Joel Phillips – Page 17

Waiting for Me All Day Long

I loved 1992!

When I’d pull in the driveway, adrenalin would start running through my veins. I then could hardly wait to get to the front door. I always made a little extra noise as I opened it to signal my arrival. Then like a shot from a gun, the thing that I was expecting would come flying at me.

It was my 2-year-old son, Cameron Scott Phillips

All day long Cameron had been waiting for me to come through that front door. No matter where he was in the house, the moment he heard me opening the front door he would run like a miniature freight train full speed until he plowed into my legs. BAAAAM!!!! Then he would wrap his arms around me until I pealed him off and pulled him up to my chest. He loved me and I could feel it, literally.

One day Jesus told a story to a group of notorious sinners and tax collectors illustrating how God felt about them. It was about a son who had left his family and began living a crazy life. He did a lot of partying, and eventually spent all his inheritance. Having hit bottom, he decided to return to his father, just hoping to get a job. On the way back home he nervously rehearsed what he would say to his father.

Dad, I’ve been an idiot. Would you hire me to mow your lawn? I’ve lost everything. I don’t deserve…

Before he could get the words out

Out of nowhere someone ran and tackled him to the ground. It was his father. Whoa, I was expecting him to be angry but this is crazy, he thought. What was strange though was that his father wrapped his arms around him and starting kissing him.

The son tried to talk, but his father interrupted him,

‘We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. (Luke 15:24, NLT)

There are some parallels in this story with what Cameron used to do to me. However what’s different is that it’s the father who does the running and hugging. And it’s a picture of God’s heart for people. No matter how far away from him they’ve gotten, no matter how stupid they’ve acted, or how many mistakes they’ve made, he’s waiting for them to come to him.

It’s a picture of God’s love for you. All day long he’s been, and will continue to be, waiting for you.

Generous Measurements

My dad was something else

To have known him was to love him. To have known him was also to have learned something. He was one of the best teachers you could ever meet. He knew more about the Bible and its application then anyone I’ve ever known.

The great thing about my dad’s teaching abilities was how he put things in practical terms. He used all sorts of unforgettable sayings that brought every lesson home. For instance, if you got him talking about dieting and eating healthy, it wouldn’t be long before you’d hear him say, “It ain’t whatcha’ eat, but what eats you.” That’s a classic!

He had a another saying he used often,

“There’s a direct nerve between your heart and your pocketbook”

I didn’t fully understand the depth of that quip until the first time I did some teaching on giving. To say the response to my teaching was unenthusiastic is an understatement. However, I’ve come to firmly believe that the principle of generosity is one of the most important keys to blessing in our lives.

Dad’s teaching wasn’t just folksy one-liners

Everything my dad taught he also lived. Being generous was something he believed important for a person to be blessed. Within a few moments of being with him you’d see him in action.

If you ever went to a restaurant with dad, he’ll fight you for the check. And then when it came to the tip, forget all those little calculators, he would just round things up to the nearest ten. You may think that’s extravagant, but dad would tell you, “Put yourself in the position of this person who’s serving us. Trying to make ends meet, maybe raising a family. I want them to know that there’s a God who not only loves them, but wants to bless them.”

Dad’s generous measurement

Besides wanting to bless people, dad understood that the level of his generosity determined how God would pour back blessings to him. He would regularly quote this verse…

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. (Matthew 7:2, NLT)

The measurements we use with people, whether or not we’re kind to them, whether or not we minister grace to them, and whether or not we’re generous with them, are the same measurements God will use on us.

May dad taught me how to be generous, but he also taught me how to be blessed.

Super Impressive, Almost Worthless

What was your New Year’s resolution last year? Did you stick to it? If not, don’t feel bad, only about 20% of people stick to their resolutions. Most fail within the first month.

Was there a time when your passion and love for Jesus was stronger than it is now? Do you remember when you were more interested in sharing your faith with others? Do you remember when your joy and hope was greater than it is now? The fact is time has a way of taking passion away.

A Man After God

David was a man full of passion for God. He loved God with everything he had.

God raised up David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all My will. (Acts 13:22)

A Son Satisfied with Stuff

David’s son Solomon was one of the wisest men that have ever lived. He knew God and built the first temple for Him. But Solomon’s real passion was for material things. 76 times in Ecclesiastes Solomon tells us,

Nothing is better for a man than he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

A Self-Absorbed Grandson

Solomon had a son name Rehoboam who also became king. But Rehoboam had no passion for God, in fact he wanted nothing to do with God. He only was interested in himself.

When Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord. (II Chronicles 12:1)

Time has a way of taking away our passion

One of the greatest churches of the New Testament was in the city of Ephesus. For three years the Apostle Paul was the pastor, followed by his favorite apprentice Timothy, and then the Apostle John. This church accomplished incredible things. Jesus said to them,

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. (Revelation 2:2–3)

A Successful Church Failing

This was an impressive church with an impressive pedigree, doing very impressive things. They would not tolerate compromise. They were combatant against false teachers and teaching. And they were active in ministry—going, helping, doing, serving—working hard for the Lord. Over time they had grown to love doing things for Jesus more than anything, including him.

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. (Revelation 2:4–5)

Their spiritual heritage was the best. Their doctrine was impeccable. Their commitment was thorough. Their determination was unmatched. The church at Ephesus was very impressive, but they were almost worthless to God.

God wants us to spend time with him more than he wants us to do things for him. He wants us to love being alone with him more than we love working for him. Our love for God is only satisfied with our love for God.

Vision and Doubt

A important concept used in organizational strategy is connected with word “vision.”

Vision puts into understandable language what the hopes and goals of the organization are. Ministries and churches often use the word vision in connection with something the Lord has shown them, and how they see the fulfillment of that.

Especially when we are in the first stages of serving Jesus

There are hopes, dreams, desires, and even visions that are birthed in our hearts. They seem to be so tangible that there is no doubt that they WILL happen. But, time has a way of diminishing our vision and causing us to doubt.

Kathie and I have been leading The Center Church for over 17 years. I remember distinctly the things that the Holy Spirit put within our hearts in the days leading up to our appointment here. We were convinced that God had brought us here, and that there were things He was going to do.

It was our vision

With energy and zeal we launched out. Doing this. Saying that. Trusting. Hoping. Praying. What’s strange though is things didn’t quite go according to our plans. And not everyone was as enthusiastic about our ideas.

Doubt, underlined by the foul lies of the Enemy, began to assault our thoughts…

Maybe we don’t have what it takes…

Maybe this isn’t the right place…

Maybe God’s given up on us…

But with God’s help we begin to learn that these kinds of thoughts are common to people who are attempting to do something great for God.

People who’ve seen the vision God gave them come to pass

Whether it’s about how to lead a ministry, raise kids, make money, or what restaurant to eat at, people have all sorts of ideas and opinions. What’s dangerous, is like Israel who listened to the negative advice from the 10 spies and were exiled into the wilderness, we often put more stock in what people think, rather than in what God has said.

There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)

It actually doesn’t matter how things look, or what people say, or even how we feel. If God has given you a vision, He will bring it to pass. But it may not happen exactly the way you think, and that’s a good thing—because then it will succeed!

Rest and Peace

Ever done any masonry?

It starts with stacks/piles of blocks, stones, or bricks. Then cement and sand are mixed into mortar. Then there is lifting, setting, measuring, leveling, cleaning and scrubbing—over and over.

Although what is built out of blocks, stone, or brick can be very durable and even beautiful, it’s incredibly hard work.

Israel knew about the hard work of laying blocks

As slaves of Pharaoh, Israel labored and worked making blocks, then building with the blocks they made. But they were under horrible taskmasters who pushed them to breaking points.

Out of their misery they began to cry out to God, and God heard their cries and felt their pain. In response, God called a man named Moses to help His people. He tells Moses,

I have seen the deep sorrows of my people in Egypt and have heard their pleas for freedom from their harsh taskmasters. (Exodus 3:7, TLB)

God’s love and compassion to the rescue

Moved by the pain His people were facing caused God to find a way to deliver His people from Egypt. And then His love and compassion formed a lasting covenant called the Ten Commandments. The fourth commandment says,

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work. (Exodus 20:8-10)

God’s loves his people so much that He desires His people to have rest. But He also desires His people to have peace. So He instructed His priests to bless His people this way,

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

The gift of rest and peace

If you are in circumstances right now that are overloading you. You feel weighed-down under the pressure of things you’re facing. You’re weary, anxious, and discouraged. You’re at a breaking point. Maybe you’re under attack and being barraged with different confrontations. Why not do what the people of Israel did—cry out to God. He’s listening for your voice and He’s able to deliver you from the pressure.

Rest and peace. It’s God’s desire for you, and it’s His gift to you.

UP ON YOUR FEET

You probably know the story of Jonah pretty well

Jonah’s the guy who tried to run from God and found himself in the belly of a real big fish. It seems silly. I mean what could God tell a person that would cause them to run in the opposite direction? Here’s all God said,

Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore it any longer.
(Jonah 1:2, The Message)

That doesn’t seem too difficult

But let’s look at it in a different light. Try replacing Jonah with yourself, and then replace Nineveh with the city you live in. God is saying for you to go to your city and preach. Umm, that kind of changes things a little doesn’t it? Good thing there aren’t any real big fish around here.

God loves people, therefore God loves cities and communities and states and countries. God loves the whole world. No matter how dark things have become, no matter how much men have rejected God’s love and turned away from him, no matter what…God’s great love remains. And we are the ambassadors of that divine love.

Jonah finally got around to it

And when he did what God had called him to do, here’s what we are told,

The people of Nineveh listened, and trusted God. They proclaimed a citywide fast and dressed in burlap to show their repentance. Everyone did it—rich and poor, famous and obscure, leaders and followers. When the message reached the king of Nineveh, he got up off his throne, threw down his royal robes, dressed in burlap, and sat down in the dirt.…God saw what they had done, that they had turned away from their evil lives. He did change his mind about them. What he said he would do to them he didn’t do.
(Jonah 3:5-6,10, The Message)

No wonder the battle is so fierce against us being obedient to God’s calling—whole communities are up for grabs—and the Enemy of our souls knows it well.

Up on your feet and go to the city you live in…and preach the good news!

The Most Awkward Wedding

There’s nothing more beautiful than a wedding. Family and friends gathered together. Beautiful flowers and stylish clothes. Great music and delicious delicacies.

Weddings are so different from daily life that they border on fantasy

In traditional wedding ceremonies, there’s a dramatic moment where the minister asks, “If any of you has reasons why these two should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.” It’s an opportunity for an ex-lover to rush forward, proclaiming his love, or for some new shocking information to be revealed about the either the bride or groom.

Historically this question centers on the bride’s purity. Whether or not she’s a virgin, or whether she might be already be married to someone else. Unfortunately, there have been many instances where someone has stood up and levied accusations.

Can you imagine how awkward that would be?

On the most special, planned for, dreamed about, and anticipated day in these people’s lives, it is destroyed in a matter of seconds as the details of the bride’s impurity and/or past affairs are revealed. The people listening gasp as the groom drops his head.

The groom is confused, angry, humiliated

To avoid these kinds of uncomfortable occurrences, modern wedding ceremonies have pretty much removed this question of objection. It’s a good thing because not too many brides, nor grooms for that matter, could stand confident in their purity.

Think what it would be like if at a wedding all the things in a person’s past that could cast doubt on their purity were suddenly revealed. All their indiscretions being made known. Then think of the embarrassment this would cause to the person who loves them so much they are committing the rest of their lives to them.

This is exactly what Jesus experienced

One of the most endearing names God gives to His people is that we are His Bride, and Jesus is our Groom.

Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. (Ephesians 5:25–27, NLT)

But there was a moment when all the details of our unfaithfulness were made known to Him. How we had cheated on Him. Slept around. And then pretended as if He was our first love. Hebrews speaks about this…

Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame… (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV, emphasis mine)

This shame here certainly refers to the shame associated with public crucifixion, but that isn’t the most serious part of it. The real shame came to Jesus as He was suddenly made aware of everything impure and sinful we had ever done.

Our Groom hated what He found out, but…

Jesus wanted to be married to us, in spite of knowing all the objections Satan or anyone else could raise that revealed how untrue we’ve been to Him. Then He endured the cross and took our guilt upon Himself. He was able to do this because He had is eye on the “joy that was set before Him.”

The “joy” of His eye was you and me—His perfect, beautiful, and pure bride coming down the isle, ready to be joined to Him forever. This time, with no awkward interruptions.

The Graveyard Shift

Getting up at or before sunrise to make it to a job that starts early can be draining. Working a 9 to 5 shift every day can get to be monotonous. But nothing can compare to the exhausting difficulty of working the graveyard shift. While the rest of the world sleeps, those on the graveyard shift push buttons, pull levers, answer calls, go places and do things.

Someone reading this is working a graveyard shift

But it’s not a graveyard shift caused by a job. While others are sleeping, you’re wide-awake. Your mind is racing. Your heart is pounding. Certain painful events play over and over again. Regret. Fear. Anger. Hurt. Rather than being relaxed in the stillness and lifelessness of the night, things seem to close in around you like a noose.

David worked the graveyard shift many nights

Worrying about his family. Lamenting his foolish actions. Mad at God one night, longing for His presence the next. But finally after too many bouts with insomnia, David cried out,

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 43:5)

David isn’t asking his soul to tell him what’s wrong. Instead, David is notifying his soul, his thoughts, and emotions that there’s going to be a change. No more sleepless nights. No more anxiety. No more watching the sunset and then rise again. He needed rest and he was going to get it.

To hope in God is important, but…

David reveals something in addition to hoping in God that is the most important factor to getting a person off the graveyard shift. David said,

“I shall yet praise Him.”

David would declare the goodness of God, sing of His faithfulness, recount His works, and shout hallelujahs at the top of his lungs. And as David lifted up praise to God, something happened, he began to sense the nearness of God. Then things within him settled down and became peaceful. His eyes grew heavy and sleep took hold.

Up all night?

If you’ve been working the graveyard shift lately, follow David’s example. Take a moment and think about where you where and what things were like in your life when God found you. Think about how many times He’s proven faithful and strong in situations that you turned over to Him. Now begin to praise Him and thank him. It won’t be long until you sense His presence, along with joy that’s unspeakable and peace that surpasses understanding.

Before you know it, it will be morning and you’ll be thanking God for the best night’s sleep you ever had.

Smudged Windows

She leafed through the old picture album

As she looked at the pictures, 90 year old Jesse Clark shared memories from 65 years in ministry with her husband Earl. One thing she shared I will never forget. It was something she said about being in Bible College during the 1930’s:

Earl and I, and the rest of the students, were sure we wouldn’t graduate from Bible College before the Rapture.

Like many other Christians during that time, world events loomed causing them to be certain the Lord could return any moment. And this created an urgency to reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. After all, if Jesus was coming any moment, and many people still hadn’t heard about Him, somebody better tell them.

This world is not their home

Today many of us have little understanding or interest in end-time events. We’re not too concerned with the fact that Jesus could return any moment because we’re caught up with the good things of this life.

But there are still many Christians in the world, for whom life is not comfortable. Although their walks are vital and deep, they face suffering and persecutions. As a result they have a more intense longing for His return.

Looking forward to His appearing

Former Moody Bible Institute President, Joseph Stowell, shared a story of a friend of his named Bud Wood, who founded The Shepherds Home in Wisconsin for boys and girls with developmental disabilities.

The original ministry opened its doors in 1964 to 36 children, providing them a loving residential environment and a school. Most importantly, the primary goal was sharing God’s love and encouraging them toward a personal and growing walk with Jesus..

Joe Stowell would regularly call Bud to pray with him and encourage him. One time, Bud asked, “Hey, Joe, do you know what our biggest maintenance problem at Shepherds is?” “I have no idea,” Joe replied.

“Smudged windows”

“Say what?” Joe asked surprisingly.

Bud went on to explain. “Last month we taught them that Jesus was coming back to earth for His people and how we will meet him in the air. Ever since then our kids press their hands and faces against the windows because they’re looking into the sky to see if today might be the day that Jesus will return for them and take them to His home.”

In the meantime

One of the marks of a follower of Jesus is a longing to see Him. But this is not a one-sided desire. As much as any of us had ever wanted to see Jesus, He has all the more ached to see us. In fact He has prepared a place so that he can not only see us, but also be with us forever.

In the meantime, there are smudged windows at a school in Wisconsin, and there are smudged windows in heaven.

Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night

Dylan Thomas wrote…

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Thursday night we put my mom into a memory care facility

Her dementia has progressed so quickly and severely that her safety now requires 24-hour care.

Needless to say this has been a very difficult time. As I laid in my bed Thursday night, tears flooded my eyes. Although I was certain of my mom’s safety and that the place she was in was topnotch, my mind was flooded with thoughts how she must’ve of been feeling.

For 56 years she had been with the same man. For 32 years she lived in the same house. For 21 years she ministered at the same church. For her whole life she maintained close relationships with her family and friends.

NOW NOTHING SEEMS FAMILIAR

After tossing and turning all night, morning finally came. My phone rang with an unfamiliar number. “Hello,” I answered. “Joel, it’s mom. Please, please, come get me.” She went on to tell me about the place “they” were keeping her in. I could sense the panic in her voice. And panic was something she never did.

It’s an understatement to say my mom is a strong woman. She was able to navigate successfully both in the world and the church, in an era of male chauvinism that treated women like second-class citizens. She was a published author. Earned a Master’s Degree in Anthropology. Was a worldwide conference speaker. And she was one of the greatest examples of what a godly wife and mother is like.

A powerful reminder

Mom’s strength certainly has roots in her family and upbringing, but the most dynamic and important cause for her strength comes from an uncanny understanding of how God sees people. This insight gave her confidence in herself. It also caused her to believe in others when no one else would. She could encourage and speak life into people who saw no hope, no potential, and had no support. She was a champion of the underdog.

Subsequently, there are hundreds, if not thousands of people all over the world who have been able to square their shoulders, believe in God, and themselves because of my mom.

Now we speak to you Mary Phillips

There was power in whatever mom said because her words were always etched with God’s word. She taught the word, but she also spoke the word, and it was this that caused the listener to begin to feel the lifting and releasing of the Holy Spirit.

Mom, I and all whose lives have been effected by you, now speak God’s word over you…

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” (Psalm 92:12-15, NLT)

Do not go gentle into that good night, but you shall keep producing fruit and remain vital!

All posts by : Joel Phillips