But, I don't want to...

I'm preparing a message on the church, and in the midst of it, realize something. The easiest answer.

But I don't want to.

It is the answer to the question "Why not?" 

Typically the answer is cloaked in good intention, justified excuse, or veiled response.  But the answer is...I do not WANT to.

This can be asked for many things.

1. Dad, why didn't you come to my ball game
2. Mom, why don't you kiss daddy anymore
3. Son, why don't you come visit me
4. Friend, why don't we hang out sometime
5. Why haven't we seen you at church lately
6. Why didn't you pray this morning
7. Why haven't you shared the love of Jesus today
8. Why aren't you giving tithes/offerings
9. Why haven't you invested in a young person's future
10. Why haven't you gathered wisdom from an older person's life

Simply, (sadly) - I Do Not Want To

We like to say we try, or put some weak attempt at it.  But our inner selfishness outweighs our compassion/desire/struggle to actually DO something! and we don't necessarily suffer the consequences. But your parents/children/friends/church do

And sometimes we do. If I don't pray, and dig into the Bible, then I suffer. and the danger in these all are the callouses that build.

Sons resent their fathers, mothers find passion in other things, dads feel neglected, friends dissolve, churches fail, the elderly are forgotten, and children become invisible.  

You can change, I can change.  But...we have to WANT to.
We have to consciously decide that I want to.

Quit making excuses, and quit finding reasons not to, and realize the only thing keeping you from 99% of the things you say you can't do, is YOU.

We recently began a campaign at Lighthouse Church, "You Matter," and you do!  Do NOT believe the lie that you will not be missed if you fail to attend, or that your amount is so small that is doesn't matter, or that you impact is so tiny that there are no waves.

Actually think about it next time you say no, is there any way you can make it happen, or simply are you telling someone that might desperately need you...

"I DON'T WANT TO!"

Warm Embrace of Cold

Ok, so a few thoughts as we head into 2014.

I look outside, and it is absolutely gorgeous. Sun shining, trees swaying in a light breeze, and the sky is an amazing shade of blue.

But here's the thing.

It. Is. Freezing. No literally. The temperature outside would freeze water. It is freezing, but you would never know just by looking at it.

But go out into it, and it will win. It will beat you. maybe not at first, you can withstand it. But eventually, you will succumb to it, and it will defeat you. And, if you stayed way too long.... it would actually kill you.

Made me think about Sin.

Sin oftentimes LOOKS beautiful, fun, enjoyable.  And, like this weather, may even BE enjoyable for a time. (Heb 11:25) However, eventually, it WILL kill you.

The thing about weather is that with enough protection, you can stay out in it. Throw on some blankets, maybe a hand warmer, and a couple layers of clothes, and you can stay in it indefinitely.  But Sin, on the other hand...

Sure you can stay in Sin, keep praying that it will go away, but unless YOU leave it, it will win. (Eze. 18:30)

We have to leave sin, there isn't enough we can do to stay in without consequence. We need a warm cabin with a fire.  That cabin is Jesus.

He is separate from Sin, and when we seek Him, leave the Sin. WE win.

SIN IS DEATH! (Rom 6:23)

You can't beat death, but i do know a guy.

Jesus beat death, and he can beat your death, too. (1 Cor. 15:57)

So don't be fooled by the beauty of sin, it will beat you, you will surrender, and it will kill you.
Get in the warmth and love of Jesus, and instead of dying, you can LIVE.

Staying in the Sin you are in is as wise as staying outside with no clothes for a week...