us always. True, he’s not here physically, but the Holy Spirit lives in us. So he is wherever we are.
That can be a little disconcerting, but it should also be comforting. It’s a matter of perspective. And maybe we need a change of view. Perhaps we should see ourselves from God’s vantage point. He says we’re forgiven. Healed. Whole, rather than broken.
“What if it were true?”
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Pastor John Pool or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
That was the premise that gave birth to the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. But if you think her stories are fantastic, you should read the Bible.
Just a few of the characters are enough for a best-selling series. A know-it-all snake. A talking donkey. And a man who conversed with a burning bush. Another man who built a boat—before it ever rained. A fish that swallowed a runaway. A bird that fed a prophet. And a valley full of brittle bones that assembled themselves into an army.
Those are just a few of the characters in the Old Testament. Then there are the events that even Hollywood can’t duplicate. From Creation to Armageddon, the Bible is filled with the fantastic, the extraordinary, the supernatural.
And some people think God is boring. He has an imagination unrivaled by Steven Spielberg or George Lucas.
What would it be like to meet the God of the Bible? To be there when he parted the Red Sea or raised Lazarus from the dead? To listen to him pray? To eat with him? To feel his gentle grip rescue you from some as-yet-unseen consequence?
What if you could live when Jesus walked this earth? Sail with him on the Sea of Galilee? Sit at his feet with Mary?
What would you say? How would you act differently?
What if instead of you going back in time, God lived in your world today?
We may piously think if Jesus visited any of our homes that we wouldn’t get caught up in preparing a fancy meal. We might imagine that we wouldn’t lose our tempers as Peter did. We wouldn’t believe we’d be capable of doing what we do every day. But such dreams would never come true.
Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us. He is a very present help in time of trouble. He promised he would never leave us; that he would be with us always. True, he’s not here physically, but the Holy Spirit lives in us. So he is wherever we are.
That can be a little disconcerting, but it should also be comforting. It’s a matter of perspective. And maybe we need a change of view. Perhaps we should see ourselves from God’s vantage point. He says we’re forgiven. Healed. Whole, rather than broken.
“What if it were true?”
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Pastor John Pool or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Under the Influence
Between a rock and a hard place? You’ve been there. So have I. So was Moses. With one difference—he was responsible for a few million people.
You know the scene I’m talking about. Backs to the Red Sea. Facing Pharaoh’s army. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. And the folks he led into the desert are starting to form a lynch mob. Somebody’s looking for rope. A few more are looking for a tree. And a growing crowd is yelling for the leader to do something—anything. No one is happy.
With good reason. It seems they’re all alone. They’re not sure where God is, but they’re becoming convinced he’s not where they need him to be—where they are. Then, before the special effects, God pauses to give a brief three-point sermon. “Fear not. Stand still. See my salvation.”
We may not have been there and we have the advantage of knowing how the story ends. But we don’t have that benefit when it comes to our circumstances. When the words, “You’re fired!” aren’t confined to a TV show. When you’re asked to help carry a friend’s son’s casket. When the second doctor’s opinion is the same as the first. We can’t be certain how life will turn out or what will happen next. And we’re tempted, just as the Israelites were, to look for someone to blame.
The problem is that by that time who is at fault doesn’t really matter. What’s important isn’t so much why we’re under pressure, but how we respond to it.
Stress can reveal the worst in people. It can also bring out the best in us. Like popcorn. Under the influence of heat and pressure, all that’s good on the inside can be released so we reach our full potential.
You don’t need to panic. God said your trials aren’t unique; they’re common. As for an exit strategy, the impasse you face may lead to your future. Don’t forget, he’s been where you are. And he promised he’d stay with you until you are with him.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
You know the scene I’m talking about. Backs to the Red Sea. Facing Pharaoh’s army. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. And the folks he led into the desert are starting to form a lynch mob. Somebody’s looking for rope. A few more are looking for a tree. And a growing crowd is yelling for the leader to do something—anything. No one is happy.
With good reason. It seems they’re all alone. They’re not sure where God is, but they’re becoming convinced he’s not where they need him to be—where they are. Then, before the special effects, God pauses to give a brief three-point sermon. “Fear not. Stand still. See my salvation.”
We may not have been there and we have the advantage of knowing how the story ends. But we don’t have that benefit when it comes to our circumstances. When the words, “You’re fired!” aren’t confined to a TV show. When you’re asked to help carry a friend’s son’s casket. When the second doctor’s opinion is the same as the first. We can’t be certain how life will turn out or what will happen next. And we’re tempted, just as the Israelites were, to look for someone to blame.
The problem is that by that time who is at fault doesn’t really matter. What’s important isn’t so much why we’re under pressure, but how we respond to it.
Stress can reveal the worst in people. It can also bring out the best in us. Like popcorn. Under the influence of heat and pressure, all that’s good on the inside can be released so we reach our full potential.
You don’t need to panic. God said your trials aren’t unique; they’re common. As for an exit strategy, the impasse you face may lead to your future. Don’t forget, he’s been where you are. And he promised he’d stay with you until you are with him.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Rest Easy
You’ve seen the bumper sticker: NO JESUS, NO PEACE; KNOW JESUS, KNOW PEACE. Nice idea. Catchy phrase. Easy to remember. But wrong.
Now, before you become indignant, hear me out. At first the concept seems true. We want it to be true. We want life to be that simple, but it rarely is.
If knowing Jesus resulted in peace of mind, a quiet spirit, a still heart, a soul as placid as a glassy lake, Christians wouldn’t experience turmoil. But we do.
People who profess Christ as their savior struggle with excuses and abuses. Divorce rates among believers are as high as those of non-believers. We eat too much, drink when we shouldn’t, abuse drugs (including prescription medications), and exploit others and ourselves in a vain effort to be happy.
So, either we don’t know God or knowing peace isn’t as easy as the bumper sticker would have us believe. Since no one who attends church wants to admit to not knowing a divine, infinite, perfect, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, loving, merciful God we’re stuck with agreeing that peace may involve a pursuit. But what if finding peace is simple?
The apostle Paul wrote that he learned the secret; he discovered he could be content regardless of his circumstances. Good days or bad, hungry or not, honored or beaten, admired or left for dead. What happened around him—and more importantly what happened to him—didn’t change what mattered most: God loved Paul.
King David understood this truth when he wrote the 23rd Psalm. I can hear it with a good Jewish lilt. “The Lord, he’s my shepherd. Me? I want nothing.” Oh, he and Paul both had dreams and ambitions. But neither of these men needed anything; they had everything that mattered. So do we.
Jesus is all I need. God provides more than enough for all my needs. My wants? That’s different. But if I learn the difference, I’ll be wiser than many. And even if I’m not, I’ll be content.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Now, before you become indignant, hear me out. At first the concept seems true. We want it to be true. We want life to be that simple, but it rarely is.
If knowing Jesus resulted in peace of mind, a quiet spirit, a still heart, a soul as placid as a glassy lake, Christians wouldn’t experience turmoil. But we do.
People who profess Christ as their savior struggle with excuses and abuses. Divorce rates among believers are as high as those of non-believers. We eat too much, drink when we shouldn’t, abuse drugs (including prescription medications), and exploit others and ourselves in a vain effort to be happy.
So, either we don’t know God or knowing peace isn’t as easy as the bumper sticker would have us believe. Since no one who attends church wants to admit to not knowing a divine, infinite, perfect, omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, loving, merciful God we’re stuck with agreeing that peace may involve a pursuit. But what if finding peace is simple?
The apostle Paul wrote that he learned the secret; he discovered he could be content regardless of his circumstances. Good days or bad, hungry or not, honored or beaten, admired or left for dead. What happened around him—and more importantly what happened to him—didn’t change what mattered most: God loved Paul.
King David understood this truth when he wrote the 23rd Psalm. I can hear it with a good Jewish lilt. “The Lord, he’s my shepherd. Me? I want nothing.” Oh, he and Paul both had dreams and ambitions. But neither of these men needed anything; they had everything that mattered. So do we.
Jesus is all I need. God provides more than enough for all my needs. My wants? That’s different. But if I learn the difference, I’ll be wiser than many. And even if I’m not, I’ll be content.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Thirst Quencher
When you’re thirsty, you’ll drink almost anything. But not everything satisfies your thirst.
Maybe you’ve been in the desert a long time. Longer than you care to remember. You’ve wandered here and there, searching. And now you’re not sure where you are or how you’ll ever find you’re way back.
Perhaps your bed is only half full. Maybe your company outsourced your job. Or was it that doctor’s report? As soon as he said those words—“There’s nothing we can do.”—hope disappeared. You went in for a check-up and he told you to get ready to check out. But you weren’t ready then and you’re still not prepared. You don’t have the will to go on, but you know you shouldn’t give up.
At first you were hurt. Then, anger baked your heart until it became dry and cracked. Joy evaporated. And left you thirstier than ever.
Our souls can become so parched that we forget what it’s like to taste anything other than dust. It doesn’t take long to become dehydrated. The struggle to continue can leave us exhausted. We become confused, disoriented. In time, we’ll die. Maybe just fifty feet from what could save us.
That’s what happened to one woman. She went jogging in the desert early one morning with some friends. Somehow she lagged behind; they didn’t know what happened. Alone, incoherent, she stumbled along until she couldn’t go any farther. Someone found her body—in a ditch fifty feet from a house with all the water she needed.
We could condemn her companions. We could blame the homeowners for not helping. Maybe they weren’t home. We don’t know why her friends didn’t realize what happened. And we can’t be certain the woman herself didn’t make some poor choices that put her at risk. But blaming someone—anyone—afterward won’t change anything.
It doesn’t matter why you’re thirsty. What’s important is that you drink. But you can’t gulp just anything. Sodas won’t satisfy. Coffee won’t quench. What you need is water. And sometimes you need someone else to get it for you.
Jesus asked for a drink and gave a woman more than she asked for. He will do the same for you. He’s the original thirst quencher.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Maybe you’ve been in the desert a long time. Longer than you care to remember. You’ve wandered here and there, searching. And now you’re not sure where you are or how you’ll ever find you’re way back.
Perhaps your bed is only half full. Maybe your company outsourced your job. Or was it that doctor’s report? As soon as he said those words—“There’s nothing we can do.”—hope disappeared. You went in for a check-up and he told you to get ready to check out. But you weren’t ready then and you’re still not prepared. You don’t have the will to go on, but you know you shouldn’t give up.
At first you were hurt. Then, anger baked your heart until it became dry and cracked. Joy evaporated. And left you thirstier than ever.
Our souls can become so parched that we forget what it’s like to taste anything other than dust. It doesn’t take long to become dehydrated. The struggle to continue can leave us exhausted. We become confused, disoriented. In time, we’ll die. Maybe just fifty feet from what could save us.
That’s what happened to one woman. She went jogging in the desert early one morning with some friends. Somehow she lagged behind; they didn’t know what happened. Alone, incoherent, she stumbled along until she couldn’t go any farther. Someone found her body—in a ditch fifty feet from a house with all the water she needed.
We could condemn her companions. We could blame the homeowners for not helping. Maybe they weren’t home. We don’t know why her friends didn’t realize what happened. And we can’t be certain the woman herself didn’t make some poor choices that put her at risk. But blaming someone—anyone—afterward won’t change anything.
It doesn’t matter why you’re thirsty. What’s important is that you drink. But you can’t gulp just anything. Sodas won’t satisfy. Coffee won’t quench. What you need is water. And sometimes you need someone else to get it for you.
Jesus asked for a drink and gave a woman more than she asked for. He will do the same for you. He’s the original thirst quencher.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Survival Guide
Storms in the desert can be deadly. First comes a wall of dust, then the downpour. The rains sweep through canyons in flash floods. One minute everything is dry. The next, everything that was is no more. In a moment, the landscape of your life is changed.
Storms are indiscriminate. They don’t care; they have no feelings. They’re out to devastate everything in their paths. And if you happen to get in their way, they can destroy you.
You might not see or hear a storm coming; they rarely announce their arrival. And even when they do, you often have little time to do anything more than try to escape their fury.
They can appear any time, anywhere. They frequently attack when you least expect them. They come when you’re not looking. When you’re tired. In the middle of the night. Out of nowhere. They blindside you, knock you down—if not knock you out. And they will if you don’t get up.
When a storm hits, you’re not enjoying a refreshing swim; you’re caught in a deluge. And the torrent is sweeping through faster than you ever imagined it could. You’re whirled around, upside down. Stumbling, tumbling. You thought you were standing on a solid rock. Where is the rock? Now all that you feel under your feet seems to be sinking sand.
What you do in the midst of a storm won’t deter it’s fury. Your actions and reactions won’t deflect its path or defer the damage. But who you blame will affect what happens in the aftermath.
When the storm has passed—and it will—if you think the storm was an act of God, you’ll be angry. But what if storms are a part of life? What if they’re indiscriminate? What if the bad things that happen to you aren’t caused by a vindictive, mean, angry God? What if God is the one trying to rescue you?
That’s happened. On one occasion, Jesus came walking through a hurricane. During another tempest, he was asleep in the boat with those who feared for their lives. Both times, people misunderstood him.
We do, too. We either think he’s come to torment us or that he doesn’t care. But if that were true, why bother to come where we are? To be in the same boat with us?
That’s what comforts me and what should comfort you—he is where we are. He knows what we’re going through. And because he does, he can do what we can’t. He will either quiet the storm or calm our fears. Either way, he’s our guide.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Storms are indiscriminate. They don’t care; they have no feelings. They’re out to devastate everything in their paths. And if you happen to get in their way, they can destroy you.
You might not see or hear a storm coming; they rarely announce their arrival. And even when they do, you often have little time to do anything more than try to escape their fury.
They can appear any time, anywhere. They frequently attack when you least expect them. They come when you’re not looking. When you’re tired. In the middle of the night. Out of nowhere. They blindside you, knock you down—if not knock you out. And they will if you don’t get up.
When a storm hits, you’re not enjoying a refreshing swim; you’re caught in a deluge. And the torrent is sweeping through faster than you ever imagined it could. You’re whirled around, upside down. Stumbling, tumbling. You thought you were standing on a solid rock. Where is the rock? Now all that you feel under your feet seems to be sinking sand.
What you do in the midst of a storm won’t deter it’s fury. Your actions and reactions won’t deflect its path or defer the damage. But who you blame will affect what happens in the aftermath.
When the storm has passed—and it will—if you think the storm was an act of God, you’ll be angry. But what if storms are a part of life? What if they’re indiscriminate? What if the bad things that happen to you aren’t caused by a vindictive, mean, angry God? What if God is the one trying to rescue you?
That’s happened. On one occasion, Jesus came walking through a hurricane. During another tempest, he was asleep in the boat with those who feared for their lives. Both times, people misunderstood him.
We do, too. We either think he’s come to torment us or that he doesn’t care. But if that were true, why bother to come where we are? To be in the same boat with us?
That’s what comforts me and what should comfort you—he is where we are. He knows what we’re going through. And because he does, he can do what we can’t. He will either quiet the storm or calm our fears. Either way, he’s our guide.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Attitude Adjustments
For the space shuttle to dock with the space station, the spacecraft must maintain the proper pitch and yaw—attitude. Not only must the craft be oriented properly—pointed in the right direction—its attitude must be controlled.
The same is true with us. We need to maintain control and keep a good attitude in order to be connected with God. Anger, bitterness, and other negative emotions change our pitch and yaw. We can look at other people and circumstances—and God—in a way that skews our vision. And not being able to see correctly means we view God as something he’s not.
Often if we’re angry, we infer meanings from what people say or how they say something. We misread body language and facial expressions. We read into what they don’t say and reach wrong conclusions. We do the same thing with God.
With a right attitude we’ll read a passage of Scripture one way. But with a wrong attitude we can read the same verses negatively. I’ve done both—read a passage as both a dire warning and a promise—because of my personal experiences at the time. Our perspective is affected by what we perceive and by our past. Then, what we think affects what we do and how we react.
If we want to see God, we need pure hearts. If we want to be closer to God, we need to be sure we are pointed in the right direction, that we’re moving toward him, not away from him. And then adjust our point of view.
When bad things happen, we need to remind ourselves how good God is. Read a Psalm, listen to a sermon, read a book, listen to music—worship. Even if all we have is five minutes that may be enough.
To correct the pitch and yaw of the shuttle, the astronauts fire small maneuvering thrusters. A few seconds may be all it takes to regain a right attitude and control in order to reconnect with God.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
The same is true with us. We need to maintain control and keep a good attitude in order to be connected with God. Anger, bitterness, and other negative emotions change our pitch and yaw. We can look at other people and circumstances—and God—in a way that skews our vision. And not being able to see correctly means we view God as something he’s not.
Often if we’re angry, we infer meanings from what people say or how they say something. We misread body language and facial expressions. We read into what they don’t say and reach wrong conclusions. We do the same thing with God.
With a right attitude we’ll read a passage of Scripture one way. But with a wrong attitude we can read the same verses negatively. I’ve done both—read a passage as both a dire warning and a promise—because of my personal experiences at the time. Our perspective is affected by what we perceive and by our past. Then, what we think affects what we do and how we react.
If we want to see God, we need pure hearts. If we want to be closer to God, we need to be sure we are pointed in the right direction, that we’re moving toward him, not away from him. And then adjust our point of view.
When bad things happen, we need to remind ourselves how good God is. Read a Psalm, listen to a sermon, read a book, listen to music—worship. Even if all we have is five minutes that may be enough.
To correct the pitch and yaw of the shuttle, the astronauts fire small maneuvering thrusters. A few seconds may be all it takes to regain a right attitude and control in order to reconnect with God.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Monday, October 02, 2006
What's the Problem?
Dysfunction is rampant, at least in America. And those who consider themselves Christians aren’t exempt. No one gets a free pass.
More families than ever before are at risk of divorce. That means another generation of children more likely to experience a failed marriage themselves. More promiscuity. More sexually transmitted diseases. More teenage pregnancies. More abortions. Not a very pretty picture. And divorce is just one pressure that’s squeezing the life out of us.
So why do we have so many problems? There are a lot of reasons. Here’s a short checklist to help you identify some of the sources of your stress.
1. YOU’RE TRYING TO BE SOMEONE YOU’RE NOT. You’re afraid others won’t like the real you, so you pretend to be who you think they want you to be.
2. YOU’RE TRYING TO PLEASE THE WRONG PERSON. That might be a parent, a child, a boss, a teacher, a pastor, or even yourself.
3. YOU DON’T HAVE A CLEAR PURPOSE. Consequently, you live under the tyranny of the urgent and rarely under the influence of what’s important.
4. YOU PURSUE PLEASURE RATHER THAN HAPPINESS. The former is momentary; the latter leads to a life of contentment—with whatever you have, in good times and bad.
5. YOU LIVE WITH UNFULFILLED DREAMS. Hope has disappeared or at least it’s fading fast.
6. YOU LIVE WITH UNPLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCES. Life is out of control. Your bus is headed toward a cliff and you’re not driving.
7. YOU LIVE WITH AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE. You doubt things will get better and you’re almost convinced they will get worse.
There are other causes of pressure, but once you know where the root of the problem is, you know where to dig. However, maybe you need a bigger, stronger shovel.
If you’re like me, you may have more than one problem at a time. If so, start with the biggest weed in your yard. It may take awhile to eradicate all of them, but the progress you make today with just one will make you feel better now—and tomorrow.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
More families than ever before are at risk of divorce. That means another generation of children more likely to experience a failed marriage themselves. More promiscuity. More sexually transmitted diseases. More teenage pregnancies. More abortions. Not a very pretty picture. And divorce is just one pressure that’s squeezing the life out of us.
So why do we have so many problems? There are a lot of reasons. Here’s a short checklist to help you identify some of the sources of your stress.
1. YOU’RE TRYING TO BE SOMEONE YOU’RE NOT. You’re afraid others won’t like the real you, so you pretend to be who you think they want you to be.
2. YOU’RE TRYING TO PLEASE THE WRONG PERSON. That might be a parent, a child, a boss, a teacher, a pastor, or even yourself.
3. YOU DON’T HAVE A CLEAR PURPOSE. Consequently, you live under the tyranny of the urgent and rarely under the influence of what’s important.
4. YOU PURSUE PLEASURE RATHER THAN HAPPINESS. The former is momentary; the latter leads to a life of contentment—with whatever you have, in good times and bad.
5. YOU LIVE WITH UNFULFILLED DREAMS. Hope has disappeared or at least it’s fading fast.
6. YOU LIVE WITH UNPLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCES. Life is out of control. Your bus is headed toward a cliff and you’re not driving.
7. YOU LIVE WITH AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE. You doubt things will get better and you’re almost convinced they will get worse.
There are other causes of pressure, but once you know where the root of the problem is, you know where to dig. However, maybe you need a bigger, stronger shovel.
If you’re like me, you may have more than one problem at a time. If so, start with the biggest weed in your yard. It may take awhile to eradicate all of them, but the progress you make today with just one will make you feel better now—and tomorrow.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
got stress?
If you have problems, you have stress. Maybe yours isn’t the same as mine, but we all face stress. Sometimes more, other times less. It comes in various forms—work, relationships, family. Thankfully there are seasons when there’s less stress. But there are times of every year when it hits new peaks. From kids going back to school, to holidays; from weddings to graduations; from unemployment to retirement; the causes may change, but the pressure remains—and often increases.
Illness, especially catastrophic or chronic, can result in depression. Financial downturns can produce everything from ulcers and headaches to fatigue associated with a host of long-term debilitating illnesses. Stress seems to be a normal part of life. But does it have to be?
If we don’t manage our problems, our problems will manage us. We know we need to relax, but how? And when? Many of us are too busy. We are wired 24/7 with cell phones, laptops, and Palm Pilots. Our planners and calendars are never far from our reach. And we mistakenly think that our lives are like the movie title, As Good As It Gets. But we can change.
We don’t have to stay where we are, do what we do, or be who we’ve been. Our lives can be different, better. Here are three practical tips to help you.
1. Don’t accept defeat. Believe that if you change what you do, you’ll change who you are. You don’t have to let your problems determine your destiny.
2. Be honest with yourself. Take responsibility, but don’t accept blame. Mistakes prove you’re human. Don’t beat yourself up for that, much less for someone else’s errors.
3. Act. Get up and get going. If you stay where you are, you’ll always be where you’ve been.
Change isn’t easy, but the struggle is far better than the pain of living with the pressure that’s crushing your life—and worth the effort.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
Illness, especially catastrophic or chronic, can result in depression. Financial downturns can produce everything from ulcers and headaches to fatigue associated with a host of long-term debilitating illnesses. Stress seems to be a normal part of life. But does it have to be?
If we don’t manage our problems, our problems will manage us. We know we need to relax, but how? And when? Many of us are too busy. We are wired 24/7 with cell phones, laptops, and Palm Pilots. Our planners and calendars are never far from our reach. And we mistakenly think that our lives are like the movie title, As Good As It Gets. But we can change.
We don’t have to stay where we are, do what we do, or be who we’ve been. Our lives can be different, better. Here are three practical tips to help you.
1. Don’t accept defeat. Believe that if you change what you do, you’ll change who you are. You don’t have to let your problems determine your destiny.
2. Be honest with yourself. Take responsibility, but don’t accept blame. Mistakes prove you’re human. Don’t beat yourself up for that, much less for someone else’s errors.
3. Act. Get up and get going. If you stay where you are, you’ll always be where you’ve been.
Change isn’t easy, but the struggle is far better than the pain of living with the pressure that’s crushing your life—and worth the effort.
Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.
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