Close Enough To Hear God's Whisper

Yet I am always with you;

you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;

you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;

I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalms 73:23-28 (NIV)

There is something about being close to God. But how do you get “close” to God? One way is to make time for God. Corporately, it’s important to make time for church, small groups, and retreats. Privately, we must guard our daily quiet times with God.

How close are you to God? Looking at Psalm 73 are you close enough to God to hold His hand? Are you close enough for Him to guide your steps? Are you “far” from Him in danger of perishing?

The question we should always be asking ourselves is, “Am I close enough to hear God whisper?” Whisper His Name and He will answer you!

Who Am I?

There are many great Christians who faithfully lived out God’s promise of abundant life. One of which is Dietrich Bonhoeffer who is best remembered as the young pastor/theologian martyred for his leadership against Hitler and the Nazi army. While Bonhoeffer has inspired many with his heroic life, he too wrestled with his identity and the life God gave him. Here is a poem he wrote while in prison.


Who am I?
This or the other?
Am I one person today, and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptible woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am Thine.


It is comforting to know that even our greatest heroes struggle with the issue of identity. This profound poem teaches us what we have been learning in our sermon series on THRIVE: no matter what happens in our life our ultimate identity must found as a child of God. You can listen to the latest messages on THRIVE at www.christianlifechurch.org.

My Book Shelf – Extraordinary by John Bevere

A brand new book from our friend John Bevere fits our fall sermon series, THRIVE, here at Christian Life. We so enjoyed Pastor Bevere’s series Drawing Near and we believe that he is a fresh voice to the body of Christ. I just obtained his newest release, Extraordinary, and I believe it fits what God is saying to us as a congregation right now.

There’s a question that troubles many believers: “Why am I not experiencing more joy, more hope, more satisfaction, more intimacy, more power, more everything in my Christian life – didn’t Jesus promise that?”

He did promise an abundant life, but too many people are trapped by the curse of “the ordinary.” They have accepted the wrong idea that following God means losing individuality, creativity, and a passion for achieving lofty goals.

Nothing could be further from the truth! John Bevere builds a convincing case, straight from Scripture, for a way of living marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments—the life God always intended for his children.

Each chapter provides a guide to understanding God’s incredible plans, and how to enjoy a life where he adds the “extra” to “ordinary.”

You can check out this book and more at John Bevere’s ministry web site www.messengerinternational.org.

My Book Shelf – If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn

My Book Shelf – If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn

Recently, as a pastor, I have had a lot people ask me questions about God, suffering, and evil. In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.
Pick up a copy of If God Is Good and read more at Randy’s blog www.randyalcorn.blogspot.com

10 Minute Quiet Time

Welcome to Christian Life Church on Back to Church Weekend. We are so glad you are here! Christian Life Church is a worshipping, teaching, caring, and sharing church that connects people to God, connects people to people, and connects people to their calling. It is an honor as a church to offer so many ministry opportunities for you, your family, and your friends to connect. Beyond your involvement at Christian Life my heart is that you would connect with God each day.

Last Sunday I asked each of you the question, “Can you give God ten minutes each day?” Remember, obey God in the little things and He will do something BIG in your life! Here is the 10 Minute Quiet Time model I shared last Sunday.

10 Minute Quiet Time

1. Pray - 2 minutes
Use 3 Types of Prayer - 1. Praise 2. Thanksgiving 3. Asking

2. Read the Bible - 5 minutes
Read one chapter with a highlighter – If you have any questions just ask. (If you don't know where to start begin with Psalms, Proverbs, Mark, John, or James.)

3. Pray, Listen & Write - 3 minutes
Pray about what you just read then be quiet and listen to God. If you want, write down what happened during your time with God.

Back To School

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

This past week our boys went back to school. And might I add, not a moment too soon. ;-) I love this time of year for a number of reasons. A new school year for our children means:

• A fresh start.
• New school supplies.
• Seeing old friends and making new ones.
• A set schedule.
• A new found excitement.

Back to school season also marks the unofficial back to church season. As the school schedule begins to fill up our calendar, we have to make sure that we make room for God in the life of our family. Looking at the benefits a child receives with returning to school, allow yourself to experience these same benefits this fall season at Christian Life. Make a fresh start. Get a new supply from God. Reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. Schedule regular church events on your calendar. Get a new found excitement for God and His family.

Visit the Ministry Fair in the lobby to see where you and your family can connect with God, connect with other believers, and connect with your calling.

Also, remember Back to Church Sunday, September 13. Pray about who you can invite to church that weekend.

What’s in a name?

It’s been said that, “Nothing is sweeter than the sound of one’s own name.” There is dignity when someone remembers our name and a sting when someone forgets.

The dictionary defines name as “a word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others.”

Out of the over six billion people in the world today God has created you to be a unique individual and He knows you by name. What an awesome thought! In a world where we sometimes feel invisible or wonder about our real value, we can know that God, the Creator of the universe, loves and cares for us enough to know us by name!

Let me ask you something, do you know the names of the people sitting around you at church? How about the people who live on your block? What about the people at the stores you shop at? The restaurant you eat at? The gas station? Your school?

Convicted? I am. As part of God’s family I want to resemble my Heavenly Father. Our Father loves everyone enough to know them by name. We begin to love others by getting to know them by name.

Why not begin with the people you are sitting next to today?

Let Your Light Shine

You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

Matt 5:14 (NLT)

As many of you know, it was my privilege to be asked to pray this past week at the Mount Prospect’s Walmart grand openings. There were two opportunities to pray. One was a private gathering with all of the associates and their families along with VIP’s from the city and state. The other was the grand opening to the community. Both were wonderful experiences. One Walmart associate commented after our prayer time that “it was like having church at work!”

What surprised me the most were the strong reactions I received from both believers and nonbelievers. Both sides felt free to offer both condemnation and praise. As a pastor I am used to navigating varying opinions, but the judgments I received this past week were especially intense.

I have felt the same strong opinions as we have planted our CLC Huntley campus in the Prime Outlet Mall. I believe these types of reactions come when we take our faith outside the walls of the church and into our community. The devil doesn’t mind if we hide out together and worship, but once we step out to impact the world all hell unleashes its fury.

Persecution should never stop us. Jesus said, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) Jesus also promises, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” Matthew 16:18 (NLT)

This week take your faith outside the walls of the church. Share your testimony. Do something kind in Jesus’ name. Maybe have “church at work.” Stretch yourself. Be ready for opposition. And always remember, God is with you always and will give you the strength you need!

Perspective

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3 (NLT)

I’ve seen their pictures of earth, but I can’t imagine how it feels to be an astronaut looking back at our planet from outer space. I’m awed as I sit a plane looking down at the lakes, rivers, mountains, winding roads, large cities, and small towns. You see His creation and like God you say, “It is good!”

There is a principle in life: distance often times gives us perspective. That’s one reason I love to fly. On the ground billions of people are struggling through the stress of life and for a few hours I am able to fly above it all and enjoy God and His beauty.

Christ invites us not only to new life in Him, but also to a new perspective. Christ calls us up to His level, His perspective, to view our reality with God’s eyes. When see life from God’s vantage point our perspective changes. There are things that make God weep. There are things that make God smile. When we get in tune with God’s thinking we are on the narrow road of discipleship headed toward the abundant life God promised us in John 10:10.

God has so much more for you than just surviving the daily grind. This week, take Christ up on His invitation to “set your sights on the realities of heaven.” Fly above your limited limit perspective. Take a look at your life and your world from God’s heavenly viewpoint.

Leftovers

Then King David said…”For I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings with that which costs me nothing."

1 Chronicles 21:24 (NKJV)

Often times I enjoy leftovers. Finding something in the fridge from the night before that hits the spot for a 2nd time. I remember as a kid complaining about leftovers. “Ah Mom, this again.” Now as an adult I enjoy my leftovers and think about the money I am saving by eating the same meal twice.

There is a principle all through Scripture that we are reminded of during offering time that our first and best should always belong to God. Unfortunately, too many of us offer God the leftovers in our life, and I’m not just talking about our finances.

The Bible tells us to love the God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. The Message Bible says it this way… “So love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.” (Mark 12:30) Here are some questions to help us make sure our walk with God is a priority.

Heart (passion) – Do you love Him more than anything else in this world?

Soul (prayer) – Does God have first place in your life? Do you trust in Him more than anything else?

Mind (intelligence) – What occupies your thinking? Does “heaven fill your thoughts?” (Col. 3:1,2) Do you meditate on things that are good and pure? (Phil. 4:8)

Strength (energy) – Do you do all you do every day as unto the Lord? (1 Cor. 10:31)

Cub Scout Christianity

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

Matt 16:24-25 (NIV)

Recently I was talking with a young man that was on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. He was telling me about what he had to accomplish this summer to stay on track with his goal. I have to admit, I was impressed, it quite a list of things to do.

I remember being a Cub Scout when I was young. I still remember the motto, “I promise to do my best, to do my duty to God, and my country, to help other people, and obey the law of the pack.” I enjoyed my time as a Cub Scout so much so that I enrolled Luke in the program as soon as he was old enough. The problem…like his dad, Luke only lasted about a year.

See I loved being a part of the group, going to the activities, wearing the shirt, getting the badges. I didn’t like all the work that went into getting to the next level. It was demanding and I wasn’t up to the challenge.

I think there are a lot of Christians that live at a “Cub Scout” level with God. They take the “oath,” wear the uniform, do the basics but never take the step to get to the next level. They call themselves “Christians” but aren’t willing to become “disciples.”

The truth is that all disciples are believers, but not all believers are disciples. The life of a disciple is not an easy one but it is a part of the abundant life Christ wants you to live. …narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matt 7:14 (NKJV)

This summer make a commitment to take the next step with God!

Ten Commandments

Got a great email from a friend this week…

IF GOD TEXTED THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

1. no1 b4 me. srsly.

2. dnt wrshp pix/idols

3. no omg's

4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)

5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool

6. dnt kill ppl

7. :-X only w/ m8

8. dnt steal

9. dnt lie re: bf

10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.

M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.

ttyl, JHWH

Weddings

…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…
Eph 5:25 (NIV)


This is the summer of weddings! We celebrated with Dan and Angela last weekend. Erick and Nerissa this weekend. Steve and Melanie next weekend. The weekend after that we have a family wedding in Kenosha. And that’s just June!

It’s beautiful to watch young love during the ceremony as they hold hands and make their vows to…

To have and to hold, from this day forward,
For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish,
Till death do us part.

Hearing these vows remind Leslie and me of the vows we made over 15 years ago. I don’t think anybody really realizes what those vows mean on their wedding day. It’s only after years of life, the daily grind, keeping up the house, disagreements, getting through a financial crisis, kids, miscarriages, health scares, etc. do you really realize what it means to vow to love your spouse in the good times and the bad.

It is essential that we invest in our relationship with our spouse to preserve the vow that we made on our wedding day. The same is true in our relationship with God. We must make investments in the most important relationship anyone of us will ever have. This week get out your Bible, a devotional, a worship CD. Make time for God. Pray. Listen. Enjoy.

God Is With You

“Don't be afraid of people. I am with you, and I will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 1:8 (GW)

The summer season is upon us. The weather is warm. The children are out of school. Leslie and I are finalizing our family vacation.

One thing Leslie and I have talked about is having a family theme for each summer. This year’s theme: The Summer of Adventure. The boys are getting bigger and it’s time to do more together. If it’s fun or challenging or different we are going to try it as a family. I’m excited for our Summer of Adventure. I know that we are going to have some remarkable experiences as a family.

The thing about adventure is that it’s so unpredictable, risky, sometimes dangerous. Some people love adventure. Some avoid it. Others wish their lives weren’t filled with so much “adventure.”

When I think about the seasons of life, especially the “adventurous” ones, I remember a specific promise of God. When life is difficult, out of control, and we are not quite sure how everything is going to turn out I look to God’s most frequent promise in His Word. More than any other promise in the Bible, God promises that no matter what, “I am with you!”

What a promise to hold on to! Talk to God about what you are going through. Open up His Word and read His promise to you. No matter what you are facing today, this week, this summer, remember you are not alone, GOD IS WITH YOU!

What You Feed Grows

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.

Romans 8:5-9 (NKJV)

There is a principle in life: What you feed grows. This principle works not only in the natural world but also in the spiritual. We are created with a body and a spirit. What we feed our physical body nourishes us. When we eat healthy food we reap healthy bodies. When we eat junk food and our bodies pay the price.

The same is true when it comes to our spirit-person. What you feed grows. Paul, in his epistles, writes a lot about the difference between living in the spirit and living in the flesh. Our spirit person either prospers or perishes depending on what we feed ourselves spiritually speaking.

What is your spirit feeding on: the things of God or the things of this world? What do you listen to on the radio? What do you watch on TV? What do you read? What do you search for on the internet? What do you think about? What can’t you get enough of? Are these things feeding your flesh or your spirit? What’s growing? What’s dying? Our spirits are healthy when we feed on the Word of God, when we pray, when we worship, when we set our minds on things above. (Colossians 3:1-3)

My Book Shelf – Clutter Free Christianity

For many, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season and summer is a great time to pick up a new book and read. Let me share with you a great new book that I hope will bless you and invest in your walk with God.

Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, student, employee, friend, etc., you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.

Clutter Free Christianity, by Robert Jeffress, addresses the question “When did the Christian life become so complicated?” by showing readers how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation by following Christ’s example in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service and prayer. It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. As worn-out Christians work to reduce the clutter by focusing on the principles of faith, readers will find their spiritual to-do lists shrinking and their love for God increasing. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.

Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points readers toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude and affection and helps readers clear away the clutter and reveal the heart of God.

My Book Shelf – Clutter Free Christianity

For many, Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season and summer is a great time to pick up a new book and read. Let me share with you a great new book that I hope will bless you and invest in your walk with God.

Your greatest desire is to please God, but with each passing week, your spiritual to-do list grows longer. As you strive to fulfill a never-ending inventory of requirements for being a godly parent, spouse, student, employee, friend, etc., you feel increasingly disconnected from the God you’re trying to serve.

Clutter Free Christianity, by Robert Jeffress, addresses the question “When did the Christian life become so complicated?” by showing readers how to partner with God in the process of spiritual transformation by following Christ’s example in forgiveness, obedience, trust, contentment, service and prayer. It’s time to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of what it means to please God. As worn-out Christians work to reduce the clutter by focusing on the principles of faith, readers will find their spiritual to-do lists shrinking and their love for God increasing. It all comes with embracing Clutter-Free Christianity.

Through solid biblical teaching and practical insights, Dr. Jeffress points readers toward a revitalized faith centered on becoming more like Jesus in action, attitude and affection and helps readers clear away the clutter and reveal the heart of God.

Mother's Day - Part 2

In last week’s blog I had moms share about the greatest need in their lives. Here is one more response I wanted to share with you from a mom with grown and growing children. Jan E. shares…


“I feel the greatest need is keeping one’s perspective rooted in God and holding to one’s moral beliefs. There are so many pressures from the outside now - pressures to work so you can meet bills, pressures in the job, pressures to have your kids involved, pressures to give your kids the best, or to have the big home, the right clothing, a cool car. It’s easy enough to fall into traps and lose sight on what is important in our lives.

is a precious commodity, and it's difficult to balance time if you're working and taking care of a home and husband and kids and you've got the carpool going…and then there is still church!

Mom's need to look ahead, to think about what they want to be able to say years from now, to see what are the things they want their children and families to come away with at the end of their time on earth.

God HAS to be foremost in lives! We have family members who do not attend church, who never understood why church took priority for us, however, we also brought BACK family members to church because that was our talk, our focus. God is first, and then the people he has given us follow. That meant keeping our focused on prioritizing time and activities. With our kids, they were involved in sports and other things, but our rule was that if it meant a practice EACH Sunday that would pull the family apart from worship together, it was a no go. There are times Sunday worship cannot happen, but our church also has Saturday night, so we CAN make sure we are there.

We made it a priority to have dinner together each night as close to 100% of the time as possible. We set aside times to go places together - family trips, family vacations, and even parties we'd have or attend usually allowed the kids too because our friends felt the same way.

As we get older, we see family members and friends who have become ill and died. You don’t get time back. You possibly don't get to worship later or to call someone next week or to visit them next year. We don't know, so moms have to focus on who is around them and on who is utmost in their lives. All else will fall into place thereafter.”

Happy Mother's Day

This week I asked a bunch of moms on Facebook to share with us their greatest needs. It was helpful to hear their heart. Here are just a few of their responses.

• “Time… time alone, time to get things done, time to be appreciated, time at the spa... “
• "In no particular order: working household appliances, caramel cone ice cream, friends, some "me time" every so often, hugs, a helpful and supportive husband, DVR/cable, a nearby Target store, guidance, wisdom, peace, JESUS!”
• “Maids, good babysitter, pedicures, coffee, time alone”
• “Encouragement, gratitude, recognition of their hard work, strength, patience”
• "To know they have made a difference in their families lives.”
• “In a word: support. Support from their husbands on a spiritual, emotional & physical level. Support from their families. Support from their friends.”
• “I need my friends to help bring me down when I'm on the brink of insanity and to lift me up when I feel like life is playing a cruel joke on me.”
• “Us moms need to know what we are doing REALLY matters!!! The daily 24/7 busyness and time we take for our children's lives are developing and building the foundation for the rest of their lives. It matters and sometimes moms don't feel like it does. We need to feel supported, appreciated, loved, safe, secure, and encouraged through it all.”

Thanks Moms! You are doing a great job! And remember, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Thank You

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Philippians 1:3 (NLT)

THANK YOU!

I was overwhelmed. My 40th birthday celebration last weekend meant more than you will ever know. What a surprise, the whole weekend. I felt loved and honored by you all. I want to thank Leslie, our church, family, and friends for putting together a birthday celebration I will never forget. You guys are the best and I am blessed to have you all in my life. Thank You!

I have been reflecting on being thankful this past week. God commands it in Scripture (Psalm 100:4 and Colossians 3:15) and if we pause to reflect we all have things for which to be grateful. But how often do we stop to say, “Thank you.” First of all our thankfulness needs to be expressed to God each day. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. (James 1:17) It honors God and we give Him worship when we pause and say, “Thank you.”

Next, think about who you need to thank. After last weekend I have a lot of “thank you’s” to write. Please be patient ;-) Take time and think about who you need to say thank you to this week. Make the call, set up coffee, or write the note. Sometimes all you have to say is, “Thank you.” Take the time. They deserve it. And you need to do it.

Let me close by saying thank you for praying this past week for our zoning meeting with the city of Huntley. We passed through two of the boards and now our request goes before the city council this coming Thursday evening. Continue to pray that God’s will will be done and that we will be able to move into the Prime Outlet Mall at I-90 and Rt. 47. God has big things in store for us out there!