Blog https://www.amazinglove.org Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:43:18 -0500 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Encouragement For You! https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/encourage-one-another https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/encourage-one-another#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2016 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/encourage-one-another It is so easy to get discouraged. Ladies, take the case of a new haircut, hair style, or hair color. Most people with common sense will say regardless, “Love your hair! Work it girl! Never looked better!” But all it takes is that one person who says, “Oh, I see you got a haircut.” But they say nothing else and walk away. Or if you really want to give someone a low blow call it “interesting.” For what does “interesting” mean today? I believe it says: I really don’t like it, but I didn’t want to tell it to your face. So passive aggressively I chose this word.”


Guys, perhaps you don’t get discouraged about hair. But how about those who give off the impressive if you were a real man you would have done it bigger and better. Let’s say you carve a simple Jack-O-Lantern, and you thought it went well. But your neighbor shows you with braggadocios spirit how he was able to carve Van Gough’s Starry Night into his pumpkin.


I don’t know what your experience is but I believe we have all learned this one simple truth: a single word can either tear us down or build us up. And most of us are dealing with more discouraging words than we care to admit. It’s easy to be torn down.


So let me take a moment to encourage you. Because I believe the God I represent is an encouraging God. He knows how to lift us up regardless of our reasons for discouragement.


The encouraging word I want to share with you is this, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)


Most of us walk around spiritually discouraged. That is because somewhere inside us there is a recognition that all of us are imperfect. Maybe you’ve even admitted, “Well, nobody’s perfect.” God has a name for all our imperfect thoughts, words, and deed, and it is sin. Sin deserves punishment. Sin brings shame and guilt. Sin means we should be appointed to suffer God’s wrath and anger over what we have done.


But there is good news! There is a word of encouragement from God! We are not appointed to suffer wrath! Jesus suffered for our sake. Jesus took up the cross, and died the death we deserved for sin. And all who through faith trust in him as Savior, have a different day appointed for them.
So I’m here to tell you about the true day you’ve been appointed for. Perk up for this encouraging word!


You’ve been appointed for a day when suffering ceases. You’ve been appointed for a day when death is done, and there is only life and life beyond our best imagination. You’ve been appointed not to be an angel on a cloud playing a harp (none of that imagery is in the Bible by the way), you’ve been appointed to have an imperishable, perfected body in the new heavens and the new earth where sadness is no more. You’ve been appointed to live forever with the author of every good thing. You’ve been appointed to see Jesus face to face.


This day comes to us through faith in Jesus, who suffered wrath in our place. And knowledge this much brighter day that is coming is able to shine through our darkest days here. Knowledge of such a day can lift discouraged hearts. Let the message of Jesus and the day that is coming encourage you! Spread this message to encourage the hearts of others. God bless!

]]>
It is so easy to get discouraged. Ladies, take the case of a new haircut, hair style, or hair color. Most people with common sense will say regardless, “Love your hair! Work it girl! Never looked better!” But all it takes is that one person who says, “Oh, I see you got a haircut.” But they say nothing else and walk away. Or if you really want to give someone a low blow call it “interesting.” For what does “interesting” mean today? I believe it says: I really don’t like it, but I didn’t want to tell it to your face. So passive aggressively I chose this word.”


Guys, perhaps you don’t get discouraged about hair. But how about those who give off the impressive if you were a real man you would have done it bigger and better. Let’s say you carve a simple Jack-O-Lantern, and you thought it went well. But your neighbor shows you with braggadocios spirit how he was able to carve Van Gough’s Starry Night into his pumpkin.


I don’t know what your experience is but I believe we have all learned this one simple truth: a single word can either tear us down or build us up. And most of us are dealing with more discouraging words than we care to admit. It’s easy to be torn down.


So let me take a moment to encourage you. Because I believe the God I represent is an encouraging God. He knows how to lift us up regardless of our reasons for discouragement.


The encouraging word I want to share with you is this, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)


Most of us walk around spiritually discouraged. That is because somewhere inside us there is a recognition that all of us are imperfect. Maybe you’ve even admitted, “Well, nobody’s perfect.” God has a name for all our imperfect thoughts, words, and deed, and it is sin. Sin deserves punishment. Sin brings shame and guilt. Sin means we should be appointed to suffer God’s wrath and anger over what we have done.


But there is good news! There is a word of encouragement from God! We are not appointed to suffer wrath! Jesus suffered for our sake. Jesus took up the cross, and died the death we deserved for sin. And all who through faith trust in him as Savior, have a different day appointed for them.
So I’m here to tell you about the true day you’ve been appointed for. Perk up for this encouraging word!


You’ve been appointed for a day when suffering ceases. You’ve been appointed for a day when death is done, and there is only life and life beyond our best imagination. You’ve been appointed not to be an angel on a cloud playing a harp (none of that imagery is in the Bible by the way), you’ve been appointed to have an imperishable, perfected body in the new heavens and the new earth where sadness is no more. You’ve been appointed to live forever with the author of every good thing. You’ve been appointed to see Jesus face to face.


This day comes to us through faith in Jesus, who suffered wrath in our place. And knowledge this much brighter day that is coming is able to shine through our darkest days here. Knowledge of such a day can lift discouraged hearts. Let the message of Jesus and the day that is coming encourage you! Spread this message to encourage the hearts of others. God bless!

]]>
Don't Worry About Tomorrow https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/dont-worry-about-tomorrow https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/dont-worry-about-tomorrow#comments Tue, 03 May 2016 15:00:00 -0500 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/dont-worry-about-tomorrow A woman who was 109 years old was interviewed recently, and she was asked the secret to her long life. Her answer? She drinks 3 Dr. Pepper’s a day. Doctors would tell her not to do this, but those same doctors she has outlived. Maybe there is something to those 21 flavors of Dr. Pepper.


But you want to know what she didn’t say? She didn’t say that worry was the secret to long life. She didn’t mention worry as being helpful to reaching 109 years, and perhaps that goes without saying.
Worry isn’t helpful with much. Worry didn’t help me graduate from college or seminary, didn’t help me get a wife or friends. In fact worry was an annoying obstacle for those things. And when it comes to living longer, worry seems to take life rather than add.


You know Jesus picked up on how unhelpful worry is when he said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) In other words, what value does worry add to life or to anything else? Answer? None. So Jesus goes on to tell us, “Don’t worry!” And specifically, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” (Matthew 6:34)


How many reading this paper are planners or at least in some way account for the future? We have an amazing ability to see what’s on the horizon in life whether with the kids, or at work. On the horizon I hope to see the Cubs winning the World Series - could be the year! But it is this very ability to plan and see what is on the horizon that is also linked to our worries. A case could be made that the more you plan or concern yourself with the future the more you worry.


And consider your worries. How many of them actually have to do with today? How many of them are actionable items or going on right now. Often we worry about the kids, not because of today but because of what we perceive in the future. The same thing could be said of our financial future, the state of country, the issue of terrorism, our job status. Many of these worries are all about the future and not about today.Another pastor said that worry is smuggling tomorrow’s trouble into today.


So what should we do, and how can we not worry about tomorrow? Look to Jesus. He is the one who said he was the resurrection and the life, and then proved his point. He is the one who was handed over to death on a cross for our sins. He is the one who three days later, when no one expected it, rose from the dead. The one who conquered death is the one who calls you not to worry. The one who paid for our sins and won our peace says you don’t have to worry.


And if we are so adamant of thinking on tomorrow, why not think about the greatest tomorrow? The greatest tomorrow we look forward to is life with Jesus in heaven. A life with no more sin, no more crying, no more pain, no more death - no more reasons for worry. But while we are still in this life, why not let that greatest tomorrow eclipse the lesser tomorrows. Live in view of what’s coming for us for eternity. When we do that we can say with Paul, whatever trouble comes tomorrow will be light and momentary compared to eternity.


May God bless you with the strength to focus just on today’s troubles. May he give you comfort that the greatest trouble of sin has been paid for. May he give you vision to see as he conquered death so shall you and enjoy that greatest tomorrow with him.

]]>
A woman who was 109 years old was interviewed recently, and she was asked the secret to her long life. Her answer? She drinks 3 Dr. Pepper’s a day. Doctors would tell her not to do this, but those same doctors she has outlived. Maybe there is something to those 21 flavors of Dr. Pepper.


But you want to know what she didn’t say? She didn’t say that worry was the secret to long life. She didn’t mention worry as being helpful to reaching 109 years, and perhaps that goes without saying.
Worry isn’t helpful with much. Worry didn’t help me graduate from college or seminary, didn’t help me get a wife or friends. In fact worry was an annoying obstacle for those things. And when it comes to living longer, worry seems to take life rather than add.


You know Jesus picked up on how unhelpful worry is when he said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) In other words, what value does worry add to life or to anything else? Answer? None. So Jesus goes on to tell us, “Don’t worry!” And specifically, “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” (Matthew 6:34)


How many reading this paper are planners or at least in some way account for the future? We have an amazing ability to see what’s on the horizon in life whether with the kids, or at work. On the horizon I hope to see the Cubs winning the World Series - could be the year! But it is this very ability to plan and see what is on the horizon that is also linked to our worries. A case could be made that the more you plan or concern yourself with the future the more you worry.


And consider your worries. How many of them actually have to do with today? How many of them are actionable items or going on right now. Often we worry about the kids, not because of today but because of what we perceive in the future. The same thing could be said of our financial future, the state of country, the issue of terrorism, our job status. Many of these worries are all about the future and not about today.Another pastor said that worry is smuggling tomorrow’s trouble into today.


So what should we do, and how can we not worry about tomorrow? Look to Jesus. He is the one who said he was the resurrection and the life, and then proved his point. He is the one who was handed over to death on a cross for our sins. He is the one who three days later, when no one expected it, rose from the dead. The one who conquered death is the one who calls you not to worry. The one who paid for our sins and won our peace says you don’t have to worry.


And if we are so adamant of thinking on tomorrow, why not think about the greatest tomorrow? The greatest tomorrow we look forward to is life with Jesus in heaven. A life with no more sin, no more crying, no more pain, no more death - no more reasons for worry. But while we are still in this life, why not let that greatest tomorrow eclipse the lesser tomorrows. Live in view of what’s coming for us for eternity. When we do that we can say with Paul, whatever trouble comes tomorrow will be light and momentary compared to eternity.


May God bless you with the strength to focus just on today’s troubles. May he give you comfort that the greatest trouble of sin has been paid for. May he give you vision to see as he conquered death so shall you and enjoy that greatest tomorrow with him.

]]>
He Can Handle Your Worst https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/he-can-handle-your-worst https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/he-can-handle-your-worst#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2016 10:00:00 -0600 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/he-can-handle-your-worst I was reminiscing over the ’85 Bears recently. ESPN aired a 30 for 30 production all about that remarkable team. It was fun to remember the crazy cast of characters in that team from Mongo, to the Fridge, to Jim McMahon. It was fun to see how dominant the defense was, and the highlight reel of sacks and forced fumbles.


But one storyline really sticks out, and that is how it all came to an end. It was a 1986 Bears vs Packers game. Bears looked like a team that could easily repeat as Super Bowl winners. Until…a Packer named Charles Martin body slams Jim McMahon after the play was over. McMahon suffers a shoulder injury that sidelines him for the season. No repeat Super Bowl win, no more glory days, no more rings. The action of Charles Martin reminds me of the worst things one can do.


Yet, let me tell you something worse. God sends his Son, the Son he loves and the Son who has come to rescue the world. And a group of people call for his execution in the most brutal way imaginable. A group yells, “crucify” and gets heard. The Son of God is put to death and the group that put him on the cross now mocks him as he dies. This is perhaps the worst that one can do.
Peter, a disciple of Jesus, would then come face to face with that same group 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus. And on the day of Pentecost he would call them out saying, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:36) He accuses them of Jesus’ crucifixion. And perhaps he saw in the crowd the same people who were yelling for his death and mocking him that day.


I wonder what is your worst? Do you have a Charles Martin moment in your past? Something that you are ashamed and guilty of? Something that you wish you never did? Something maybe you’re not even sure God would forgive?


If so I have good news. The story goes on and Peter says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38) Basically, Peter is offering pardon for the worst sin imaginable. He’s saying all will be square with you and God, even for killing his Son, if you just repent and be baptized.


And the simple truth is the offer still stands. Repent and be baptized and your worst is pardoned. Whatever your worst is. For Jesus has won our forgiveness!


So what does it mean to repent and be baptized?
Repentance has 3 parts to it. The first is sorrow over what you did. That you own what you did was wrong. The second is that you trust in forgiveness. You believe that when Jesus died on the cross he paid for your sin. You believe that your sin is then paid for once and for all, and no payment by you needs to be made. The third is that you resolve not to continue in a path of sin, but out of thanks choose to serve the Lord.


And what is Baptism? It’s the grace of God given through the water and His Word. In the book of Titus chapter 3 it is called it the “washing of rebirth and renewal” It is where he forgives our sins and grants new spiritual life. As the Apostle Paul was told “Be baptized and wash your sins away.” (Acts 22:16)
I love serving a God who can handle and forgive my worst. I love that he then calls everyone and all to receive this good news and this pardon. May God bless your week!

]]>
I was reminiscing over the ’85 Bears recently. ESPN aired a 30 for 30 production all about that remarkable team. It was fun to remember the crazy cast of characters in that team from Mongo, to the Fridge, to Jim McMahon. It was fun to see how dominant the defense was, and the highlight reel of sacks and forced fumbles.


But one storyline really sticks out, and that is how it all came to an end. It was a 1986 Bears vs Packers game. Bears looked like a team that could easily repeat as Super Bowl winners. Until…a Packer named Charles Martin body slams Jim McMahon after the play was over. McMahon suffers a shoulder injury that sidelines him for the season. No repeat Super Bowl win, no more glory days, no more rings. The action of Charles Martin reminds me of the worst things one can do.


Yet, let me tell you something worse. God sends his Son, the Son he loves and the Son who has come to rescue the world. And a group of people call for his execution in the most brutal way imaginable. A group yells, “crucify” and gets heard. The Son of God is put to death and the group that put him on the cross now mocks him as he dies. This is perhaps the worst that one can do.
Peter, a disciple of Jesus, would then come face to face with that same group 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus. And on the day of Pentecost he would call them out saying, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (Acts 2:36) He accuses them of Jesus’ crucifixion. And perhaps he saw in the crowd the same people who were yelling for his death and mocking him that day.


I wonder what is your worst? Do you have a Charles Martin moment in your past? Something that you are ashamed and guilty of? Something that you wish you never did? Something maybe you’re not even sure God would forgive?


If so I have good news. The story goes on and Peter says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38) Basically, Peter is offering pardon for the worst sin imaginable. He’s saying all will be square with you and God, even for killing his Son, if you just repent and be baptized.


And the simple truth is the offer still stands. Repent and be baptized and your worst is pardoned. Whatever your worst is. For Jesus has won our forgiveness!


So what does it mean to repent and be baptized?
Repentance has 3 parts to it. The first is sorrow over what you did. That you own what you did was wrong. The second is that you trust in forgiveness. You believe that when Jesus died on the cross he paid for your sin. You believe that your sin is then paid for once and for all, and no payment by you needs to be made. The third is that you resolve not to continue in a path of sin, but out of thanks choose to serve the Lord.


And what is Baptism? It’s the grace of God given through the water and His Word. In the book of Titus chapter 3 it is called it the “washing of rebirth and renewal” It is where he forgives our sins and grants new spiritual life. As the Apostle Paul was told “Be baptized and wash your sins away.” (Acts 22:16)
I love serving a God who can handle and forgive my worst. I love that he then calls everyone and all to receive this good news and this pardon. May God bless your week!

]]>
Baby, It's Cold Outside https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/baby-its-cold-outside https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/baby-its-cold-outside#comments Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:00:00 -0600 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/baby-its-cold-outside I confess I do not like the cold. Which is why I do not mind a mild winter. Is there anyone with me?
And while I do not like the cold, I do like the opportunity the cold presents. See when it is cold you have the opportunity to get out the warm, fuzzy blankets with the imitation sherpa lining. When it is cold you have the opportunity to make soup, and hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows. When it is cold you can make a fire in the fireplace, and create snuggle sandwiches with family members. No, I don’t like the cold, but I absolutely love the process of getting warm.
How cold is it for you right now? Not literal coldness, but are you facing any adversity? As the new year begins I wonder if there are any facing serious anxiety? Perhaps it’s being overwhelmed at work and home, fears about the future, or the simple lack of sunshine. I wonder if any are dealing with out of whack relationships? Finding marriage isn’t always so easy or that the kids aren’t always in great seasons. I wonder how many are dealing with loss? Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of money. I may not know your story, but here’s what I do know - the world we live in is cold.
So what would you give to be warm? What would you do to overcome the adversities facing you now, and know to your core things were going to be ok?
As a Christian this is why I love following Jesus. Absolutely, love it. I know some of you might not be Christian, and I’m so glad you’re reading! But I need to tell you this isn’t a sales pitch, this is just a testimony. I love following Jesus because he is my warmth in a cold world. It’s what he offers you as well.
I consider the life of David. His world was cold. He always seemed to be facing people who wanted to kill him. Goliath, his father-in-law King Saul, various nations like the Philistines, even his own son Absalom wanted to kill him. And yet time after time he experienced God’s protection. Time after time they confronted, and time after time God protected. So David said about God, “He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:6) David experienced God’s warmth in a cold world.
Maybe the imagery for us and God isn’t a fortress as David said, but a fireplace. God is a place you come to, to warm up. You have anxieties? “Cast them on me,” he offers. You wonder about the future? “I know the plans I have for, plans of hope and a future,” he says. Feeling lost and alone? “I know you, and promise to be with you always,” he assures.
But the warmest sensation we can have is realizing his incredible love for us. To know our Heavenly Father gave up His Son, so we could become his sons and daughters. To know this Son would die in order for us to live. To know as this Son rose from death, and in so doing he points us beyond this cold world to the warm welcome of heaven.
This new year maybe cold, but I invite you to enjoy the process of getting warm. I invite you to come close to God and to experience for yourself how he can warm you up.

]]>
I confess I do not like the cold. Which is why I do not mind a mild winter. Is there anyone with me?
And while I do not like the cold, I do like the opportunity the cold presents. See when it is cold you have the opportunity to get out the warm, fuzzy blankets with the imitation sherpa lining. When it is cold you have the opportunity to make soup, and hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows. When it is cold you can make a fire in the fireplace, and create snuggle sandwiches with family members. No, I don’t like the cold, but I absolutely love the process of getting warm.
How cold is it for you right now? Not literal coldness, but are you facing any adversity? As the new year begins I wonder if there are any facing serious anxiety? Perhaps it’s being overwhelmed at work and home, fears about the future, or the simple lack of sunshine. I wonder if any are dealing with out of whack relationships? Finding marriage isn’t always so easy or that the kids aren’t always in great seasons. I wonder how many are dealing with loss? Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of money. I may not know your story, but here’s what I do know - the world we live in is cold.
So what would you give to be warm? What would you do to overcome the adversities facing you now, and know to your core things were going to be ok?
As a Christian this is why I love following Jesus. Absolutely, love it. I know some of you might not be Christian, and I’m so glad you’re reading! But I need to tell you this isn’t a sales pitch, this is just a testimony. I love following Jesus because he is my warmth in a cold world. It’s what he offers you as well.
I consider the life of David. His world was cold. He always seemed to be facing people who wanted to kill him. Goliath, his father-in-law King Saul, various nations like the Philistines, even his own son Absalom wanted to kill him. And yet time after time he experienced God’s protection. Time after time they confronted, and time after time God protected. So David said about God, “He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:6) David experienced God’s warmth in a cold world.
Maybe the imagery for us and God isn’t a fortress as David said, but a fireplace. God is a place you come to, to warm up. You have anxieties? “Cast them on me,” he offers. You wonder about the future? “I know the plans I have for, plans of hope and a future,” he says. Feeling lost and alone? “I know you, and promise to be with you always,” he assures.
But the warmest sensation we can have is realizing his incredible love for us. To know our Heavenly Father gave up His Son, so we could become his sons and daughters. To know this Son would die in order for us to live. To know as this Son rose from death, and in so doing he points us beyond this cold world to the warm welcome of heaven.
This new year maybe cold, but I invite you to enjoy the process of getting warm. I invite you to come close to God and to experience for yourself how he can warm you up.

]]>
Too Much Good? https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/too-much-good https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/too-much-good#comments Fri, 31 Jul 2015 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/too-much-good I recently had a great week! Our family got a little kitty. We named him Heman
after an 80’s cartoon I grew up with. And Heman is awesome! He plays well, and he is
good with our kids. Not only that but he sits on my tummy and purrs. Ahh, good stuff.
Beyond the cat I was mowing the lawn, and then out of nowhere my wife offers to finish
mowing the lawn for me. Talk about awesome. And the weather was good, and I was
thinking about all the good things God has given me. I could go on.


I hope you’re having one of those good weeks, or had one recently.


But do you think it’s possible to have too much good? At Amazing Love we’ve
been talking about the Lord’s Prayer and the petition that says, lead us not into
temptation. And here’s what I believe, if we’re not tempted with something inherently
evil, we can be subtly tempted by too much good.


And think of all the good things summer brings. Boats and beaches, Sox and
Cubs games, Bears training camp, pools and water parks, Taste of Chicago and
Ribfest, Lollapalooza and Taylor Swift! Come on! And I absolutely love having a great
time!


But if we have all good times, and no times with God - it’s an attack. If we have
all good things, but no consideration of God things - we’re at war. These are the subtle
temptations we face.


And this problem of too much good isn’t just true of this age. Before we came to
be a man under the inspiration of God penned this proverb, “Give me neither poverty
nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and
disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so
dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9). On the side of too much good is that
we lose our sight of God.


And it isn’t that cats or concerts are bad. It’s just that if God’s provision is
blocking our vision of the truest treasure it’s an attack, it’s no good. For the best this
world has to offer, the truest treasure, is Jesus. He is the one who this day is calling
you to his side so he can convince you of his love and his forgiveness. He is the one
whose goodness outlasts any summer vacation or 3-day weekend or kitty named
Heman.


Are there any good things getting in the way of the things of God? Are there any
good times crowding out your time with God? I invite you to repent. Confess this sin
before the Lord and seek out a Godly balance. Don’t allow the good things to make you
miss out on the best thing. And then know there is forgiveness from our Savior Jesus,
and open arms as he awaits you to seek him. God bless!

]]>
I recently had a great week! Our family got a little kitty. We named him Heman
after an 80’s cartoon I grew up with. And Heman is awesome! He plays well, and he is
good with our kids. Not only that but he sits on my tummy and purrs. Ahh, good stuff.
Beyond the cat I was mowing the lawn, and then out of nowhere my wife offers to finish
mowing the lawn for me. Talk about awesome. And the weather was good, and I was
thinking about all the good things God has given me. I could go on.


I hope you’re having one of those good weeks, or had one recently.


But do you think it’s possible to have too much good? At Amazing Love we’ve
been talking about the Lord’s Prayer and the petition that says, lead us not into
temptation. And here’s what I believe, if we’re not tempted with something inherently
evil, we can be subtly tempted by too much good.


And think of all the good things summer brings. Boats and beaches, Sox and
Cubs games, Bears training camp, pools and water parks, Taste of Chicago and
Ribfest, Lollapalooza and Taylor Swift! Come on! And I absolutely love having a great
time!


But if we have all good times, and no times with God - it’s an attack. If we have
all good things, but no consideration of God things - we’re at war. These are the subtle
temptations we face.


And this problem of too much good isn’t just true of this age. Before we came to
be a man under the inspiration of God penned this proverb, “Give me neither poverty
nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and
disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so
dishonor the name of my God.” (Proverbs 30:8-9). On the side of too much good is that
we lose our sight of God.


And it isn’t that cats or concerts are bad. It’s just that if God’s provision is
blocking our vision of the truest treasure it’s an attack, it’s no good. For the best this
world has to offer, the truest treasure, is Jesus. He is the one who this day is calling
you to his side so he can convince you of his love and his forgiveness. He is the one
whose goodness outlasts any summer vacation or 3-day weekend or kitty named
Heman.


Are there any good things getting in the way of the things of God? Are there any
good times crowding out your time with God? I invite you to repent. Confess this sin
before the Lord and seek out a Godly balance. Don’t allow the good things to make you
miss out on the best thing. And then know there is forgiveness from our Savior Jesus,
and open arms as he awaits you to seek him. God bless!

]]>
A Picture of Forgiveness https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/a-picture-of-forgiveness https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/a-picture-of-forgiveness#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/a-picture-of-forgiveness By now you have heard about the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Dylann Roof after being welcomed into a Bible Study opened fire and killed 9 people at Emanuel AME Church. Among all the other stories to come from this one event, is the powerful story of one man’s forgiveness.

These have to be the most powerful words I have heard in a long, long time. Voiced by Rev. Anthony Thompson who lost his wife. He said to Roof, “I forgive you, and my family forgives you. We would like you to take this opportunity to repent. Repent. Confess. Give your life to the one who matters the most, Christ, so he can change your ways no matter what happens to you and you'll be OK. Do that and you'll be better off than you are right now.”

I can’t imagine how tough it was to say and mean these words at such a time. I don’t think it is a common response. More common might be, “I hope you get what you deserve. I hope you pay for this.” No one would fault him for feeling that way. I’m not sure anyone could claim strength to be able to say and do what Rev. Anthony Thompson did at that point.

But he did. He forgave the man who killed his wife. More than that, he wanted this man to know Christ and his forgiveness. Unbelievable. So how in the world was he able to do this? How can a heart be that soft, when it should be so hard?

I believe this is the power of the love of Christ. The God who had every right to exact revenge on us for the list of evils we have done. For the hate, the thoughts, the things in our passed we don’t want anyone to know about. He chose to forgive. He chose to show mercy.

But we may at times think, “That seems too easy. Not Right!” You may rage about justice and getting what is deserved, especially in the case of Dylann Roof.

Well, that's the thing. See it isn’t just that God is merciful, he is also just. And how can he show mercy and justice at the same time?

At the cross we see it. It is why the cross of Jesus is at the same time so brutal and so beautiful. Brutal as the one true Judge exacts justice over any and all sin. Beautiful because what he gives to all who run to the cross is mercy and forgiveness.

I am thankful for the actions and words of Rev. Anthony Thompson for showing us a picture of lavish forgiveness and grace. It's a picture of what God offers to us all through the cross. God bless!

]]>
By now you have heard about the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Dylann Roof after being welcomed into a Bible Study opened fire and killed 9 people at Emanuel AME Church. Among all the other stories to come from this one event, is the powerful story of one man’s forgiveness.

These have to be the most powerful words I have heard in a long, long time. Voiced by Rev. Anthony Thompson who lost his wife. He said to Roof, “I forgive you, and my family forgives you. We would like you to take this opportunity to repent. Repent. Confess. Give your life to the one who matters the most, Christ, so he can change your ways no matter what happens to you and you'll be OK. Do that and you'll be better off than you are right now.”

I can’t imagine how tough it was to say and mean these words at such a time. I don’t think it is a common response. More common might be, “I hope you get what you deserve. I hope you pay for this.” No one would fault him for feeling that way. I’m not sure anyone could claim strength to be able to say and do what Rev. Anthony Thompson did at that point.

But he did. He forgave the man who killed his wife. More than that, he wanted this man to know Christ and his forgiveness. Unbelievable. So how in the world was he able to do this? How can a heart be that soft, when it should be so hard?

I believe this is the power of the love of Christ. The God who had every right to exact revenge on us for the list of evils we have done. For the hate, the thoughts, the things in our passed we don’t want anyone to know about. He chose to forgive. He chose to show mercy.

But we may at times think, “That seems too easy. Not Right!” You may rage about justice and getting what is deserved, especially in the case of Dylann Roof.

Well, that's the thing. See it isn’t just that God is merciful, he is also just. And how can he show mercy and justice at the same time?

At the cross we see it. It is why the cross of Jesus is at the same time so brutal and so beautiful. Brutal as the one true Judge exacts justice over any and all sin. Beautiful because what he gives to all who run to the cross is mercy and forgiveness.

I am thankful for the actions and words of Rev. Anthony Thompson for showing us a picture of lavish forgiveness and grace. It's a picture of what God offers to us all through the cross. God bless!

]]>
Change My Circumstance vs. Change My Strength https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/change-my-circumstance-vs-change-my-strength https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/change-my-circumstance-vs-change-my-strength#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2015 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/change-my-circumstance-vs-change-my-strength I was reading a little about the Tour de France coming up here July 4th. Do you want to

guess how many miles long it is? 2,200 miles. That’s insane! I was also reading that in order

to stay healthy the bikers must eat between 6,000 - 9,000 calories a day. I personally don’t

know about all that biking, but eating that much sounds like fun.

 

Let’s imagine someone is in the midst of this grueling race and prays to God asking,

“Lord, change my circumstance. Get me out of here.” (Which is what I’d be saying after an

hour, ok half hour) Could God change that circumstance? Of course! It is no problem for him

to convince the biker to quit, or take him out of the race by any other means. But would that be

the best prayer?

 

Let’s try a different approach. Imagine instead the biker prays, “Lord, give me strength

to endure.” And I believe an Almighty God could strengthen that biker to endure and even finish

the race. Wouldn’t that be a better prayer.

 

Here’s where I’m going with this. So many times we pray to God, “Lord, change my

circumstance.” Whether it be a relationship that is an emotional drain, a financial pressure, a

job status, or any other intense situation. And he most definitely could. You need to know that

about God. His arm is not too short, his power is unlimited, and he could change our

circumstance. But would it be best?

 

I don’t always think so, and here’s why. You see so many times he is working on our

faith during those times. I’ve been a pastor long enough to observe that Christians in general

handle good times worse than they handle bad times. In good times they often fail to pray, fail

to cling, fail to trust. But when a circumstance is difficult faith is renewed.

So perhaps a better prayer is, “Lord, change my strength.” Let me see how you can

empower passed and through this present difficulty. Let me experience the goodness of you

working in me and through me.

 

We’ve been considering this at Amazing Love during our sermon series on the Lord’s

Prayer as we pray, “Thy Kingdom Come.” God’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. When we pray

for his kingdom to come we pray that faith would be worked in our hearts and the hearts of

those around us. And so many times God’s answer to this prayer is not a change of

circumstance but a change of strength.

 

Whatever situation you are in right now, however grueling the race, I pray that you’d

have faith to believe there is a God who is there for you and cares for you. He sent his Son

Jesus to prove his concern, as he bore the cross and cleansed our soul. I invite you to hear his

call this day, he says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you

rest.” (Matthew 11:28) He may grant this rest any number of ways through change of

circumstance or change of strength. But may you know most of all, he’s concerned with your

life of faith. And now may you experience his strength, goodness, and love. God bless!

]]>
I was reading a little about the Tour de France coming up here July 4th. Do you want to

guess how many miles long it is? 2,200 miles. That’s insane! I was also reading that in order

to stay healthy the bikers must eat between 6,000 - 9,000 calories a day. I personally don’t

know about all that biking, but eating that much sounds like fun.

 

Let’s imagine someone is in the midst of this grueling race and prays to God asking,

“Lord, change my circumstance. Get me out of here.” (Which is what I’d be saying after an

hour, ok half hour) Could God change that circumstance? Of course! It is no problem for him

to convince the biker to quit, or take him out of the race by any other means. But would that be

the best prayer?

 

Let’s try a different approach. Imagine instead the biker prays, “Lord, give me strength

to endure.” And I believe an Almighty God could strengthen that biker to endure and even finish

the race. Wouldn’t that be a better prayer.

 

Here’s where I’m going with this. So many times we pray to God, “Lord, change my

circumstance.” Whether it be a relationship that is an emotional drain, a financial pressure, a

job status, or any other intense situation. And he most definitely could. You need to know that

about God. His arm is not too short, his power is unlimited, and he could change our

circumstance. But would it be best?

 

I don’t always think so, and here’s why. You see so many times he is working on our

faith during those times. I’ve been a pastor long enough to observe that Christians in general

handle good times worse than they handle bad times. In good times they often fail to pray, fail

to cling, fail to trust. But when a circumstance is difficult faith is renewed.

So perhaps a better prayer is, “Lord, change my strength.” Let me see how you can

empower passed and through this present difficulty. Let me experience the goodness of you

working in me and through me.

 

We’ve been considering this at Amazing Love during our sermon series on the Lord’s

Prayer as we pray, “Thy Kingdom Come.” God’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. When we pray

for his kingdom to come we pray that faith would be worked in our hearts and the hearts of

those around us. And so many times God’s answer to this prayer is not a change of

circumstance but a change of strength.

 

Whatever situation you are in right now, however grueling the race, I pray that you’d

have faith to believe there is a God who is there for you and cares for you. He sent his Son

Jesus to prove his concern, as he bore the cross and cleansed our soul. I invite you to hear his

call this day, he says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you

rest.” (Matthew 11:28) He may grant this rest any number of ways through change of

circumstance or change of strength. But may you know most of all, he’s concerned with your

life of faith. And now may you experience his strength, goodness, and love. God bless!

]]>
Amazing Love's Video History https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/amazing-loves-video-history https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/amazing-loves-video-history#comments Fri, 05 Dec 2014 15:00:00 -0600 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/amazing-loves-video-history

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He's Faithful https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/hes-faithful https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/hes-faithful#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2014 10:00:00 -0600 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/hes-faithful Does anyone else out there love Disney World? It probably helps that my parents live in Orlando, but I confess I love it. If you’ve been to the parks, resorts, or cruises they just do things well. Fun for kids of all ages, but just make sure to get your FastPasses online and early they do sell out.


Well, go with me on a hypothetical scenario. Let’s say you are a parent and you promise to buy your child Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears from Disney World. From there the work begins..


You save two years to go on this trip. You plan time off of work, your spouse plans time off of work. You pull the kids out of school (cause rates are lower and that’s when you can afford to go). You book the resort. You do the work of packing up, including packing things like a fan for white noise ensuring sound sleep. You get on a plane, you rent a car, you spend $20,000 to get into the park (that might be a slight exaggeration). And you finally get to the kiosk where they sell the Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears. The question now stands, will you pay the $50 for the embroidered ears you promised? Having done everything else, you might as well.


I believe God has done the major work for us. He planned out our salvation since the beginning of time. Planned it for thousands and thousands of years. Until one day Jesus packs up to go to earth, wrapped in flesh (which we call his incarnation). He lives among us. Each day he is storing up righteousness that would be ours by faith. Each day living sinless for our sakes. He gets to one Friday about 32 years later where he has the opportunity to pay the greatest cost. He does it. He dies on the cross so we could have forgiveness for each and every sin imaginable. This for all people for all time that comes to us through faith. And he rose from the dead to assure us that eternal life in heaven is not an if but a when for those who believe.


The question that follows is this? Will the God who secured our eternity provide for the temporary? I tell you he did all the rest, so he might as well follow through on this too. If he secured the greater, why wouldn’t he give the lesser?


Hear this great promise of God from Romans 8, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”


The God who secured your eternity knows how to take care of the temporal needs of your life. May this knowledge assure you as you go through earthly pressures and struggles. Wondering what the future holds for your children, wondering what retirement will look like, wondering about health, finances, the state of our country. Rest securely through faith in him.


If he gave us his Son, why wouldn’t he continue to give us everything we need for this life? May God give you peace this week as you put your trust in him. God bless.

]]>
Does anyone else out there love Disney World? It probably helps that my parents live in Orlando, but I confess I love it. If you’ve been to the parks, resorts, or cruises they just do things well. Fun for kids of all ages, but just make sure to get your FastPasses online and early they do sell out.


Well, go with me on a hypothetical scenario. Let’s say you are a parent and you promise to buy your child Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears from Disney World. From there the work begins..


You save two years to go on this trip. You plan time off of work, your spouse plans time off of work. You pull the kids out of school (cause rates are lower and that’s when you can afford to go). You book the resort. You do the work of packing up, including packing things like a fan for white noise ensuring sound sleep. You get on a plane, you rent a car, you spend $20,000 to get into the park (that might be a slight exaggeration). And you finally get to the kiosk where they sell the Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears. The question now stands, will you pay the $50 for the embroidered ears you promised? Having done everything else, you might as well.


I believe God has done the major work for us. He planned out our salvation since the beginning of time. Planned it for thousands and thousands of years. Until one day Jesus packs up to go to earth, wrapped in flesh (which we call his incarnation). He lives among us. Each day he is storing up righteousness that would be ours by faith. Each day living sinless for our sakes. He gets to one Friday about 32 years later where he has the opportunity to pay the greatest cost. He does it. He dies on the cross so we could have forgiveness for each and every sin imaginable. This for all people for all time that comes to us through faith. And he rose from the dead to assure us that eternal life in heaven is not an if but a when for those who believe.


The question that follows is this? Will the God who secured our eternity provide for the temporary? I tell you he did all the rest, so he might as well follow through on this too. If he secured the greater, why wouldn’t he give the lesser?


Hear this great promise of God from Romans 8, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”


The God who secured your eternity knows how to take care of the temporal needs of your life. May this knowledge assure you as you go through earthly pressures and struggles. Wondering what the future holds for your children, wondering what retirement will look like, wondering about health, finances, the state of our country. Rest securely through faith in him.


If he gave us his Son, why wouldn’t he continue to give us everything we need for this life? May God give you peace this week as you put your trust in him. God bless.

]]>
Impact of the Reformation https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/impact-of-the-reformation https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/impact-of-the-reformation#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2014 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.amazinglove.org/blog/post/impact-of-the-reformation In the house I grew up in the major celebration at the end of October was...the

Reformation. Yep. Now I still went trick or treating, and had a lot of fun going as a football

player and a cowboy. But that was the low key event compared to our celebration of the

Reformation at church. I always envisioned mixing the two, dressing up as a monk for

Halloween and decorating my house with the Luther’s seal painted on the front lawn and blaring

one of Martin Luther’s great hymn’s “A Mighty Fortress” from my speakers. (maybe this year -

just kidding)

 

You may be wondering what the significance is of the Reformation is? You might even

be skeptical why something like this would be celebrated over Halloween and boat loads of

candy. (Halloween has only grown in popularity since I was a kid. And let’s be honest - who

doesn’t like to dress up and eat candy?) But let me share with you, if you allow me and are still

reading, why our house celebrated the Reformation. I don’t consider myself a historian, but I’ll

do my best.

 

The Reformation at it’s core was about returning back to God and the teachings of the

Bible. From the 1st century and for many centuries there was only one Christian Church - the

Catholic church. Catholic by definition means universal. The church rallied around Jesus - his

life, death, and resurrection and the salvation he won for all through the cross. But over time

the message of Christianity became clouded. The traditions of man were trumping the truth of

God’s Word.

 

How could this happen? Over time priests became the only ones with Bibles. Bibles

were very expensive to own. Before the printing press they were all hand copied. Priests were

often the only ones who understood the Bible, as the language for most Bibles was a dead

language, Latin. The services most Christians went to were long held in the Latin language -

even though many people couldn’t understand the words that were said. (I can’t imagine!)

In 1517 the Catholic Monk, Martin Luther, nailed 95 thesis to the All Saints’ Church door

in Wittenburg, Germany. The date in 1517 was...October 31st. The tradition he was so upset

about and wrote against in the 95 thesis was the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were pieces

of paper you could buy that basically bought your way to heaven. Luther had access to the

Bible and understood the Bible. He knew this teaching was directly against the message of

Jesus preserved in the Bible.

 

Consider Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and

this not from yourselves, it is is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” The

way of salvation cannot be about what we do - not the buying of indulgences, our prayers, our

acts of good toward others, our offerings - none of them would ever do the job. In fact the

prophet Isaiah calls our righteous acts filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), Paul would say anyone who

wants to be right by following the law will not be right by the law (Romans 3:20). Salvation is

only possible through Jesus who did it all for us with his perfect life, substitutionary death, and

glorious resurrection. All which comes as a gift to us through faith. This is the good news of

Jesus Christ.

 

So Martin Luther was used by God to uncover the truth of Jesus. Luther wanted many

more to see that salvation is by grace not by works, so he translated the Bible into the language

of his people, so that the common people could see for themselves the message of Jesus.

And so our house celebrated the Reformation, but it really wasn’t a celebration of a man,

Martin Luther. It wasn’t a celebration of the break from the Catholic Church - Luther actually

never wanted to break, he merely wanted to reform. No, the Reformation for us was a

celebration of grace. That we could see clearly the way of salvation was through Jesus as a gift

from God. That is something to celebrate!

 

This gift is also for you! He has saved us through the cross. I invite you to take up the

spirit of the Reformation this October 31st. Pick up a Bible and read more about it. Want a

good place to start? Romans is where Luther found salvation by grace. God bless.

]]>
In the house I grew up in the major celebration at the end of October was...the

Reformation. Yep. Now I still went trick or treating, and had a lot of fun going as a football

player and a cowboy. But that was the low key event compared to our celebration of the

Reformation at church. I always envisioned mixing the two, dressing up as a monk for

Halloween and decorating my house with the Luther’s seal painted on the front lawn and blaring

one of Martin Luther’s great hymn’s “A Mighty Fortress” from my speakers. (maybe this year -

just kidding)

 

You may be wondering what the significance is of the Reformation is? You might even

be skeptical why something like this would be celebrated over Halloween and boat loads of

candy. (Halloween has only grown in popularity since I was a kid. And let’s be honest - who

doesn’t like to dress up and eat candy?) But let me share with you, if you allow me and are still

reading, why our house celebrated the Reformation. I don’t consider myself a historian, but I’ll

do my best.

 

The Reformation at it’s core was about returning back to God and the teachings of the

Bible. From the 1st century and for many centuries there was only one Christian Church - the

Catholic church. Catholic by definition means universal. The church rallied around Jesus - his

life, death, and resurrection and the salvation he won for all through the cross. But over time

the message of Christianity became clouded. The traditions of man were trumping the truth of

God’s Word.

 

How could this happen? Over time priests became the only ones with Bibles. Bibles

were very expensive to own. Before the printing press they were all hand copied. Priests were

often the only ones who understood the Bible, as the language for most Bibles was a dead

language, Latin. The services most Christians went to were long held in the Latin language -

even though many people couldn’t understand the words that were said. (I can’t imagine!)

In 1517 the Catholic Monk, Martin Luther, nailed 95 thesis to the All Saints’ Church door

in Wittenburg, Germany. The date in 1517 was...October 31st. The tradition he was so upset

about and wrote against in the 95 thesis was the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were pieces

of paper you could buy that basically bought your way to heaven. Luther had access to the

Bible and understood the Bible. He knew this teaching was directly against the message of

Jesus preserved in the Bible.

 

Consider Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and

this not from yourselves, it is is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” The

way of salvation cannot be about what we do - not the buying of indulgences, our prayers, our

acts of good toward others, our offerings - none of them would ever do the job. In fact the

prophet Isaiah calls our righteous acts filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), Paul would say anyone who

wants to be right by following the law will not be right by the law (Romans 3:20). Salvation is

only possible through Jesus who did it all for us with his perfect life, substitutionary death, and

glorious resurrection. All which comes as a gift to us through faith. This is the good news of

Jesus Christ.

 

So Martin Luther was used by God to uncover the truth of Jesus. Luther wanted many

more to see that salvation is by grace not by works, so he translated the Bible into the language

of his people, so that the common people could see for themselves the message of Jesus.

And so our house celebrated the Reformation, but it really wasn’t a celebration of a man,

Martin Luther. It wasn’t a celebration of the break from the Catholic Church - Luther actually

never wanted to break, he merely wanted to reform. No, the Reformation for us was a

celebration of grace. That we could see clearly the way of salvation was through Jesus as a gift

from God. That is something to celebrate!

 

This gift is also for you! He has saved us through the cross. I invite you to take up the

spirit of the Reformation this October 31st. Pick up a Bible and read more about it. Want a

good place to start? Romans is where Luther found salvation by grace. God bless.

]]>