Final Message:”Ticket out of town”

Friend or Follower family,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement and listening ear this last year on Friend or Follower. The Lord has blessed this ministry with short, mini-devotionals, and challenges to keep you growing in your Christian walk everyday.  This is the last week we will be airing Friend or Follower as I will be concluding our weekly radio and blog cast. What a joy it was to journey with you- and the journey continues! My family and I are starting a new chapter in our ministry, but keep an eye out for future blog and podcasts from me in the months to come.  Keep growing and desiring God more than anything; be the light source Christ called His followers to be and get ready to be used by God! May Christ’s will be done in your life and mine.

Much grace,

~Pastor Brett

 Here is our final devotion…

When was the last time you thought about the Holy Spirit? I mean really think about it…does He ever cross your mind? I was reading a book this week called “The Forgotten God- Reversing our tragic neglect of the Holy Spirit” and was captivated by a thought the author presented. 

 “When people give their lives to God in exchange for a ticket out of hell, there is often no turning or change of direction, which is the definition of repentance. If all you want is a little Jesus to “spiritualize” your life, a little extra God to keep you out of hell, you are missing out on the fullness of life you were created for.”

What the author is saying is salvation is not a “saved from” something but a “saved for”
 something. Being a Christ follower is not simply about what happens when you die; its about realizing Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God gave His life to offer you freedom in this life and the life to come. If all salvation is to you is a passport out of this world, I bet your not feeling very free today…because your not. You don’t need the Holy Spirit to lead a religious life of church attendance and sudo-Christian living, but you WILL need Him to follow Jesus in the way He called us to…into a life full of transformation, sacrifice, compassion and grace. So what does it mean to be saved? I will let you be the judge of that.

In the name of Jesus may it be so!  

To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

WK68 “Righting the Wrongs”

I heard a story of two college students who set up a tent on their campus. On the tent was a sign that said “Apologies.” Perplexed their fellow students entered not sure what they were going to hear. Then the men said “we are Christians and we have come to realize that for many of you that name does not mean a whole lot. You have been hurt by us, talked about; we have gossiped and stepped over you. We have mistreated your bodies and your minds- you were judged by us. The bottom line is Jesus Christ would never treat you this way. We want to say we are sorry for how you have been treated, will you forgive us?”

Tears filled the room as healing was given out by God. Some were so blown away by the humble display they wanted to know how they could know this Jesus they spoke of. This is a powerful story because these two guys realized a lot of people on campus had a negative view of Christianity- not because of Jesus, but because of the Christians that represent Him. So on our behalf they said they were sorry. Truly Amazing! Following Easter I pray we will be soaked in God’s grace- to repair the hurts all around us, even the ones caused by us.

How will this work out in your life and where do you see yourself in this story?

 Have you been hurt? Were you a part of the hurt?

What is God asking you to do about it?

In the name of Jesus may it be so!

To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

Wk67 “From Irrevelant to Real”

This week we celebrate Holy Week- the week where Jesus entered into a series of events that would ultimately end with His death on a cross and on Easter Sunday, an empty tomb. A friend and I were talking about how commercial Easter has become. “Easter Bunny” this and “Cadbury Egg” that. Don’t get me wrong, I like rabbits and candy as much as the next guy, but this is not what this week is about. It’s about Jesus, the Lamb of God who gave his life as a final sacrifice for you and for me.

If you are a parent reading this remember your place in raising your children is to know the Lord- because the world will paint a picture of irrelevance, but we are called to paint a picture of Truth. This will mean sitting down with your kids and asking them about their walk with Jesus, and perhaps, coming face to face with your own. These are critical times and the world is listening. Will this just be another Easter that comes and goes or will you get on your knees before your King in humble witness to all He has done in your life? How we respond to Easter is how we will respond to the world. So what will it mean to you?

In the name of Jesus may it be so!  

To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

WK66 “Meaning in the Moment”

Can you remember a job you’ve had that you thought would never benefit you aside from the paycheck you would receive? I was reflecting this last week about jobs and over the years I have had a few. I’ve worked places that I felt appreciated and places that I haven’t. I’ve had jobs that fulfilled me and others that seemed like a waste of time. Whatever the experience, I recognize the Lord was adding something onto me in that season, something valuable that I will need in my life ahead.

In Acts 18 we see that Paul is a tentmaker… The Apostle Paul a tentmaker!! ?? This is as unexciting as it sounds but the work demanded patience, a steady hand, and for the otherwise proud Paul, humility. God meets us right where we are and in spite of our ingratitude, gives us good gifts of experience. Whatever you are doing today remember that nothing is wasted when you are a child of God. He is adding onto your abilities in the roughest of waters so down the line you will be better suited to navigate the road ahead. For Peter it was fishing, for Matthew it was tax collecting and for you and me it’s __________, but in the end our Father is involved in it all and nothing is ever wasted when it comes from His hand.

In the name of Jesus may it be so!  

To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

WK65 “Loving in the Midst of One”

 

 Have you ever noticed how we as humans get so wound up in “numbers?” I think we are even more susceptible to this in North America where production and productivity are held over our head everyday. Though we at times can have an unhealthy relationship with numbers, God has a lot to say about them too. In Luke 15, Jesus ushers us into the heart of our heavenly Father and the stories He tells are shocking!  He tells about a Sheppard who lost one sheep, a woman who lost one coin and a story of two lost sons.

So what is the point to it all? God is not concerned with overwhelming numbers to prove the points of His story…He is concerned with our response to those numbers and there is a lot of peace to be gathered if you look past the expectations. Don’t be discouraged when people don’t “show-up” for your next small group or after all that planning the multitudes seem “disinterested” in your new church series or event. Rejoice over the one or two that come and pour into them as if they were 200 because if the angels in heaven rejoice when one person in found for Christ; I think we should do the same! May you be encouraged to know God holds no “quota” on was it worth it- when it glorifies Christ and draws us to love one another; the answer is yes!

In the name of Jesus may it be so!

To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

WK64 “Selling Ideas”

I was immersed in controversy this weekend as I read the latest book by a local big name pastor… and I can see why it’s so controversial!! He made some pretty bold statements about God…But what is really going on here? He, like every author, is trying to get you and I to see the world as they see it….. Their motive is to influence; but here in lies the problem- how do we know if what we are being “sold” is good for us to take to heart?

John tells us in 1 John chapter 4 that we should “test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” Great advice that so few of us ever do. So often we hear a “good” sermon or influencing word and never investigate the message for ourselves… we take word translation at face value, cultural facts as truth and before we know it we are convinced without even thinking. Am I telling you to doubt everything that you hear?…Not at all…But I am asking you to go past “easy” to test the spirits…the influencers that surround us everyday to know if they are really from God. It’s a big world and you are being “sold” something even now…what you “buy” is up to you.

In the name of Jesus may it be so!     

To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

WK63 “Living Ready”

I was reminded this last week of how fragile life truly is. Our hearts break for the nation of Japan at the sight of such a devastating loss. Locally we mourn a young man and friend from Fennville. In the midst of such chaos, my heart has been set on one reoccurring whisper from God …. “Live Ready.”  The Bible tells us that there will come a time when all the destruction and death of this world will come to an end; that harmony between man, nature and God will be restored.

In the midst of the hardship all around us, we have hope of a future where all things will be made right. Jesus tells us in Luke chapter 12 verse 35 that we should be “watchful” and “ready.” That His second coming will not be ushered in” months in advance,” but will be upon us “at an hour when we do not expect Him.” Sometimes when tragic loss is all around us we see today and what we are living for in a whole new light. If you are a follower of Jesus take the next 5 minutes and think about your life; if Jesus were to come back this day, this next moment, what condition would he find your heart in. Don’t let this day pass you by; reconcile your differences, let kindness define you, die to pride, share the hope of Christ from your heart…bottom line … live ready for your King to return- and what a glorious day it will be when He does!

In the name of Jesus may it be so!   

To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

WK62 “____ Speaks a Thousand Words”

There’s a saying that says “don’t under estimate the power of a good deed.” And I would agree; the influence of one act of kindness can go a long way. A couple of weeks ago a co-worker of mine lead a devotion for our church staff. At the end, she gave each one of us a one dollar bill and encouraged us to bless someone with it in what ever way we deemed best. What a cool idea!

You don’t need to have money in your pocket today to bless someone and let them know that God cares. A simple compliment of someone’s glasses or recognizing a co-workers hard work may be just what the doctor ordered. A little note to the waiter or waitress thanking them for their service or a letter written to your kid’s teacher or coach has the potential to brighten their day. And that is at the heart of what Christians should be to a culture…agents of healing and encouragement that help and bless people with love. If you want to demonstrate Christ to the world, start being kind to it…for often it’s the simplest things that speaks a thousand words.

Kindness in action…

As I said above, a simple act of kindness can really open the door for people to be encouraged, uplifted, loved and healed. Unfortunately, Christians get pegged as anything but that. If we want to break the stereotypes being thrown around out there we have to take notice of all the “little” areas the Lord allows us to frequent. Here are a couple suggestions, add to them if you like…you will find them all “simple” but challenging to do.

• Buy lunch for a stranger at a restaurant
• Choose a day and be intentional about looking for the good in everyone you meet
• Let today be a day of compliments
• Go out of your way to let your family or co-workers know you appreciate them
• Give $1 to someone today face to face and ask them to give it away in an act of kindness this week.
• Buy the meal of the person behind you in the drive through
• Write a letter to your pastor telling them you appreciate them
• Encourage someone who never gets encouraged
• Open the door for someone today
• Utilize your blessings to BE a blessing

 The list can go on and on!!! Don’t be surprised if your kindness doesn’t prompt them to ask “why?” My answers vary, but I usually tell them “it’s my simple way of showing God’s love.”

 If you have a story where you have been impacted by a simple acts of kindness or followed through with one of the challenges, share it with the Friend or Follower community by clicking on the “comment” link below (responses will be seen)!!

 It’s not all about “works” ; it’s about love and the impact loving Christians can make on the world!  

In the name of Jesus may it be so!

 To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

WK61 “Towing the Line”

Let me ask you a question, as a Christian what part do you play in holding other Christians accountable to the Gospel? One day I was on Facebook when I saw a post from an old friend of mine. Now I know he is a Christian when out of nowhere I see super racy post and foul language filling his page! I mean I was stumbled by what I saw and now the decision was upon me….do I say something or let it go?? We have all been in a place like this, so what do we do? The Apostle Paul tells us we should correct them.

The problem is we have forgotten our biblical mandate to keep each other accountable and in a lot of ways we have become too polite. We don’t want to offend anyone or cause trouble; so we do nothing. But here’s the truth- the damage is done when Christians do nothing. It isn’t your job to play “moral sheriff” or to accuse, but to approach people privately with great humility to say “help me make sense of this action; it doesn’t line up with the Gospel.” For my friend on Facebook, this was the encouragement he needed to rethink his social posts through who he was in Christ. You can’t control what people do, but you can’t expect to be silent either when God has given you a voice into someone’s life.  

Think about this…

Now I know what you are thinking…this is tough stuff….and your right, there is nothing easy about what I wrote above. But we as the church have to take this seriously for the fallout is catastrophic. What’s the fallout you ask- Christians being un-Christian and loving it; becoming so worldly that we forget who we are. From my example above, my friend needed correction (the Bible calls it a “rebuke.”) So how do we go about this?? Here are some helpful tips I use every time….

 Let everything you say be steeped with great humility and love – When these two attributes are present they are undeniable.

 Approach them in private and be respectful.

 Don’t apologize for God or His Word- bring the action, word or deed into the light of Scripture and ask them to help you understand.

 Share a time when someone had to correct your errant action and how it produced a more Godly character.

Remember, holding each other accountable will not always get you the most “fans” on Facebook, but looking back over my life it has been the people that shared God’s truth with me in love that have had the greatest impact on my spiritual walk!

In the name of Jesus may it be so!

 To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE 

WK60 “Going All In”

There is a song I hear at church sometimes and at the chorus it says “I surrender all.” I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like a liar singing songs like these…  I mean how would the song change if we really put in the reaction of our human heart and said “I surrender some.” I heard this great story about a man who plays poker. He said “watching poker is pretty exciting, but there is nothing more exciting that when somebody goes “all in”- it’s a term that means they are staking all their chips on this one hand. He went on to say knowing Christ is like sitting across the table from Him and in front of you are stacks of chips that represent your family, your job, your home, identity, money- literally everything that you hold dear. Then Jesus says “All in.” You can’t match a wager like that by tossing a couple chips from random piles that matter and hope to be in the game; Jesus is asking you to place every thing you have on the line to follow Him.

So what’s at stake? Everything- and this is where is gets exciting! You only have this one life…Make it count. Because going “All in” is surrendering all to be found in Christ.

Scripture to reflect on:

 

There is a Scripture below I would like you to reflect on. What do you think Jesus means when He said”Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”  How is the Spirit moving in your heart when you read this passage? Is there anything that comes to mind that you say “oh no, not that!” How might God be asking you to put that thing in His hands to steer as He sees fit?

Luke 9:22-24 

²² And Jesus said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” ²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Final Thought:

This is challenging because at the core Jesus is asking us to surrender- to “die to self.” “Do you really believe I am as good as I say I am? That you can trust me because I am so unlike you.” Trust and belief are choices that we make and often are not easy, but the result is freedom and peace! May you be encouraged that there is no “bad” outcome when you go “all in” for Christ, but there is a journey; a journey that He joins us on every step of the way!

In the name of Jesus may it be so!

To download this week’s audio episode of Friend or Follower click HERE