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Priest

PRIEST.  What kind of images came to mind upon seeing the word 'priest'?  Did you see or think of yourself?  You may not realize it, but the Bible declares that being a priest is part of your new identity as a follower of Christ.  In REV. 1:6 and 5:10, it says that Christ has made us to be kings and priests unto God our Father!  
 
1 Peter 2:9 (Msg) But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you.

You may not feel like a priest, but the Bible says you are!  What you are is not based upon your feelings and accomplishments.  It's based upon what Christ accomplished for you at the cross.  Your faith in what He did for you changes who you are!

So, what is a priest? The best way to describe it would be a "bridge-builder". In Old Testament times, people were not allowed to approach God directly.  Therefore, a priest served as an intermediary between God and people.  At the cross, that all changed!  Now we as believers can come directly into God's presence (HEB 4:16).  

We have been chosen by God as His very own and we have been called to represent Him to others. As 'priests', we have been given the responsibility to build bridges between God and those who don't yet know Him.  We are to go to God in prayer on their behalf and we are to go to them as His witnesses on His behalf.
  
Application this week...who are you praying for that doesn't yet know Christ?  Make a list and go to God on their behalf...it could change their life and destiny forever!!

Morrison Campus Update

White Pines Campus Building Update

Winning

WINNING. I'm sure you've heard the phrase, 'Winning is everything.' Is it? What do you think? For me it depends on how you define it and in relationship to what.
 
John Wooden, when asked about his success as the winningest basketball coach in college history said, 'For me there is a standard that ranks above winning. I would never allow the scoreboard to be the judge of whether I had achieved success.' Eddie Powell, a former assistant coach and player observed, 'Coach Wooden was more upset if we won but didn't work up to our potential than if we lost playing our best.'
 
So, is winning everything? I think we'd all agree that when you look at winning from that perspective, it certainly isn't everything. In fact, there are a number of things more important than winning...values, character and peace of mind.
 
I'd like to offer another perspective. I'm in consistent communication with Bishop Mpemba from Tanzania re: the progress and status of the radio station. Once completed, it will be the first Christian radio station in the entire country with a potential audience of ten million people! This is an incredible opportunity, but it doesn't come without a price! As you can imagine, there are victories and setbacks along the way. However, one constant is Mpemba's attitude and resolve. This is often reflected in his communication to me...whatever the report, he signs off, 'We are winning!'
 
I love it! I've adopted that as my attitude toward the vision God has given me for my family and our church. No matter the circumstances at the moment, as we persevere with the vision God has set before us, we are winning! Reality is, there are times when it's two steps forward, one step back...but if we stay the course, we will win! On Friday, it looked like Jesus was down for the count...but then came Sunday morning! Because of Jesus and the cross, we are winning!

Honor

HONOR. Pretty "weighty" word...that's what it actually means in Hebrew...weight, abundance, value, dignity.

Scripture is replete with references to honoring the Lord. Honor also made it into the "top ten"..."honor your father and mother".  Paul tells us in ROM 12:10 that we are to "honor one another above ourselves". (I'm sensing a teaching series coming together...just sayin'.)

The question I proposed to our staff earlier this week, that I would submit to all of you is this..."What can we do to honor those in authority over us, those who serve along side us and those under us?"

Here are a few of their responses...with our words, by giving of our time and attention, helping them realize their full potential...encouragement, loyalty, public affirmation. By the way, have I mentioned yet how much I love and appreciate our staff? We really are blessed with an incredible team!

Speaking of an incredible team, Julie and I had the honor of spending an evening with our Elders and their wives. What an evening it was...an evening of stories, love, laughter and tears as we spent considerable time honoring one another with heartfelt words of encouragement.

I'd like to encourage you to proactively look for ways that you can show "honor" to those around you. The world will be a better place!