Turning Points

I didn’t expect to go where I went with today’s devo, but was extremely challenged in the end. It’s amazing how little images throughout life give us insight into spiritual circumstances. My prayer is that you might be challenged as I was.

Aloha,
Allen

Thoughts
When I was younger I loved visiting the livestock market. From the stadium-style seating to the fast-tongued auctioneer to the walkways that were suspended over all of the cattle pens, it was a sensory overload (especially to the nasal passages!). The hustle and bustle of ‘sale’ day was a welcomed break from the day to day activities on the farm.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Of the many intriguing aspects of the sale barn, I was always amazed at the men who were responsible for sorting the cattle after they had been sold. At times, dozens of animals were flooding the alleys and were being sorted in as many directions within seconds. A pivotal gate between two lanes, merely inches apart, determined the fate of an animals life. One led to a peaceful life in the pastures of an elderly retired couple. The other in between two sesame seed buns, topped with wilted lettuce, partially ripe tomatoes, and a bitter cucumber. Oh, the fate of the gate!

Life is filled with gates. Gates that determine little outside of the few individual moments sporadically placed throughout our lives. They’re turning points. Brief moments that sending us careening down one path or another. And, on most occasions, their meaning escapes us in the moment of our encounter.

The apostle Paul, Saul at the time, faced one of those destiny changing gates on his way to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9). Seeking to extinguish the flames of the Gospel, he was at once consumed by it and became it’s greatest propellent. Two paths merged on one road and one Gate determined the destiny. In John 10:9 Jesus declares that He is that ‘gate’.

All along life’s journey there are turning points marked by the Gate. Though the two paths seemingly overlap, they are two distinctive paths and how we choose to respond to Jesus determines which one we choose. If you’re at a turning point today, don’t be deceived into thinking they’re the same. Despite how close they seem at the moment, they lead to two totally different places. Choose wisely.

Application
What gates have you gone through in life that seemed insignificant at the moment but were monumental in hindsight?

It is possible that two opposing paths can seem to be the same? How have different choices ‘seemed’ to be the same at the moment of decision but have led to two totally different ends? (To be better picture this, imagine a maze)

What path are you choosing today?

Prayer
Father,

I have been challenged with the thought of how closely two opposing paths seem at the moment of decision. Like the stockyard gates, the paths are merely inches apart but lead to two totally different lives. Thank You for placing Jesus as our Gate. As Your Holy Spirit prompts me at life’s gates, may I remain faithful to choose You. I ask for discernment when the paths seem so close, but have such different endings. Lead me in Your ways.

Not For Hire

It’s been a hectic week and it’s not looking any slower for the weekend. Today, I’ve pulled a first. In my rush for time, I’ve copied my sermon notes and packed it into this devo. If you weren’t with us on Sunday, maybe you can catch the gist of where we were at.

Also, don’t forget we are praying that God will reveal Himself to the ‘Saul-like’ tough people in our lives. We are asking Him to transform them as He did with Saul-Paul. These names will not be released. We will pray for them in our services for the next three weeks. You can add someone to our list be click here.

Don’t forget to grab your Krispy Kreme doughnuts tomorrow a.m.!

Aloha,
allen

Thoughts
I must admit, I am a sign reader. If something is written on a billboard, vehicle, or building, I generally read it out loud, even if I am by myself. One of the statements on tow trucks that always catches me off guard is the words “Not For Hire” posted on the side. It’s a bit perplexing. If you’re ‘not for hire’, why are you hauling that vehicle?

So, I looked up the meaning of this phrase. After tons of DOT sites and questions, this is the most succinct answer I found:

“It means that vehicle is not for sale [hire] at that time for doing what it can at that time, i.e. a tow truck with that would mean that that tow truck is not available to you at that time. You cannot use its services.” (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_not_for_hire_mean_on_trucks)

As a minister there are some things that I, by the nature of my calling, must know how to do. I can pray. I can offer biblical counsel. I can find answers. I can share Scriptures and lead someone to Jesus. These are all aspects of what I am called to do as a minister. As a tow truck is designed to tow, a minister is designed to minister. It’s why we are created.

However, because a tow truck is designed to tow doesn’t mean that it is meant to stop on its way to one accident to help you with your stalled car. There is a proper procedure that you must go through. You must call and request help from their dispatcher. It is your responsibility. It is not the driver’s responsibility to contact the dispatcher and get you moved up the list. He’s there to assist, but he’s not for hire.

Likewise, God’s ministry is not for hire. God has not created and gifted ministers to go around doing spiritual work for you. We can certainly pray for you, but our prayers mean nothing if you are not aligning yourself with God. Peter could not pray for judgment to bypass Simon, if Simon was unwilling to repent. God’s ministry is not for hire.

We cannot expect people to pray us through to victory if we are unwilling to pray ourselves through to victory. The ministry of the body is designed to assist us in our spiritual development and growth. It is not designed as a rental center where we can enact the services of others to do it for us.

Application
Have you ever asked someone to pray for something for you that you were unwilling to obediently fulfill? (e.g., praying for an addiction that you have no plans to give up, etc.)

Describe the balance between the role of a minister in spiritual assisting and not being for hire.

Is there an area in your life right now that you are asking people to pray you through, but are unwilling to make the changes yourself?

Prayer
Father,

Much could be said about the importance of ministers in my life. They are incredible equippers and encouragers for me. May I never begin to treat them as mediators between myself and you. No one can pray a repentance prayer for me. It is my responsibility. Though others pray for me, the difficult marks of discipleship must be made by me. Help me today to commit to that process.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

End Results

As I worked through Acts 8 last week, I was really challenged by today’s thoughts. Unfortunately, I am one who loves ‘end results’ but despise the process of obtaining them. Shortcuts are always welcomed.

On another note, I would like to encourage you, if you haven’t done so already, to take advantage of a free online bible program called YouVersion. YouVersion.com is a great place for reading and studying the bible. Sign up for a free account and join our group, Hilo Church of God. Each Sunday I will post my outline, bulletin information, and other service relevant items for you to access and interact with us in service.

Beginning this week, we will utilize a LIVE ‘prayer request’ event that will allow you to add someone to our intensive prayer effort. For the next 3 weeks we will be praying for change in the lives of the most difficult people we know. Click on http://read.ly/e/IL and anonymously add a name to our list. We will work to protect identities during our prayer efforts.

If you have questions, feel free to email me for more information.

Aloha,
allen

Thoughts
When it comes to books, I’m a sucker. Though I have a 100+ sitting on my shelves, more than half of which I have never read, I succumb to the enticements of a book store. From leadership to spiritual matters to Civil War chronicles to biographies, I love books. (Now, I wish I could just gather the passion to finish reading the ones I own. Sigh!)

For the most part, my books remain untouched until I need some advice or direction in a certain area. For example, I generally read leadership books when I am in need of leadership advice. Sadly, this is a disadvantage to myself because I read with a mind focused on a specific answer. Usually this means I miss the thrust of the book. All in all, I am not looking to enter the hardship of the author sharing his principles. I am looking for the key that will unlock sanity and order in my situation…quickly!

As I read of Simon’s attempt to offer the Peter and John money for the power of the Holy Spirit, my heart was arrested with the thought of how often I attempt to ‘purchase’ wisdom and maturity in my walk with the Lord. If I knew today that I could buy a book that would fast-forward me through selfishness, pride, and inconsiderate ways, I would pay the money to get the end results of being a better husband. Unfortunately, there’s no book, seminar, recipe, or 12-step program I can buy, lease, or attend that will make me a better husband without my commitment to a transformational process.

When Simon offered Peter and John money for the power of the Holy Spirit, he was really wanting the by-products of a relationship with God without a commitment to His Son. In a way that was perhaps similar to his own rebuke by Christ (Mt. 16:23), Peter rebukes Simon for his gross misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit and His power. What Simon longed to buy was in actuality God’s free gift to those who are willing to commit to a relationship with Him.

Our discipleship is more than shortcuts garnered from the latest TV preacher, discipleship book, or study Bible. It is a life filled with God’s power and provision and marked by His free gift. If you’re looking for a life of power, honor, and integrity, it will not be bought. However, it is a free gift to those who are willing to commit to living for Christ.

Application
Have you ever sought to purchase ‘end results’? (e.g., diet books, marriage seminars, discipleship books, etc.)

When have you committed to the process of obtaining the desired ‘end results’ and witnessed its fruit?

Is there an area in your life right now that you are guilty of trying to ‘purchase’ without committing to the process?

Prayer
Father,

Forgive me for trying to live my life with so many shortcuts. It seems I am always looking for the ‘easy’ and ‘quick’ way to the life that others have had to achieve through endurance, perseverance, commitment, and faith. A life of spiritual power is not obtained with money, through books, or without sacrifice. Today, I commit to Your process of discipleship; living daily with the awareness that You are neither a respecter of persons nor an exactor of money. Rather, You are a gracious Father who freely extends an abundant life to all who will commit themselves to You.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

They Want What the Church Has

This week we’ll consider the text of Acts 8:9-24. Through Simon’s experience we will gain insight into God’s power and the way in which He longs to display it in the life of His people. May we all be challenged and grow as we consider this marvelous gift of the Holy Spirit.

Aloha,
Allen

Thoughts
Though I’m certainly not into it, I’ve noticed there has been a bit of a stir over the new move Paranormal Activity. From what I understand it’s another low-budget ($15,000 total I believe), single camera horror movie similar to The Blair Witch Project, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. But the stir is not limited to the paranormal movie. There are a myriad of television shows, series, and documentaries fixated on ghosts, ‘supernatural’, and ‘paranormal’ activity.

To underline this phenomenon: recognizing my role as a pastor, I was recently probed about whether or not I had ever been involved in a ‘deliverance’. I must tell you, I was shocked about the words coming from this particular individual. My mind began to race, “How does this individual know about deliverances? Has he seen one? Been involved in one?” So I returned his question with a question. Thus we began a dialogue about a ‘deliverance’ he had seen on a ‘paranormal’ television show. While there’s not enough details to explain how we got there, the gist of the conversation led to his semi-interest in becoming involved in doing ‘deliverances’.

I can hear the voices in some of your heads now: “This world is falling apart!”, “Look how far we are away from God!”, etc. But before we push our Christianesse too far, let’s recall that the power of the Holy Spirit has always spawned the interest of people, even unbelievers. Jesus challenges that on the day of judgment many will argue, “‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’” (Mt. 7:22b) Yet, Jesus does not recognize them as His own (Mt. 7:23).

One of the greatest examples of hunger for the Spirit’s power is found in Acts 8:9-24. Simon, a famous magician, had attracted a large following due to his magical abilities. Yet, when he witnessed the Spirit’s manifestations at the hands of Philip and Peter and John, he wanted the power they had. Indeed, he even offered money for it. Surely, Simon must have recognized that the power of the Holy Spirit was greater than any magical ability he had. Therefore, there was no cost too great for the ability to lay hands on people and allow them to receive the Holy Spirit.

I cannot imagine how God must feel at times. It seems that the ‘unbelieving’ world has a greater understanding of spirituality than the Church does. Perhaps, we do not properly recognize the power that God has given us through His Spirit. In a world of ‘seekers’ may the Church arise with a firm faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a bold confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit and display the victory that Christ has secured for us!

Application
How recognizable is the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Are others spawned with interest at the spiritual authority you live with in your life?

How would you rate your understanding of the Spirit’s presence and power in life as a whole?

Prayer
Father,

Open my eyes to the see the magnificent power that You have placed within me through Your Holy Spirit. The world around me seems to be expressing an interest in a power that supersedes that which we can create with our hands. You, oh Lord, are the all powerful One. Teach me to become a vessel through which You can display Your glory and power. I yield myself to You and You alone. Fill me with ALL of You!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.