A man woke from a coma at the hospital after suffering a terrible accident. He began yelling “Doctor, please help! I can’t feel my legs!” The doctor said, “That’s because we had to amputate both your arms.” 

Job 14:1 “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of ^[a]trouble.

The Bible is clear that suffering and trouble are part of the human experience. It has been said that God only has one Son without sin, but God has no sons without suffering. The reality is nobody is immune from the difficulties of life. It is good that Christians develop a Theology of joy, but we must also develop a Theology of suffering. Christ followers must develop a world view that does not allow difficulties to drive them from God but draw them closer to Him. Spiritual maturity helps us to move past asking “Why me?” to asking, “What now?”. We must learn to look through our circumstance and concerns to our Christ and His comfort.

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to ^[a]be abased, and I know how to ^[b]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through ^[c]Christ who strengthens me.

We don’t have much trouble understanding why wicked people suffer. We understand that God allows consequences to lead people to repentance and belief. As is often repeated at The Mission Church of Lexington, “We can choose our choices, but we can’t choose our consequences”.

Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding ^[a]gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

However, its more challenging to comprehend when God’s saints are passing through trials and tribulations. When this happens many begin to question the character of God! They will start to think or even say… If God is allowing this tragedy to take place, He must not be both loving and powerful.  Because surely, if God was loving and powerful, He would do something to stop all this suffering.

As a pastor, I have heard this same argument packaged in many ways and I have seen the issue of pain and suffering to cause many people to volitionally turn their back on God. Many liberal theologians and secular philosophers have used this very thing to undermine the faith and commitment of many vulnerable people from trusting in the goodness of God.

Therefore, I am writing this blog post today to help us think through the significance of suffering and the purpose of pain.

John 9:1-3 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. ² And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” ³ Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.

The Lord did not mean that this man never committed any sin, nor that his parents were perfect. Everybody is a sinner by birth and by choice. Everybody is disobedient to God by nature and by nurture. This is why we all need a Savior!

Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Jesus was clearly stating that this suffering of blindness was not a punishment for sin but rather an opportunity to reveal God’s power and glory. It was for the same reason that Lazarus was permitted to die.

John 11:1-4 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. ² It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. ³ Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” ⁴ When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

When Lazarus was sick, his sisters (Mary and Martha) called for Jesus, but Jesus did a strange thing. Instead of coming immediately, He waited until Lazarus was dead and had been buried four days. When Jesus eventually arrived, He merely spoke, and Lazarus walked out of the tomb. As a result of this miracle, many of the people who witnessed it were convinced that Jesus really was the Son of God and they believed in Him. Certainly, the death of Lazarus meant some short-term heartache for Mary and Martha but the long-term joy of seeing Jesus being worshipped and glorified made it all worth it! Paul felt the same way about the suffering and persecution that he experienced throughout his ministry.

Philippians 1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.

Many have experienced seasons of prolonged and terrible suffering. There is everything right and good to ask God to heal you and others; to take away the pain and suffering but ultimately, we must pray for God’s will to be done. When we do this, we follow the example of our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Luke 22:42 Saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

2- Suffering and Pain Corrects us and Helps to Perfects us

The Scriptures make it clear that God’s purpose for us is primarily our holiness not our happiness. God wants us to become more and more like His Son Jesus Christ in our character and our conduct. This spiritual maturation will not take place apart from the experience of suffering and pain because these experiences serve as sandpaper for the spiritual rough edges of our lives.

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Ephesians 1:4 Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

Hebrews 12:10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.

1 Peter 1:15-16 But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Sometimes we suffer in order that God might teach us the spiritual discipline and the holy habit of prayer. Prayer is an expression of dependance upon God, therefore when we don’t pray it reveals a heart of self-sufficiency and pride. When suffering and pain takes place in our lives (physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, etc.) it should serve as a call to prayer and seeking the Lord.

Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Sometimes we suffer and experience pain in order that God might teach us the lesson of humility. Some people are so proud they can strut sitting down. However, pain and suffering remind man of our fragile state. We are never more like Christ than when we operate in humility, and we are never more like the Devil when we operate in pride.

1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before ^[a]a fall.

Galatians 6:3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

3- Suffering and Pain Provides a Ministry for Us

This world is filled with suffering and heartaches, and one of the greatest needs that suffering people have is for somebody who can empathize with them in their troubles. Not trying to “fix” them or the situation but to simply practice the ministry of presence. We cannot truly empathize with those in sorrow unless we have suffered some sorrow and have found the Lord faithful and sufficient. God never wastes a hurt and neither should we! God wants to turn our pain into praise and our hurts into Hallelujahs. God is willing to transform our misery into our ministry. Chuck Swindoll once said, “It is doubtful that God can use anyone greatly until He has first hurt him deeply”. So, have you suffered with depression, have you experienced the death of a child, have you walked through a divorce, have you ever been laid off from a job, have you ever had cancer, have you ever been in drug rehab, have you ever been incarcerated, have you ever been hurt? Then you are just the kind of person that God is looking for to reach others who are experiencing similar hurts, habits, and hangups now!

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any ^[a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Galatians 6:1-3 Brethren, if a man is ^[a]overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. ² Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4- Suffering and Pain Turns Our Attention Toward Heaven

It has been said that humans are the only living creatures that know they will eventually die but do everything they can, not to think about it. Death is a reality with the staggering static that one out of every one person will have this experience. As Christians we know that this earth is not Heaven, and this physical existence is not our eternal existence. We live as pilgrims and sojourners. We live with dual citizenship… we are citizen of this world, but we are also citizens of the Kingdom of God. When life is going wonderful, we often forget this truth and get too comfortable with the here and now… but suffering and pain turns our attention toward Heaven.

Luke 12:13-21 Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” ¹⁴ But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” ¹⁵ And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of ^[a]covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” ¹⁶ Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ ¹⁸ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ ²⁰ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ ²¹ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Colossians 3:1-4 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Sometimes it takes sickness and sorrow and disease and disaster and shattered dreams to bring us to the end of ourselves and turn hearts to God. The suffering and sadness that we experience often gives us a desire and a longing for the promises of a very real place called Heaven. C.S. Lewis once said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf word”.  For a Christian the suffering of this life will one day be no more, but until that day may we continue to embrace the significance of suffering and the purpose of pain, for our good and God’s glory!

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more, please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at                    9am) and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Dr. Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

A teenager brings her new boyfriend home to meet her parents. They’re appalled by his haircut, his tattoos, his piercings. Later, the girl’s mom says, “Dear, he doesn’t seem to be a very nice boy.” “Oh, please, Mom!” says the daughter. “If he wasn’t nice, would he be doing 500 hours of community service?”

#1 Intentional Child-Training is Needed.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, ^[a]And when he is old he will not depart from it.

#2 Child-Training Must Happen Early and Often.

Proverbs 19:18 Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart ^[a]on his destruction.

#3 Parents Must Be Selective to Be Effective with Their Time and Energy

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

#4 A Family That Has Fun and Laughs Together Stays Together

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart ^[a]does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

#5 Be Honest and Keep Your Word with Your Children

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

This week we are going to consider Biblical Instructions for Teenagers

#1 A Teenager Will Give An Account for How They Spend Their Youth

Ecclesiastes 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ^[a]ways of your heart, And ^[b]in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.

Just as parents need to be reminded that children are only lent to them from God, so teenagers need to be reminded that their youthful years are a priceless, irreplaceable gift to which God will hold them accountable for. Every life, regardless of age, is a gift from God and the life that we live is our gift back to God. Teenagers must also realize that the decisions made in life in the early years will impact (for good or for bad) their later years. Our decisions determine our destiny. Our lives are the sum of all the decisions we make. A clear truth revealed in Scripture is that we can choose our choices, but we cannot choose our consequences. We make our decisions then our decisions make us!

Romans 14:12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

#2 A Teenager Should Give Respectful Consideration to What their Parents Say

Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;

There is great value in learning from the life experiences of others. In most situations parents truly are looking out for the best interest of their children (sadly, there are some relatively rare exceptions to this generality). A teenager may think and feel they “know more” than their parents but this is delusional thinking based on inexperience. Most parents have faced the objectives and challenges of life and are willing to be a good source of wisdom and guidance for their children. Teenagers must maintain the teaching about a coachable mentality because when we stop learning we stop improving.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

1 Peter 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

#3 A Teenager Should Consider the Company they Keep

Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

 It is important for a teenager to choose their company and companies from those who are not infected with the spirit of rebellion, immaturity, laziness, or entitlement. As the old saying goes “Show me your friends and I will show you your future”. When a clean car drives through a mud puddle the puddle doesn’t get clean… the car always gets dirty. Teenagers are to be a Gospel witness to their friends that are not yet Christians, but a teenager must be careful to surround themselves with like-minded Christ followers. Specifically in dating…. Teenagers must remember that dating is not evangelism… the best way not to marry an unbeliever is by not dating an unbeliever. The Spiritual condition of our friends should be the number 1 criterion for whom we allow access to our lives to whom we invest our lives in.

 Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ^[a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what ^[a]fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what ^[b]communion has light with darkness?

#4 Teenagers (both boys and girls) Should Consider the Bible’s Standard for Ideal Womanhood.

Proverbs 31:10-31 Who^[a] can find a ^[b]virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. ¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands. ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. ¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants. ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; From ^[c]her profits she plants a vineyard. ¹⁷ She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. ¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. ¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. ²² She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” ³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

A- Verse 11- Loyalty. The Scripture implies that loyalty and trustworthiness are of more value than wealth.

Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth said: “Entreat^[a] me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. ¹⁷ Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”

B- Verse 13,19, 22, 27- Skill in homemaking. May girls today make light of domestic knowledge. But without skill in homemaking and the grace of good character, it will be difficult to maintain a happy home.

1 Timothy 5:14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

C- Verse 20- Generosity. This is the crown of Christian character.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows ^[a]bountifully will also reap ^[b]bountifully. ⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of ^[c]necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

D- Verse 26- Wisdom and kindness in speech. A sharp tongue and harsh words will destroy any loving relationship.

Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. ¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

E- Verse 27- Carefulness and orderliness. Orderly habits can be cultivated. Lack of order in the home has caused many conflicts between couples.

1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

The qualities outlined in Proverbs 31 do not change, and so to summarize the whole matter, we would simply say that things have changed very much for teenagers over the years, but people have changed very little, and God has not changed at all. When we do things God’s way, we can expect and enjoy God’s results.

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at                    9am) and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

A teenager shows up at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Marching straight into Professor Xavier’s office, he says “I want to join the X-Men!” “Oh?” Xavier asks the boy, “What powers do you have?”  He responds, “I have the gift of perfect hindsight!” The Professor raises an eyebrow and says “Sorry, I don’t think that would be very useful.”
The teen replies, “Well yeah, I can see that now.”

There has always existed a “generation gap” between parents and their teenagers. There has continuously been perturbed parents saying, “you just can’t reason with teenagers; they want their own way; they won’t listen to advice; you can’t talk any sense to them”. But on the other hand, there have always been ticked off teenagers saying, “my parents just don’t get me; they are so out of touch; why can’t they just get off my back; they don’t know anything”.

Though this generation gap has always existed we must admit some other societal factors are new and evolving rapidly… the relatively modern proliferation of social media, access to smartphones, the decline in the educational system, political and social upheaval, the work and financial demands on parents, just to name a few of the dynamics at hand.

Psalm 119:89 Forever, O Lord, Your word ^[a]is settled in heaven.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Biblical Instructions to Parents

#1 Intentional Child-Training Is Needed.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, ^[a]And when he is old he will not depart from it.

To “train up” means careful teaching and guidance. To help the child to learn to love and serve God. To equip the child to be a productive and contributing member of society. Parents must remember they are not just raising children they are raising future adults. The best teaching has always been a consistent example because “more is caught than taught”.  Alert and aware parents will look for teachable opportunities to impart valuable life lessons.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

#2 Child-Training Must Happen Early and Often.

Proverbs 19:18 Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart ^[a]on his destruction.

If a child doesn’t learn duty, discipline, respect, honor and so forth at home… he will have to be taught by the authorities in society.  And when society must do the teaching there are consequence from principals, police officers, judges, employers etc. Think of it this way, one who trains a dog, or a horse must insist on obedience, or the training will be unsuccessful. Training a child is much the same, but with this important difference: while we train a dog so that he may please us, we train a child to know how to please God. For this reason, the training of a child is so very important. Children do not belong to us. God only lends them to parents for a short time. Sadly, many men spend hours training their dogs and keep them safe at home at night but spend hardly any time training their teenagers and let them run wild all night! Many parents just need a good dose of good old-fashioned common sense.

Romans 13:1-4 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will ^[a]bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. ⁴ For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

#3 Parents Must Be Selective to Be Effective with Their Time and Energy

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

 All children spell love, T.I.M.E. Parents must invest both quantity and quality time with their children. It is true that our lives are hectic, and the days are busy. But if the child senses their parent(s) are more interested in making money or pursing their own hobbies/interests than in raising them… they will get resentful and they will get bitter. When a child doesn’t feel “seen or heard” they will do whatever it takes to get their parents attentions… and often whatever it takes is destructive attitudes and actions. One of the most common complaints made by teenagers in counseling sessions is that their parents are just too busy for them, or their parents don’t show adequate interest in them. It has been astutely said of parenting “the days seem so long but the years seem so short”. Parents only have a finite amount of time to train, influence, coach, and prepare their children in preparation for their futures.

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that you walk ^[a]circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

#4 A Family That Has Fun and Laughs Together Stays Together

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart ^[a]does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Just in case you have forgotten how to laugh and have fun check out this list! Just choose one and get started as a family today!!!

101 Weekend Family Activity Ideas – All Pro Dad

#5 Be Honest and Keep Your Word with Your Children

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.

If you make a promise, keep it faithfully. Trust is a precious commodity… children naturally trust their parent(s), but trust can be easily shattered. Honor should be given by the child to his/her parent(s), but respect must be earned by the parent(s). It is also imperative for parents to be forthright enough to apologize to their children when they get it wrong. No parent is perfect… we will all have bad days, say things wrong, jump to conclusions, discipline out of anger or frustration etc. The important thing is when we mess up, we must be willing and humble enough to ask our kids to forgive us. This does not lessen our authority in the eyes of our children but amplifies it many times over!

Matthew 5:37 But let ^[a]your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

Join me next week for “Biblical Instructions for Parents and Teenagers” Part #2 as we will look at Biblical Instructions to Teenagers.

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am)                       and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

A man’s wife is missing…

Man: Officer, my wife is missing. She went out yesterday and she hasn’t come home.
Officer: Okay, what’s her height?
Man: Not sure…. Maybe around 5’6?
Officer: Okay, weight?
Man: I dunno… not slim not big.
Officer: Okay… color of her eyes?
Man: Sort of blue, I think? I never really noticed.
Officer: What’s the color of her hair?
Man: Well, that changes all the time depending on the hairdresser she goes to.
Officer: what clothes was she wearing the last time you saw her?
Man: Could’ve been a red dress? Maybe a blue one? I don’t know exactly.
Officer: when she left to go somewhere, did she go by car?
Man: Yeah, she did.
Officer: What was the make of that car?
Man: it’s a high performance 560 horsepower Audi in a very specific grey silver metallic paint. It has 8 speed paddle shift automatic transition and a 6.35-liter v12 engine generating at least 560 horsepower. It has a z51 super performance package, larger than normal alloy wheels, gt bucket seats, satellite navigation. And unfortunately… a little thin scratch on the front left door handle.
Officer: Don’t worry, sir. We’ll find your car.

Worry and anxiety appears to be an epidemic that plagues many people to various degrees. Sometimes the worry is based on fact and sometimes it is based on fiction. Mark Twain once said, “I am an old man and I have known many troubles, but most of them never happened”. I often teach that worry is like a rocking chair… it doesn’t accomplish much but it keeps you busy… Our world is fast paced with almost limitless demands. We all feel pressure and responsibility on every side. The demands are great in both our personal and our professional lives. One person quipped “I have so many worries, that if anything new happens to me today, it will be two weeks before I’ll have time to get around to worrying about it!”. It is unrealistic to simply say “don’t worry about it” because worry is a predictable human response. But what we do with our worry and how we use our worry to draw us closer to the Lord is critically important.

1- The Cause of Worry

Worry is not a part of God’s good plan for the lives of His children. But in a fallen world and in the limitations of our faith we all experience the detrimental and destructive disease of worry.

The concerns and cares of this life cause us to worry. Home repairs, vocational endeavors, concerns about health, new reports about wars, global pandemics, economic uncertainties, political and social disorder to name just a few of the issues that can rob us of our peace and contentment.

Matthew 6:25-26 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Another cause for worry is when we fail to remember the character and nature of God. Darkness and despair will grip our minds and heart when we take our eyes of faith off of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

2- The Curse of Worry

Worry never makes things better. Worry typically only makes things worse. Worry is destructive in a variety of ways… a worried mind can lead to emotional, psychological, and mental ailments. There are many clients to mental health clinicians and many patients under psychological care because of unchecked and poorly managed worry and anxiety over issues of life. Worry will wage war on our spirit, soul, and body if we are not vigilant to address it.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify^[a] you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A worried mind will always impact a person’s physical wellbeing. Medical research reveals that many physical maladies can be attributed to sustained and unaddressed life anxiety. Worry will release chemicals in the brain and will secrete juices in the digestive system that tend to break down a person’s natural resistance to disease.

Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Additionally, our worry is harmful to others. No person lives to himself and all sin splatters. It is always discouraging to listen to the woes who are chronic complainers and wearisome worriers. Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors are watching us to see how a Christian respond and reacts to the trials and tribulations of life. Our faith filled response will positively impact them but our faith less response will leave a negative impression about our confidence in our mighty God. In short, our worry is harmful to the good reputation of the Lord we serve.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

3- The Cure for Worry

The Word of God offers a Christian a life of peace- a life that can free from worry. This doesn’t mean a Christian won’t face the same challenges and stressors of life, but they have a resource and a resolve to handle these matters differently.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

Those who know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior can overcome worry by trusting in God’s character. One cannot trust in God and worry at the same time. Worry and faith cannot coexist. John Wesley once said, “I would just as soon cuss as to fret”. When we find ourselves fretting and worrying it is a call to run to the Lord in prayer and obedience.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁶ So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Christians can also overcome worry by loving God thoroughly. Hudson Taylor was a great missionary to inland China. He once made this remark, “Out of a thousand troubles and worries that beset us in life, 999 of them work together for our good- and one more”.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

This verse does not mean that everything that happens to us is good… but in God’s plan and purpose He uses everything (including the bad) things to work together for a result that is good. Anything that drives us to great dependance and obedience in the Lord is ultimately a good thing. When we face adversity, we should not waste much time asking “Why me Lord?” but asked “What now Lord?”.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces ^[a]patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be ^[b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Christians can counterattack worry through the power of prayer. Prayer doesn’t take any special skill and no insider information is necessary. We are simply able to talk to God, to ask Him for help, to submit to His will, and to trust that whatever then occurs He will give us the grace and the strength to overcome.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

When we pray, we have the privilege to cast our concerns upon Christ. When life is over our head it is still under His feet!

Years ago, there was a man walking along a country road, carrying a sack of potatoes on his back.  A man, riding by in a wagon, invited him to ride along with him. The pedestrian climbed into the wagon and sat down, but he kept the sack of potatoes over his shoulder. The driver noticed the awkward sight and said to him “Put the bag of potatoes down in the wagon bed. You don’t need to keep them on your shoulder”. “Oh no sir,” came the reply, “It is very kind of you to offer this ride, but to make those horses carry the weight of the potatoes too, that just too much!”.  Many Christians are just like that… The Lord is carrying them, but they think God in not able to carry their burdens.

1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

During World War II, German planes bombed London night after night. One aged Christian lady seemed to stand up well under the strain and stress. So, someone asked her how she managed to keep so calm day after day despite the awful danger they faced constantly. She simply said “Every night I pray and tend to worry about what Hitler is going to do during the time I am asleep- but then I remember how the preacher says that God is always watching. Therefore, there is no use for the two of us to stay awake.”

Psalm 121:1-4 I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?
² My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. ³ He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. ⁴ Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

A child was lost in the deep dark woods. She wandered for hours, hearing nothing but her own sobs and the rustling of the leaves under her feet and the tearing of the branches and undergrowth at her clothing.  At last, utterly wearied, she sat down. Then, in the stillness, she heard the calls of her father. She might have heard them before, had she been quiet, for her daddy had been searching and calling her all night.

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

However, if you are not a Christian you truly have something to worry about. Life lived separated from and out of fellowship with God is a very scary prospect and endeavor.

Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more, please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am)                       and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

The Friday immediately preceding Easter Resurrection Sunday is known as “Good Friday”. This is the day Christianity remembers the sacrificial and substitutionary death of Jesus Christ by means of crucifixion.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Action Step: Please make plans to attend the Good Friday service at The Mission Church of Lexington on Friday April 7^th at 6:30pm

What is crucifixion? A medical doctor (C. Truman Davis, M.D) provides a physical description: “The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood. Quickly he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into place.

The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees flexed. The victim is now crucified. As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain–the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet. Again he feels the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of his feet. As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breathe. Air can be drawn into the lungs but not exhaled. He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath. Finally carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subside. Spasmodically he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen.

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am                                                                               (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am) and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm.                                                             We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

A mother complained to her doctor about her daughter’s strange eating habits. “All day long she lies in bed and eats baking yeast and car wax. What will happen to her, doctor?” the mother inquired. “Eventually,” said the doctor, “she will rise and shine!”

We all know that dangers of bad habits. Public Service Announcement: If you are looking for support and help to overcome your hurts, habits, and hangups please consider attending The Mission Church of Lexington’s recovery ministry. Renovate meets every Monday evening at 6:30pm on campus (3288 Beaver Creek Drive). You will find a great team of trained leaders, a Bible based recovery program, and many supportive friends that want to help so that you can experience victory in Christ.

Psalm 4:8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am ^[a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I have often said “I would rather burn out than rust out” … however, this phrase is not sound advice… God doesn’t want us to burn out or rust out because He wants us to be active in our service to Him for the long haul.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Rest is not a nicety but a necessity. There is a reason that sleep deprivation is a form of torture. Our bodies and our minds need rest to recuperate and to refresh. It has been said that at times the most spiritual thing you can do it to take a nap! Can I get an amen???

The Bible teaches us about the principle of Sabbath rest. The Lord intended this to be a blessing and not a burden to His children. The Sabbath concept is God’s idea for his image bearers (humans) to rest from work and to rest for work. God wants us to be passionately pursuing His will for our lives… but He also knows we need time to rest in Him and to rely upon Him.

Exodus 20:8-10 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.

Mark 2:27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God;

Action Steps: Make sure you are getting a good 7-8 hours of sleep a night. If you are not getting this amount of sleep, you might need to change your pre-bedtime routine. You will find it helpful to eliminate all electronics for at least 1 hour before you want to fall asleep. Additionally, many people have found melatonin as a helpful and natural sleep aid. You can find many other practical suggestions with a simple internet search or a consultation with your doctor.

Here is a little motto to remember- Give God the first part of your day (daily devotion) and give God the first part of your week (Sunday worship and rest).

2- Take Time to Remember

Deuteronomy 6:12 Then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

John 14:26 But the ^[a]Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Repetition is the mother of all learning. We need to be reminded and we need to remember (over and over again) the goodness and the graciousness of God. We need constant and consistent reminders about who God is, what He has done and is doing for us, and our great dependance upon Him. This is why we need to be in God’s Word daily, this is why we need to be in worship together weekly, and this is why we need to spend time with other Christians faithfully.

Action Step– Try to practice the presence of God. Remind yourself all throughout the day that God is with you and Christ is in you. Discipline yourself to maintain consistent communication with the Lord through prayer as you go about your daily routines. Ask yourself frequently “What would Jesus want me to do right now that would be most pleasing to Him?”

3- Take Time to Reflect

 Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you^[a] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

When the Bible speaks about meditation it is not talking about eastern transcendental meditation… it is not wise to “empty” our mind… Biblical mediation is not emptying our minds but filling it with Scripture. We should be so saturated with God’s Word that we are able to think God’s thoughts after Him. We strive to be so versed in the Bible that it transforms our attitudes and actions both in conscious and in subconscious ways.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech^[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your ^[b]reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Think about this hypothetical scenario… If you were stranded on a remote island and you did not have access to electrical devices, internet or the Bible, how many Scripture verses would you have memorized? How much of God’s Word do you have stored in your heart, mind, and soul?

Action Step– Choose a verse and begin memorizing it today. One way you can do this is by using a 3×5 note card. Just write the verse on one side and the reference on the other. Review it daily. Add a new note card and verse upon completion. Just think, if you did this 1 time per week you would have 52 verses memorized in just 1 year!

4- Take Time to Recreate

 Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart ^[a]does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Christians don’t have to walk around looking like they have been baptized in pickle juice or that they just took communion with lemon juice! God wants his children to have fun and to enjoy life in Christ honoring ways. Play board games with friends, go hiking or camping in God’s nature, ride a bike at the park, swim, wood working, athletics, painting, the list could go on and on and on.

God is not a cosmic killjoy. Jesus wants us to do the things we like to do for His glory and the good of others. One of my favorite quotes is from an Olympic athlete from many years ago… his name was Eric Liddell and he famously said “I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Action Step– Is there a hobby or an activity that you have been thinking of learning more about our getting started in? Maybe now is the time to make it happen!

FYI- The Mission Church hosts a monthly Basketball Fellowship. It’s a great time to exercise and build friendships! If you are interested please let me know at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

5- Take Time to Repent

2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven ^[a]is at hand.”

Many people attempt to stay so busy they don’t have time to do honest reflection with the Lord. They need constant activity and noise, so they won’t be alone with their thoughts. They will do anything they can to keep distracted from their conscious screaming that there is something wrong! This approach to life is equivalent to hearing the engine of your vehicle making a terrible sound but instead of taking it to the garage for repairs you simply turn the music up loader to drown out the problem! We can try to mask our troubled spirit for a time, but the stress and anxiety will eventually rear its ugly head in our lives and in our relationships.

Numbers 32:23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Unconfessed sin in a Christians life will not change our relationship with God but it will change our fellowship with Him. Once we are saved, we are safe and secure in God’s forever family. God will never ever kick us out… but when we have unconfessed sin in our life it will steal our joy, our peace, and our usefulness with the Lord.

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am) 

                  and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

One reason I am grateful to be a Baptist is that we have traditionally been considered “people of the Book”. We see the Bible as not only containing the Word of God but that it is the Word of God. When we read the Bible today it is no different than when God spoke to Adam in the Garden, or when God spoke to Moses through the burning bush, or when Jesus spoke to the Apostles during his earthly ministry, or when the Lord spoke to Saul/Paul on the Damascus Road. When we open the Bible God opens his mouth!

1- Reading the Bible without hearing from God

All great relationships are built on effective communication and all good communication is a two-way street. For a dialogue to take place there must be mutual exchange of ideas, thoughts, facts, and feelings. Nobody likes to be talked at but everybody enjoys being talked with. This principle is applicable in regard to our conversation and communication with God.

We talk to God through prayer and God talks to us through His Word. When we are reading the Bible, we should also be in prayer. Pray before you start reading by asking God to speak to your heart and mind. Ask God to help you understand what you read. Then as you are reading the goal is comprehension not just completion of the text. We should pray while we are actively reading the Bible. Don’t hesitate to stop and pray about the principles and precepts that God illuminates throughout Scripture. Finally, we should conclude with prayer as we ask God to activate His Word in our life and as we ask God to help us apply what we have learned into our daily practices.

2- Not reading through whole books of the Bible

The top 3 rules of Bible interpretation are “Context, Context, Context”. This means we should have an intentional and systematic plan of reading through books of the Bible… starting with chapter 1 verse 1 and reading through the end of that specific book (shorter books can be completed in one sitting while other longer books may take you numerous days). This will help you to understand the individual verses within the context of the literary unit… you will understand the micro truths within the framework of the overall macro narrative.

Too many Christians make a habit of just reading snippets of Scripture. This can easily lead to misunderstanding and misapplication. This concept should not be too surprising… we know that all books regardless of the literary genre have an authorial intent that can only be truly grasped through following the train of thought in the presentation, development and conclusion (beginning, middle, and ending). Just consider reading a novel. If you only read a sentence or a paragraph per day, it would be very challenging to comprehend the grand idea as a coherent story.

3- Reading the Bible but forgetting about the divine Author

The Bible contains 66 books. There are 39 in the Old Testament and there are 27 in the New Testament. Each of the books possess “Dual Authorship”. This means that God used a human author to pen the material. These authors were people like Moses, David, Solomon, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul and others. However, each of these human authors were inspired (led by) the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for ^[a]instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who ^[a]at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the ^[b]worlds;

2 Peter 1:19-21 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; ²⁰ knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private ^[b]interpretation, ²¹ for prophecy never came by the will of man, but ^[c]holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Knowing that God is the ultimate author of the Bible gives us great confidence and assurance that it is not like any other book. All books have the potential to inform us but only the Bible has the power to transform us! Don’t forget to think of the Author as you are reading His love letter to you!

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am)                        and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

A husband rolled over in bed on Sunday morning and said to his wife, “Honey, I don’t feel like going to church today”. She asked him why. He said, “the parking lot is too full, the building is too cold, the music is too loud, the people are too unfriendly, and the preacher is too boring”. She said, “Sweetie, you simply must go to church”. He asked her to give him just one good reason why he should go. She calmly but frankly said, “Because you, darling, you are the pastor”.

We don’t need expensive surveys or extensive polls to inform us that church attendance in most churches and denominations are in the decline. We are even discovering that “committed” members of many churches consider attending worship only twice a month as being “highly involved”. There was a time when church members would attend church “every time the doors were open” but now church attendance appears to be… “optional”.

However, my Bible still has Hebrews 10:24-25 in it… These verses seem to clearly state we need more church not less church as we near the time of Christ’s return!

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1- Church Attendance is Pleasing and Honoring Unto the Lord

John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ²⁴ God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Worship is a human response to divine revelation and divine invitation. We are now able to participate imperfectly here on earth what we will be able to do perfectly there in heaven. If you don’t enjoy worshipping God now…. You are not going to enjoy eternity very much! Of all the sounds that God created, the sound of your voice praising Him is His favorite.

Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, ^[a]O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they ^[b]exist and were created.”

2- Church Attendance is an Act of Love and Service to Others

Matthew 22:36-39 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” ³⁷ Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and great  commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

I call this the ministry of presence. You are a blessing and an encouragement by simply showing up. You need the church, and the church needs you. Don’t rob your brothers and sisters in the faith of spiritual blessings because you are not present and accounted for!

3- Church Attendance Will Make You Holier

Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me ^[a]void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

 Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for ^[a]instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God uses 3 things to develop us spiritually: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the People of God. All 3 of these instruments of grace will be experienced when you intentionally and consistently participate in corporate worship with your church community. Just showing up doesn’t necessarily mean you are growing up… but it’s a pretty good indicator. As I pastor, I can generally discern somebody’s spiritual condition by observing their church attendance and level of participation. A piece of coal in the fire will burn strong and hot but when that coal gets way from the flame it will quickly burn out… I have seen this analogy prove true far too many times in the life of many professing Christians.

4- Church Attendance Will Make You Happier

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Humankind’s most desperate sorrow arises out of loneliness and hopelessness but those who worship God with family and friends have the greatest source of relational connectivity and spiritual accountability which results in joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Harvard researchers concluded weekly church attendance effectively improved the physical and mental health of missions of Americans and reduced mortality by 20% to 30% over a 15-year period. Other studies assert faithful church attendance helps prevent the despair that leads to early death by suicide and alcohol abuse.

5- Church Attendance Can Improve Your Marriage

Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be^[a] joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not ^[a]puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, ^[b]thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Research shows that countless influences are pulling spouses apart, but faithful church attendance reduces a couple’s risk of divorce by a remarkable 47 percent. God is the creator of marriage therefore He has much to say about it. When a couple is in church together, they are going to hear Biblical principles and precepts that will strengthen their marriage and they will be surrounded by an encouraging faithful and faith-filled support system.

The truth is people get divorced for trivial reasons because they got married for trivial reasons. When a couple starts and sustains their relationship with Jesus at the center, their marriage will be able to withstand the attacks of the Devil.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am)                        and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

A teacher is asking her students, what they want to be when they grow up.
Teacher: “How about you, Johnny… what do you want to be when you grow up”?

Johnny: “I wanna be the CEO of a multi-billion tech company… just like my father”.
Teacher: “Wow… that’s wonderful. I didn’t know your father was the CEO of a tech company”.
Johnny: “He’s not. But he also wants to be one”.

Just as a seed should grow when it is planted in nutritious soil and watered, followers of Christ should also grow spiritually. Jesus used this concept in the form of a parable.

Matthew 13:3-8 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. ⁴ And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. ⁵ Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. ⁶ But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. ⁷ And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. ⁸ But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Matthew 13:23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

The Christian life is a relationship with God that develops over time. As the longer we walk with Jesus the more we should look like Him in our attitudes and actions.

1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

What is Spiritual Growth?

Spiritual growth is the journey of growing in faith and obedience to God and becoming the person He designed and desires you to be.

Peter, who was one of Jesus’ disciples and closest friends said it this way:

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Paul, a leader in the early church and who wrote much of the New Testament described it this way:

Colossians 1:9-10 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; ¹⁰ that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

What does Scripture say about Spiritual Growth?

Here are some important verses from the Bible that can help you understand what it means to be spiritually mature.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for ^[a]instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ^[a]ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he ^[b]meditates day and night. ³ He shall be like a tree Planted by the ^[c]rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ^23 [a]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

2 Peter 1:5-8 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control ^[a]perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. ⁸ For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither ^[b]barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the ^[a]oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But solid food belongs to those who are ^[b]of full age, that is, those who by reason of ^[c]use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 Peter 2:1-5 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, ² as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow ^[a]thereby, ³ if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:15-16 But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces ^[a]patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be ^[b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

How do we Grow Spiritually?

There are three elements essential to growing to spiritual maturity: grace, truth, and time. Grace is seen when we realize that we make mistakes along the way and experience God’s patient forgiveness. Truth is found in God’s Word, which corrects, trains, and challenges us. Time is essential since maturity will not come overnight but is a process and a journey.  Experiencing Christ with others can have important benefits. Relationships with other believers allow us to encourage and support one another.

If this blog post has grabbed your curiosity and you would like to know more, please pursue any/all of the below options:

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am)                       and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 630pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”

Acts 9:1-6 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ² and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. ³ As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. ⁴ Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” ⁵ And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ^[a]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” ⁶ So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

“Lord, what do You want me to do?” After Paul was radically, dramatically, and eternally changed by the Lord on the road to Damascus, his natural desire was to serve the Lord. Every Christian is saved to served. God has a plan for each of our lives. The joy on the journey with Jesus is to “Find Your Why” and then to live it out!

Here are 5 simple questions to help you to know and to do God’s will for your life:

1- What does the Bible say?

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you^[a] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

The primary way in which God reveals His will is through His Word. Every Christian must be so full of God’s Word that they are able to think God’s thoughts after Him. The main reason so many Christians have a hard time discerning God’s will is that they do not know Biblical precepts and principles. Begin today, systematically, and intentionally studying the Scriptures.

2- What is your motivation?

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

We must align our desires with God’s desires because when we do our good desires become godly desires. When we are saved God gives us a whole new set of “wants tos”. As we become more informed by the Bible, as we become more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit within us, and as we spend more time around other Christ followers, our desires will be transformed. God will not give you everything you want but as you follow Him what you want will conform to what He wants for you.

3- What are other strong Christians saying?

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.

We are not meant to live the Christian life alone, but we were created for community. We are not to be codependent on anybody, but we are dependent upon God and interdependent about other brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible contains many instructions for Christians to bear one another’s burdens and to speak truth with love. Therefore, every Christian should seek to surround themselves with wise and godly family members, friends, pastors, counselors etc. We must find people who love God and love us and are willing to speak the truth we need to hear into our lives.

Action Step: If you don’t have anybody like this in your life may I encourage you to start by getting involved in a Mission Group which are held on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. For more information, please contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

4- Are you seeing God provided opportunities?

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall ^[a]direct your paths.

Primarily, we want to root our decision making in the objective Truth of God’s Word and the wise counsel of mature believers. But then we want to be aware of the opportunities that God provides for us. The main point of the famous Bible study “Experiencing God” is the reality that God is always doing something, and it is our responsibly/privilege to simply get involved. God will open and close opportunities for us. We are to boldly walk through the doors that He opens and not waste time and energy trying to open the doors that He has closed.

5- What is the wisest course of action?

Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.

James 1:8 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

It is very easy for us to suffer from “paralysis of analysis”. We can usually make decisions between “good” opportunities and “bad” opportunities but it’s much more complex to decide between two apparent opportunities that appear equally good. We need to remember- that if the decision at hand or the opportunity before us is not contrary to Scripture, if we are pursuing God and walking in the Spirit, if we have consulted with wise and godly counsel, and if whatever you choose can be done for the glory of God…. Then you just need to decide and go with it… living life through the windshield and not the rear-view mirror.

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

1-              Contact me at pastor@missionchurchlex.org

2-              Check out our church website Misisonchurchlex.org

3-              Visit us for Community Celebration and Worship every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Facebook livestreaming available at 9am) 

                 and Mission Groups each Wednesday at 6:30pm. We are located at 3288 Beaver Creek Drive Lexington, KY 40515.

4-              Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/missionchurch.lex

5-              Continue to read this weekly blog- “Find your Why with Pastor D”