By Gobel Brockman
I have a tendency to get reflective at certain times of the year. Birthdays and anniversaries usually cause me to think back and remember things, with most of the memories being good. New Year's Eve is probably the biggest one of all. I always think through each month, remembering the good and the bad. I won't bore you with the details, but 2013 was, simply put, one of the best years I've had in a while. There were a lot of unexpected and undeserved blessings that came my way, and all I can do is lift my head and my voice and thank God for each and every one. I want to encourage you to take a moment today and reflect on all the good things that have happened to you this year, and may you give thanks to Him as well.
I realize, however, that for some this may have been a difficult year. Sickness, death of loved ones and a host of other issues may have came your way. If so I pray that God's peace will be yours. Which leads me to what I want to talk about today:
2014.
I'm neither priest nor prophet. I cannot tell you what lies ahead for us. Some of us may have a year that will blow our mind - in a good way. Some of us may face pain, loss or uncertainty that we have never known before. It's always a mystery in January what will happen in our lives by the time we get to December. Which is why I usually fall back on Hebrews 11:6 at this time of year:
"Without faith it is impossible to please God; for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
What that says to me is that regardless of what comes my way in 2014 - good or bad - I need to seek God and believe that He has my best in mind. My prayer is that I will praise Him in the good and trust Him in the bad. That is my prayer for you as well. May we live 2014 in a way that honors God and trusts Him in every situation. I hope that each of you experience a lot of joy in this new year. For those who face pain or loss, may you allow God to prove His sustaining power to you. May all of us strive to get closer to Jesus than we are right now.
May 2014 be a blessed year for you all. If you put God first in every situation, it will be, regardless of what happens.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
It's a Good Thing God Loves Idiots
By Gobel Brockman
Here's a nice image for you in this Christmas season. Imagine you're watching a movie about the Christmas story. Someone informs Joseph and Mary that three wise men have arrived with gifts for the newborn King. They come in....and they're being portrayed by Moe, Curly, and Larry. (Stick with me, I'm going somewhere with this.)
Seem silly? Well, maybe not as much as you'd think. Let me explain. When Jesus began His public ministry, He chose 12 men to follow Him. They were fisherman, tax collectors, and other 'castoffs' that few would think would accomplish anything. They spent about three years walking, talking, and learning from Jesus. After His death, resurrection, and ascension, they returned to Jerusalem to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. After they received this gift, they proceeded to turn the world upside-down. People were being saved, healed, and set free from spiritual bondage. Miracles were taking place. As a result of one of those miracles, they were called before the Jewish authorities to explain their purpose. The disciples took the opportunity to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ. The Bible says something interesting about this meeting in Acts 4:13:
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
I want to focus on the word 'ignorant.' In the original Greek the word used there is "Idiotes" meaning "a private person, i.e. (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot"):--ignorant, rude, unlearned."
In the eyes of the world, these guys were 'idiots and ignoramuses', but it's also interesting that Bible also said this: "...they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." There's the key - they had been with Jesus. You can't stay in His presence and not be changed. These men who were nothing in the eyes of others were literally changing the world right before those same eyes. These 'Ignorant' men were healing people and preaching the Good News because they had been with Jesus.
The point this week isn't to tell you that you're an idiot. The point is that if you think you're too plain or simple to do anything for God, you're wrong. Jesus took fisherman and tax collectors and changed history, and He can do the same with you and me. If you spend time with Jesus, others around you are going to take notice of it. We may not turn the whole world upside-down, but perhaps God wants to use us to turn our world upside-down. As the Bible says, God loves to "use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise." So spend time with Jesus through His Word and prayer, let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit, and then go and be amazed by what He does through you.
I just hope you don't see The Three Stooges as the three wise men the next time you watch a Christmas movie. Sorry 'bout that. Nyuk nyuk nyuk....
Here's a nice image for you in this Christmas season. Imagine you're watching a movie about the Christmas story. Someone informs Joseph and Mary that three wise men have arrived with gifts for the newborn King. They come in....and they're being portrayed by Moe, Curly, and Larry. (Stick with me, I'm going somewhere with this.)
Seem silly? Well, maybe not as much as you'd think. Let me explain. When Jesus began His public ministry, He chose 12 men to follow Him. They were fisherman, tax collectors, and other 'castoffs' that few would think would accomplish anything. They spent about three years walking, talking, and learning from Jesus. After His death, resurrection, and ascension, they returned to Jerusalem to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. After they received this gift, they proceeded to turn the world upside-down. People were being saved, healed, and set free from spiritual bondage. Miracles were taking place. As a result of one of those miracles, they were called before the Jewish authorities to explain their purpose. The disciples took the opportunity to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ. The Bible says something interesting about this meeting in Acts 4:13:
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."
I want to focus on the word 'ignorant.' In the original Greek the word used there is "Idiotes" meaning "a private person, i.e. (by implication) an ignoramus (compare "idiot"):--ignorant, rude, unlearned."
In the eyes of the world, these guys were 'idiots and ignoramuses', but it's also interesting that Bible also said this: "...they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." There's the key - they had been with Jesus. You can't stay in His presence and not be changed. These men who were nothing in the eyes of others were literally changing the world right before those same eyes. These 'Ignorant' men were healing people and preaching the Good News because they had been with Jesus.
The point this week isn't to tell you that you're an idiot. The point is that if you think you're too plain or simple to do anything for God, you're wrong. Jesus took fisherman and tax collectors and changed history, and He can do the same with you and me. If you spend time with Jesus, others around you are going to take notice of it. We may not turn the whole world upside-down, but perhaps God wants to use us to turn our world upside-down. As the Bible says, God loves to "use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise." So spend time with Jesus through His Word and prayer, let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit, and then go and be amazed by what He does through you.
I just hope you don't see The Three Stooges as the three wise men the next time you watch a Christmas movie. Sorry 'bout that. Nyuk nyuk nyuk....
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Letting Go To Keep Going
By Gobel Brockman
Many of you reading this are familiar with the story of Moses. God chose him to lead the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. He led them to - and through - the Red Sea. There were many problems and instances of disobedience along the way, but there were also many miracles. But Moses himself had a moment of disobedience that cost him entrance into the 'Promised Land.' As the people prepared to go in, God told Moses to go to the top of the mountain and view the land, but afterwards he would die. After his death, God spoke to Joshua and said, "Moses my servant is dead. You now lead these people into the land I have prepared for them."
This Scripture and story stand out to me, for one of the lessons in it is that you have to be willing to let go of the past if you want to step into your future. One of the problems we seem to have with that is being asked to let go with the familiar and step into the unknown. The people of Israel knew what it was to follow Moses. They knew he had a special relationship with God. They also knew Joshua, but not in the capacity he was about to step into. How would he do? In what ways would he be different from Moses? Would God be as close to him as He was to Moses? I'm sure they had more questions than answers at that moment.
I know we've all been there at some point. You may be there now. I am myself. Many of you know that this past June I retired from my job at the US Postal Service. However, I've been using up my Sick Leave before my retirement starts. It runs out this week, so I'm about to start a new chapter in my life. At this point, I have no real idea what the first paragraph of that chapter's going to be. There is definite uncertainty, but there's also a definite faith that all will be well. God was prepared to lead Israel, and He will lead me as well. He will also lead you. If you are in a place in your life where what you are familiar with is gone and been replaced with the unknown, fear not. Be willing to step out in faith.
Let me close by making this point. When Israel stood at the Red Sea, God told them to "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." Forty years later, they stood at the Jordan River preparing to enter the Promised Land. God told them, "As soon as the priests (carrying the Ark of the Covenant) step into the Jordan, the waters will part." I believe part of that was God saying to them, "I've already proved to you that parting water is no problem for Me. Now step out in faith and believe that I will do it again." Yes, it requires faith. Yes, it requires letting go of the past and what we're comfortable with. But it's required if we want to move forward.
Moses is dead. Joshua's the new leader. But God is still in charge. It's all good. Now step out in faith and get going.
Many of you reading this are familiar with the story of Moses. God chose him to lead the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. He led them to - and through - the Red Sea. There were many problems and instances of disobedience along the way, but there were also many miracles. But Moses himself had a moment of disobedience that cost him entrance into the 'Promised Land.' As the people prepared to go in, God told Moses to go to the top of the mountain and view the land, but afterwards he would die. After his death, God spoke to Joshua and said, "Moses my servant is dead. You now lead these people into the land I have prepared for them."
This Scripture and story stand out to me, for one of the lessons in it is that you have to be willing to let go of the past if you want to step into your future. One of the problems we seem to have with that is being asked to let go with the familiar and step into the unknown. The people of Israel knew what it was to follow Moses. They knew he had a special relationship with God. They also knew Joshua, but not in the capacity he was about to step into. How would he do? In what ways would he be different from Moses? Would God be as close to him as He was to Moses? I'm sure they had more questions than answers at that moment.
I know we've all been there at some point. You may be there now. I am myself. Many of you know that this past June I retired from my job at the US Postal Service. However, I've been using up my Sick Leave before my retirement starts. It runs out this week, so I'm about to start a new chapter in my life. At this point, I have no real idea what the first paragraph of that chapter's going to be. There is definite uncertainty, but there's also a definite faith that all will be well. God was prepared to lead Israel, and He will lead me as well. He will also lead you. If you are in a place in your life where what you are familiar with is gone and been replaced with the unknown, fear not. Be willing to step out in faith.
Let me close by making this point. When Israel stood at the Red Sea, God told them to "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." Forty years later, they stood at the Jordan River preparing to enter the Promised Land. God told them, "As soon as the priests (carrying the Ark of the Covenant) step into the Jordan, the waters will part." I believe part of that was God saying to them, "I've already proved to you that parting water is no problem for Me. Now step out in faith and believe that I will do it again." Yes, it requires faith. Yes, it requires letting go of the past and what we're comfortable with. But it's required if we want to move forward.
Moses is dead. Joshua's the new leader. But God is still in charge. It's all good. Now step out in faith and get going.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
When You 'Got' Nothing
By Gobel Brockman
A few years ago I was asked to speak at a funeral. A young couple had lost their newborn child a couple of days after delivery. I immediately went to God in prayer. I don't recall my exact words, but it was something to the effect of, "God, the Bible says in James that 'if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men liberally...' Well, I lack wisdom in this. I have no idea what to say here. I 'got' nothing. Please help me." Soon after this, my mind went to the Scripture that says that "He has been touched with the feelings of our weakness" and I felt the Holy Spirit lead me in this direction:
God the Father had to watch His Son be crucified. He knows how it feels to lose a child.
I mentioned this at the service. I told the couple that it would be ridiculous for me to tell them "I know how you feel", but I could tell them that God DOES know how they felt, because He knows how it feels to lose a Son. Several people came up to me to tell me how it touched their hearts. The funeral home director came up to me and said something like, "I've been doing this for a long time, and I've never heard anyone make that point before." I tell you that story for two reasons: 1) If you are in a situation that requires answers you don't have, pray. 2) The answer will always bring you back to the feet of Jesus.
One thing about being in ministry that can be frustrating is when people tell you about what's going on in their lives, you tell them what the Bible says about it, and their basic response seems to be, "Eh, that doesn't work for me. What else ya got?" Well, I 'got' nothing else. I want nothing else. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." I'm not going to give you psychology, self-help, or anything else when everything we need is in the presence of God. I have friends who are facing difficult situations right now. Some are sick themselves, while others have family members that are not well. Some have job/financial situations going on. You may be facing something yourself right now. If so, I have one answer for you. God has been touched with the feelings of our weakness. He knows what you're going through, and He has what you need. I encourage you to surrender everything to Him. Not just your current problems, but your entire life.
Take it to Jesus. I 'got' nothing else. I want nothing else.
A few years ago I was asked to speak at a funeral. A young couple had lost their newborn child a couple of days after delivery. I immediately went to God in prayer. I don't recall my exact words, but it was something to the effect of, "God, the Bible says in James that 'if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men liberally...' Well, I lack wisdom in this. I have no idea what to say here. I 'got' nothing. Please help me." Soon after this, my mind went to the Scripture that says that "He has been touched with the feelings of our weakness" and I felt the Holy Spirit lead me in this direction:
God the Father had to watch His Son be crucified. He knows how it feels to lose a child.
I mentioned this at the service. I told the couple that it would be ridiculous for me to tell them "I know how you feel", but I could tell them that God DOES know how they felt, because He knows how it feels to lose a Son. Several people came up to me to tell me how it touched their hearts. The funeral home director came up to me and said something like, "I've been doing this for a long time, and I've never heard anyone make that point before." I tell you that story for two reasons: 1) If you are in a situation that requires answers you don't have, pray. 2) The answer will always bring you back to the feet of Jesus.
One thing about being in ministry that can be frustrating is when people tell you about what's going on in their lives, you tell them what the Bible says about it, and their basic response seems to be, "Eh, that doesn't work for me. What else ya got?" Well, I 'got' nothing else. I want nothing else. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." I'm not going to give you psychology, self-help, or anything else when everything we need is in the presence of God. I have friends who are facing difficult situations right now. Some are sick themselves, while others have family members that are not well. Some have job/financial situations going on. You may be facing something yourself right now. If so, I have one answer for you. God has been touched with the feelings of our weakness. He knows what you're going through, and He has what you need. I encourage you to surrender everything to Him. Not just your current problems, but your entire life.
Take it to Jesus. I 'got' nothing else. I want nothing else.
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