A Complaint about Complaining

According to the authors of the book Significa, the world's champion complainer was a man named Ralph Charrel. Charrel received over $100,000 as a result of his systematic complaining. His smallest refund was of $6.95 and his largest was $25,000. Charrel spent time every day making phone call and writing letters of complaint. He even wrote two books, How to Get the Upper Hand and How I Turn Ordinary Complaints into Thousands of Dollars.

While we all have the right to stand up for ourselves, would you want to be known as the "World's Champion Complainer"? I hope not.

The issue of complaining has been around since the beginning of time and it found a special place at a church in Philippi in which Paul addresses the problem. Philipians 2:14-15:

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe..."

Paul makes a distinction between the children of God and the rest of the world. He says they are a "crooked and depraved generation," but we should become blameless and pure. One of the ways we do this is avoiding the temptation of complaining and arguing with each other.

If we choose to be thankful and encouraging instead of complaining; and if we choose to make peace instead of causing division and dissent, the Bible says we will shine like stars in the universe. May we shine for Jesus today.

On the Journey Together,

Justin

Let Freedom Ring

Everyone that I know really loves the 4th of July weekend. Whether your deal is traveling, camping, grillin', or taking the boat to the lake or river, we all seem to joyously celebrate it in one way or the other. You know, it is something about the hot summer sun, the fireworks, and good eating that get's us all excited--or is it?
Maybe all of the things we do to celebrate the 4th of July are just results of what we're really excited about. It's possible that burgers and sparklers are simply an outward expression of an inward appreciation. We may not think of it this way, but I believe somewhere in our mind or heart, we all long for freedom. Once our freedom is realized, it excites us; once we're excited, we show and share it.

I hope one day to travel to the Northeast and tour our nation's capitol and surrounding areas. If I'm ever granted the opportunity, I think I will plan to visit the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The history of the bell is astounding, but I'll spare you all of its historic details. I would like to point out, however, a key inscription on the bell. It reads as follows:

"Proclaim Liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof." (Leviticus 25:10)

Forgive the pun, but that inscription "rings a bell." Remember Matthew 28:18? (Hint: "the great commission.") You see, Jesus came to set us free from the penalty of sin. He has freed us from it's bondage and it's punishment (death). Through Christ we have true freedom. Essentially His last words before leaving earth were: "Go to everyone in the world how they can be free!" Go back and read the Liberty Bell inscription once more. How 'bout it?
In closing, my simple challenge is this. First, realize true freedom comes through Christ, and Him alone. Secondly, proclaim that freedom to everyone you can-in Bubba language, that means tell somebody about Jesus.
Celebrating Freedom Together,
Justin

George Washington and Cursing

I ran across a quote by George Washington that was very insightful...thought I would share:

"The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it."

Profanity has been around nearly as long as language itself, and it shows no sign of going away anytime soon. Vulgarity is everywhere: billboards, books and magazines, all over the web, music, everyday conversations, and especially movies and TV.

We all have that little voice inside us that lets us no something isn't right about cursing and swearing. Our wisdom, attitude, and character determines whether or not we make the choice to curse/cuss. When one chooses to use profanity, it's usually one of the following:

• a sign of ignorance (such as the child who repeats what they've heard or the immature adult who is speaking without thinking)
• a sign of rebellion (like the teenager who likes getting away with it or the criminal who curses an officer)
• or a sign of insecurity (like the singer who uses it because they feel it's the only way they can reach their audience or the debater who uses it in as a method of intimidation).

There are other cases of course, but these are the most common reasons people will curse. As a youth minister I was often asked, "Is it a 'sin' to cuss?" Hmmm. Does the Bible really say that we're not supposed to? The answer is "yes." The Bible speaks very clearly about our speech, and how it should be used. Since we only have a limited amount of space, let me share this verse with you:

"Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth..." (Ephesians 4:29)

"...from the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. Brothers this ought not to be this way..." (James 3:10

Jesus said it's not what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out (Matthew 15:11). There are several more verses you can find them by clicking here.

All this is to say that God has given us speech and words as a way to communicate, and even moreso to build each other up (Ephesians 4:29). So, today let's build someone up; encourage them. And if you have that bad habit of cursing, the grab these verses above and let them be your "weapon" against profanity. Learn and memorize them. When the time is right, you'll know it, and you'll be able to use your secret weapon. It's amazing the power in God's Word.

Praying these words have built you up...

Justin

Don't Drink the Sand

Galatians 1:3

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..."

What is listed above is Paul's greeting to the church in Galatia. It was very common for Paul to introduce himself in his letters and then grant the blessings of "grace and peace." In fact when he addressed the Believers in Corinth, Phillipi, Ephesus, and Thessalonica, he uses this phrase, and almost always follows it with a reference of God and Christ.

Because it is so common in his writings, and since it's just a part of the greeting many skip over the statement not realizing the importance. But, I would like to remind us about 2 we learn from the Scriptures:

1. Grace comes before peace. We could never experience the peace of God without first realizing and accepting the grace of God.

2. Grace and peace comes from God through Christ. We may try to look to other things to give us the satisfaction and peace we desire, but true peace only comes from God through a relationship with Christ.

When we try to quench our thirst by looking to other things (alcohol, entertainment, money, success, sexual immorality, etc.), we are basically "drinking sand." What happens if you were to drink sand? Your thirst isn't quenched, it's intensified and compounded. And so it is when we try to find peace outside of God's grace given through Christ.

Jesus told the woman at the well, "...whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

In the spirit of Paul and the Gospel, I pray that you will let Jesus quench your thrist. I pray we will all experience the blessings of grace and peace from God that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

On the Journey Together,

Justin

Happy Father's Day

Another special day is just around the corner, and I'm sure you've been marketed to enough to know what day it is--Father's Day. Around America this weekend, we'll pause and say thanks to our dads. For most, they'll appreciate them a little extra and end the day a little closer than before.

I'm a rebel at heart and like to go against the grain when I can, but I would definitely be amiss if I didn't join the celebration and do the same. So, I'd like to say thanks to my dad. Thanks for working those long days and nights on the oil rigs and cotton gins. Thanks for showing me how to mow the yard, for putting up the basketball goal for me, and carrying me fishing and hunting. Thanks for accepting Christ and striving to be a godly man. Thanks for using the "leather" when I needed it. (I can't believe I just said that!) Thanks, most of all, for loving me. You haven't been the perfect dad (and I definitely haven't been the perfect son), but your love has always been authentic and genuine and for that I'm eternally grateful.

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As I pause to say a prayer of thanks for and blessings over my own dad, I'm reminded of the thousands of people whose Father's Day won't be a day of celebration, but a time of mourning or anxiety. Many of our nation's fathers are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some have given their lives in the process. Some fathers will be in the hospital. Some will be at work. And, for whatever reason, some will fathers will be away from their families, on their own accord.

For those who won't be recognizing their earthly fathers this Sunday (and even for those who will), may I remind and encourage you to remember our Heavenly Father and His love for us. We have an (Abba) Father who loves us and will never leave or forsake us. He's never too tired, never too weary, and He always cares. He will draw near to you, when you draw near to Him. He will answer when you call; He's there to protect and guide you.

The Bible also says:

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." (Psalm 68:5)

We all have a father who loves us. So let's celebrate our earthly dads and our Heavenly Father! Praise be to God!

Thankful for our fathers and our Father,

Justin

Speaking Truth, Loving People

I am a fan of apologetics-and I'm not referring to the cheesy band that changes the lyrics popular secular songs to make them "Christian lyrics" (whatever that means). I love the study and practice of Biblical apologetics.

Contrary to what many think, apologetics doesn't have anything to do with apologies or apologizing. It comes from the Greek word, apologia, which means "in defense of." In apologetics, we don't say, "I'm sorry for what I believe," rather we may say, "this is why I believe what I believe..."

This brings up a question, do you know why you believe what you believe? A popular verse about this topic is found in 1 Peter 3:15:

"...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence..."

Pondering that passage, may I ask you a few questions:

• Is Jesus Lord in your heart? If He's not Lord, what's keeping you from making Jesus your Lord. I'd be happy to talk to you about it- just le me know-or contact to your pastor about your relationship to Christ.

• If He is Lord, then do you have an answer for those who want to know why? If you don't have an answer or aren't sure how to respond to the skeptic or atheist when questioned about your faith, you should consider studying and growing in your understanding. Maybe you could grab a book or meet with a mentor to learn more about defending your faith.

• If He is Lord, AND you have an answer for your faith, are you giving your responses with gentleness and reverence? For some of us we attack those to whom we are defending our faith or we come across as arrogant when we provide our answers. Let me challenge you to "speak truth in love."

On the Journey Together,

Justin

Happy Mother's Day

This Sunday is one of those special days of the year in which we celebrate a certain group of people of which we literally wouldn't be here without-our mothers.

Ambrose Bierce once defined the word, "sweater," by saying a sweater is a "garment worn by a child when its mother is feeling chilly." It's unique statement that illustrates a profound concept-a mother's love.

For all those loving mothers out there, thank you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make. Thank you for being selfless, when everyone else is being selfish. Thank you for nurturing and caring in those ways that only mothers can do. Thank you for being beautiful pictures of God's grace and mercy.

A special thanks also to my own mother. Mom, you are all of the above and even more. You endured more raising this stubborn boy than any mom should. Your loving care during my bout with cancer is unparalleled. Your prayers and support of the ministry God has called me means more than you know. Thanks for everything. You're the best.

On the Journey Together,

Justin