Seven Deadly Words
I came to church last Sunday and was confronted with a phrase that I have heard many times. This phrase was not used specifically, but the context of the phrase was heard loud and clear. The phrase is, “We’ve never done it that way before.” There is another statement that goes along with this, and it says, “If it ain’t broke…don’t fix it!” The problem with this statement is that it is subjective. Who is the judge of whether it is broken or not? Is it you or me? Obliviously in all walks of life, things seem to be changing at a fast pace all around us. The way we have done things in the past is not working as well today. They were good for a season, but it seems that the seasons are changing. “We’ve never had a Christmas Musical on Sunday morning.” While that may be true, we have to also realize that Sunday night attendance is not what it used to be. Our culture has changed so that most people recognize Sunday morning as the best time for worship. For the most part, Sunday night has become a night set-aside for the family. “We’ve never had elders before, why do we need them now?” Simply said, it’s biblical. We have changed so much and reached a stage in the life of our church that biblical elders may be a great change in the way we handle the affairs of the church. “We’ve always done it this way; why do we need to change?” We hear that a lot. People are ok with change that happens in their personal lives, but when it comes to the church, they are less likely to accept change. Along with change, comes a tendency to try and find blame. Is it the President’s fault, is it the church’s fault, or even is it the staff’s fault? What does the Word say about these conflicts? Is it really right to have conflict in the church because of change?
As I was reading in my daily Bible reading, I read once again what Paul said concerning change and divisions in the church. In I Corinthians 3, Paul speaks directly about conflict in the church at Corinth where there was a conflict concerning the person they were going to follow. You see, the Corinthians had the same problems we have. They were basically saying, “We’ve never done it this way before, and if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” Paul had been the one to get the church started, followed by Apollos who worked in the established church teaching and encouraging the converts Paul had won. The people in the church were unsure of the change and unsure who they would follow. I believe with all my heart that God puts those He wants into positions of leadership. So why sometimes do we question the different ways of our leadership or why do we question the biblical decisions of our leadership? If we truly believe that God’s ways are higher than our own, then why do we sometimes seek to find fault in our church leadership? Right now in the life of any church, is not the time to go hyper-critical on the ways we are looking at adjusting things at FBC. Instead, it should be the time when we support our staff and the ministries of the church like never before. We don’t want it to be said of us that “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not wordly?” Let’s leave that kind of behavior to the world, not the church.
We may have never done it that way before, but it’s ok to try if it doesn’t conflict with the ways of God!
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
FALL IN LOVE
FALL in Love
About a month ago, Matt and Rachael Nylin moved to Colorado. We worked tirelessly trying to pack everything on the moving van but unfortunately we were unable to get it all. Two weeks ago, Rachael texted me and let me know that they had two Cracker Barrel rocking chairs in their garage that we could have if we wanted them. We have wanted some rocking chairs on our front porch for a while, and so we took them up on their offer. Last Friday, with the help of my oldest son, I painted them black and now they are on our porch just in time for Fall.
Monday morning after getting lunches made and two of the boys off to school, I got a cup of coffee and my Bible and spent a little time reading on the front porch. The weather was magnificent. The sun had not come up yet, and there was a slight cool breeze blowing through the trees. The hot coffee and the cool breeze were quite a combination. I love Fall. By this time of the year, I have grown very tired of the hot weather, and I am ready for a cool down. Fall in north Georgia is unlike anywhere I have ever been. Soon the leaves will begin to change soon and I will be in hog heaven. I have fallen back in love with the season.
The changing of seasons reminds me of how we too, often change our focus on loving Christ. As often as the weather changes, we tend to change our commitment to Christ. There are seasons of busyness, seasons of laziness, seasons of apathy, seasons of passion, seasons of mediocrity, and seasons of sold out love. Where are you right now? Where are we as a church right now? Where are we as a worship ministry right now?
To be a Christian is to first of all Love the Lord Jesus Christ. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with Him (John 14:23).” The church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation is an example to us of what will happen if we lose our first love. The Ephesians’ passion and love for Christ had become cold and mechanical in the doing of good things. What they were doing was not wrong, but they were simply going through the motions without love. Christ wants us to love Him and for that to be the driving force behind our service to Him. Our service should be an outpouring of our Love for Christ. So what happens if we continue to serve God without a passionate love? The Bible is very clear when Jesus said He will “come and take your lampstand from its place-unless you repent (Rev. 2:5).” If we continue to just go through the motions without a passionate love for Christ, He will bring an end to us. He will not stop loving us, but He will stop using us. Therefore, let’s put away our apathetic attitudes and fall in love with Jesus Christ once again. I want Christ to see me serving Him out of love not out of obligation. I want my life, our church and our worship ministry to fall in love with Christ all over again. If we do, there is no telling what God will do through us!
Falling in Love with Christ Again,
Aaron Hodges
About a month ago, Matt and Rachael Nylin moved to Colorado. We worked tirelessly trying to pack everything on the moving van but unfortunately we were unable to get it all. Two weeks ago, Rachael texted me and let me know that they had two Cracker Barrel rocking chairs in their garage that we could have if we wanted them. We have wanted some rocking chairs on our front porch for a while, and so we took them up on their offer. Last Friday, with the help of my oldest son, I painted them black and now they are on our porch just in time for Fall.
Monday morning after getting lunches made and two of the boys off to school, I got a cup of coffee and my Bible and spent a little time reading on the front porch. The weather was magnificent. The sun had not come up yet, and there was a slight cool breeze blowing through the trees. The hot coffee and the cool breeze were quite a combination. I love Fall. By this time of the year, I have grown very tired of the hot weather, and I am ready for a cool down. Fall in north Georgia is unlike anywhere I have ever been. Soon the leaves will begin to change soon and I will be in hog heaven. I have fallen back in love with the season.
The changing of seasons reminds me of how we too, often change our focus on loving Christ. As often as the weather changes, we tend to change our commitment to Christ. There are seasons of busyness, seasons of laziness, seasons of apathy, seasons of passion, seasons of mediocrity, and seasons of sold out love. Where are you right now? Where are we as a church right now? Where are we as a worship ministry right now?
To be a Christian is to first of all Love the Lord Jesus Christ. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with Him (John 14:23).” The church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation is an example to us of what will happen if we lose our first love. The Ephesians’ passion and love for Christ had become cold and mechanical in the doing of good things. What they were doing was not wrong, but they were simply going through the motions without love. Christ wants us to love Him and for that to be the driving force behind our service to Him. Our service should be an outpouring of our Love for Christ. So what happens if we continue to serve God without a passionate love? The Bible is very clear when Jesus said He will “come and take your lampstand from its place-unless you repent (Rev. 2:5).” If we continue to just go through the motions without a passionate love for Christ, He will bring an end to us. He will not stop loving us, but He will stop using us. Therefore, let’s put away our apathetic attitudes and fall in love with Jesus Christ once again. I want Christ to see me serving Him out of love not out of obligation. I want my life, our church and our worship ministry to fall in love with Christ all over again. If we do, there is no telling what God will do through us!
Falling in Love with Christ Again,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
FALL CLEANING!
Fall Cleaning
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out.
Bring me to my knees Lord I lay me down.
Rid me of myself I belong to You.
Lead me, lead me to the cross.
You can verify with my wife, I hate cleaning! But there are a few times a year that it just seems appropriate to get into certain areas in your home or office and do a deep cleaning. Last weekend at our home, Malia wanted me to clean out the basement. We needed to relocate a few things there for the kids and get it clean enough for them to play downstairs. Once you get into cleaning it seems like the mess just keeps growing, but in the end, the area is clean again and you can enjoy it. The kids are in the basement more and having a great time.
We seem to be in one of those cleaning moods here at the church as well. From classrooms, to closets, everything is being slowly cleaned. No church that I have ever been a part of has enough room for all the “stuff” that is accumulated over the many years of ministry. Just like it is at your home, it is even more true at church when you start cleaning, you start finding stuff and filth that has been hidden for years. You have a choice at that point; you can either relocate the junk or get rid of it. Too often in church, we tend to just relocate stuff and save the mess for someone else at a later time. The same thing happens in our own personal lives. We can either relocate the sin in our lives, deal with it another day or we can get rid of it by placing it at the feet of Jesus.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of my salvation;
And uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
Psalm 51 was written by David when the prophet Nathan went to him after he had entered into sin with Bathsheba. When David first sinned with Bathsheba, he did not clean himself of his sin against her and God; instead, he decided to clean out anyone who stood in his way. When Nathan, the prophet, confronted him concerning his sin, he was made to deal with his sin head on. He begged God for mercy and asked forgiveness for his sins. He was pleading with God for a clean heart so that he could once again have joy. It is easy to sit back and say “shame on David”, and put ourselves on a pedestal of never going to that level. But if we really look hard into our own lives, we will find areas of sin that need to be confessed and cleansed by God. It’s time to do a little fall cleaning, and clear out the cobwebs of sin in our lives. In doing so, the Lord will bring back to us the joy we once had in our salvation.
With a broken and contrite heart,
Aaron Hodges
Lead me to the cross where Your love poured out.
Bring me to my knees Lord I lay me down.
Rid me of myself I belong to You.
Lead me, lead me to the cross.
You can verify with my wife, I hate cleaning! But there are a few times a year that it just seems appropriate to get into certain areas in your home or office and do a deep cleaning. Last weekend at our home, Malia wanted me to clean out the basement. We needed to relocate a few things there for the kids and get it clean enough for them to play downstairs. Once you get into cleaning it seems like the mess just keeps growing, but in the end, the area is clean again and you can enjoy it. The kids are in the basement more and having a great time.
We seem to be in one of those cleaning moods here at the church as well. From classrooms, to closets, everything is being slowly cleaned. No church that I have ever been a part of has enough room for all the “stuff” that is accumulated over the many years of ministry. Just like it is at your home, it is even more true at church when you start cleaning, you start finding stuff and filth that has been hidden for years. You have a choice at that point; you can either relocate the junk or get rid of it. Too often in church, we tend to just relocate stuff and save the mess for someone else at a later time. The same thing happens in our own personal lives. We can either relocate the sin in our lives, deal with it another day or we can get rid of it by placing it at the feet of Jesus.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of my salvation;
And uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
Psalm 51 was written by David when the prophet Nathan went to him after he had entered into sin with Bathsheba. When David first sinned with Bathsheba, he did not clean himself of his sin against her and God; instead, he decided to clean out anyone who stood in his way. When Nathan, the prophet, confronted him concerning his sin, he was made to deal with his sin head on. He begged God for mercy and asked forgiveness for his sins. He was pleading with God for a clean heart so that he could once again have joy. It is easy to sit back and say “shame on David”, and put ourselves on a pedestal of never going to that level. But if we really look hard into our own lives, we will find areas of sin that need to be confessed and cleansed by God. It’s time to do a little fall cleaning, and clear out the cobwebs of sin in our lives. In doing so, the Lord will bring back to us the joy we once had in our salvation.
With a broken and contrite heart,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!
Every morning, afternoon and evening, I hear a very common phrase from my two year old daughter’s mouth -“I want milk.” She doesn’t say it just once, but she continues to say it until that desire is satisfied. Nutritionists tell us that we are what we eat. Now I don’t know how literally you want to take that, or interpret it, but literally it could mean that if you eat a fish sandwich, well, then you are a fish sandwich. And if you eat a steak, then walking down the street, you’re a steak. We know that this is not what is meant by this statement. But what we eat and inwardly digest does become a part of us. One of the best illustrations of this is drinking water. We drink water for many reasons. Our bodies are made up of water, and our blood is comprised of it. Therefore, we need to drink water so that the composition of our bodies remains as it should. Thus, the water becomes a part of our bodies, and we are what we eat.
Many people have seen this within the physical realm, but have failed to see it within the spiritual realm. They have failed to see- whether they’re saved or unsaved- that in our world, continually feeding upon violence, excitement, materialism and money, will eventually allow these things to personify them; they will become those things. They will become what they eat. The things you inwardly digest, you begin to look like.
So for what should we hunger and thirst? Jesus made this very clear in the Sermon on the Mount. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).” The verse does not stop with “blessed are those who hunger and thirst,” because we all hunger and thirst. In fact, right now I hunger and thirst for lunch! No, that’s not what Jesus is talking about. Instead, Jesus tells us to hunger and thirst for righteousness. What is this righteousness? “It is the desire for righteousness to prevail, goodness to prevail in my life and in my heart and in the world. It is a thirst, an increasing, amplified thirst after the sense and the need of God in my life. It is seeking, it is following hard after God’s will in your life, for God to be the centre of your life, the centre of your motives, your activities, your purposes, your family, and your work-everything-for God to have everything and be in everything (Copyright 1999 by Pastor David Legge, Preachtheword.com).”
In the final part of verse 6, Christ promises that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we will be filled. What does that mean? Well, to be satisfied is to be filled. I believe this filling Jesus talks about is an insatiable filling. This filling with righteousness from the Lord Jesus Christ is something that once you have experienced it, the more you hunger after it. Unless we have this filling from Christ, we are never truly satisfied. The righteousness of Christ is so wonderful that we continue to want more and more of it. The more we get of Christ, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, the more we want! It’s like Pringles- ‘once you pop, you can’t stop’!
Are you Hungry?
Aaron Hodges
Every morning, afternoon and evening, I hear a very common phrase from my two year old daughter’s mouth -“I want milk.” She doesn’t say it just once, but she continues to say it until that desire is satisfied. Nutritionists tell us that we are what we eat. Now I don’t know how literally you want to take that, or interpret it, but literally it could mean that if you eat a fish sandwich, well, then you are a fish sandwich. And if you eat a steak, then walking down the street, you’re a steak. We know that this is not what is meant by this statement. But what we eat and inwardly digest does become a part of us. One of the best illustrations of this is drinking water. We drink water for many reasons. Our bodies are made up of water, and our blood is comprised of it. Therefore, we need to drink water so that the composition of our bodies remains as it should. Thus, the water becomes a part of our bodies, and we are what we eat.
Many people have seen this within the physical realm, but have failed to see it within the spiritual realm. They have failed to see- whether they’re saved or unsaved- that in our world, continually feeding upon violence, excitement, materialism and money, will eventually allow these things to personify them; they will become those things. They will become what they eat. The things you inwardly digest, you begin to look like.
So for what should we hunger and thirst? Jesus made this very clear in the Sermon on the Mount. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).” The verse does not stop with “blessed are those who hunger and thirst,” because we all hunger and thirst. In fact, right now I hunger and thirst for lunch! No, that’s not what Jesus is talking about. Instead, Jesus tells us to hunger and thirst for righteousness. What is this righteousness? “It is the desire for righteousness to prevail, goodness to prevail in my life and in my heart and in the world. It is a thirst, an increasing, amplified thirst after the sense and the need of God in my life. It is seeking, it is following hard after God’s will in your life, for God to be the centre of your life, the centre of your motives, your activities, your purposes, your family, and your work-everything-for God to have everything and be in everything (Copyright 1999 by Pastor David Legge, Preachtheword.com).”
In the final part of verse 6, Christ promises that if we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we will be filled. What does that mean? Well, to be satisfied is to be filled. I believe this filling Jesus talks about is an insatiable filling. This filling with righteousness from the Lord Jesus Christ is something that once you have experienced it, the more you hunger after it. Unless we have this filling from Christ, we are never truly satisfied. The righteousness of Christ is so wonderful that we continue to want more and more of it. The more we get of Christ, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, the more we want! It’s like Pringles- ‘once you pop, you can’t stop’!
Are you Hungry?
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A SHOWER IS COMING!
A Shower Is Coming!
Then He also said to the multitudes,
“Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west,
immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is.
And when you see the south wind blow, you say,
‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites!
You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth,
but how is it you do not discern the time?
Luke 12:54-56
You may think it strange, but one of my favorite channels on the television is the Weather Channel. I have access to the Weather Channel on my phone and my iPod. I am always looking to that channel to determine what the day will hold. Is it going to rain? Is it going to be hot again? Is it going to cool down? What will the humidity for the day be? Do I wear short sleeves or long sleeves? I love looking into the sky and trying to figure out what is going to happen. In fact, I can sometimes figure it out better than the weather man! I have become good at it because I have spent some time studying and watching the signs. Last night, as the President was speaking, I started thinking about the signs all around us that point to the end times. It would have been easy to just listen and not think about the implications of a speech like that, but it really got me thinking not about what he was saying, but about what it will be like to never have wars or conflicts. The signs are all around us.
In the passage in Luke 12, Christ rebuked the multitude for being so concerned with heavenly signs that they could not even interpret the signs of the times around them. As primitive as their method of predicting weather was, their ability to discern spiritual matters was even worse. They had the long-promised and long-awaited Messiah in their midst and still refused to acknowledge Him. Are we similar? Yes, I think so. We are so good at figuring out the complex things of life, but sometimes we simply miss what God is trying to show us in the simple things. God doesn’t want to make His will for us a complex problem. He is standing right in front of us to offer so many blessings. Following Jesus may cost us something, but it should not be difficult. Showers of blessings are awaiting you, if you will only pay attention and grasp them.
Looking out for my shower of blessing,
Aaron Hodges
Then He also said to the multitudes,
“Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west,
immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is.
And when you see the south wind blow, you say,
‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. Hypocrites!
You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth,
but how is it you do not discern the time?
Luke 12:54-56
You may think it strange, but one of my favorite channels on the television is the Weather Channel. I have access to the Weather Channel on my phone and my iPod. I am always looking to that channel to determine what the day will hold. Is it going to rain? Is it going to be hot again? Is it going to cool down? What will the humidity for the day be? Do I wear short sleeves or long sleeves? I love looking into the sky and trying to figure out what is going to happen. In fact, I can sometimes figure it out better than the weather man! I have become good at it because I have spent some time studying and watching the signs. Last night, as the President was speaking, I started thinking about the signs all around us that point to the end times. It would have been easy to just listen and not think about the implications of a speech like that, but it really got me thinking not about what he was saying, but about what it will be like to never have wars or conflicts. The signs are all around us.
In the passage in Luke 12, Christ rebuked the multitude for being so concerned with heavenly signs that they could not even interpret the signs of the times around them. As primitive as their method of predicting weather was, their ability to discern spiritual matters was even worse. They had the long-promised and long-awaited Messiah in their midst and still refused to acknowledge Him. Are we similar? Yes, I think so. We are so good at figuring out the complex things of life, but sometimes we simply miss what God is trying to show us in the simple things. God doesn’t want to make His will for us a complex problem. He is standing right in front of us to offer so many blessings. Following Jesus may cost us something, but it should not be difficult. Showers of blessings are awaiting you, if you will only pay attention and grasp them.
Looking out for my shower of blessing,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL
The Harvest is Plentiful
We have entered a time in the church year that I look forward to all year long. We have everything back in gear, and it is crazy once again. The summer “break” was nice, but I really like the hubbub we have again on Wednesday nights. With all the children in Kingdom Kids Choirs, wall to wall Awana Kids, Adult Bible Study, One Mission University, Jr. High and Sr. High Youth worship, and of course my favorite, Worship Choir and Orchestra, the Mission Point Campus is buzzing. I don’t know about you, but I tend to get so wrapped up in what is happening on campus that I forget there are so many people off the campus who are still looking for a touch from Jesus. We have it great here! Unlike those who don’t know Jesus, we have the opportunity to come mid-week for a time of worship, fellowship, and fun. I am not saying that this is bad, but what I am saying is that we need to remember what Jesus said concerning this. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2).” As I said in worship on Sunday, it is easy to come into this place and not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but it is a different story many times when we go out of this place.
Did Jesus promise us that when we go out into the world that it was going to be easy? Absolutely not! In fact, Jesus said just the opposite. “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves (Luke 10:3).” Sounds like fun, right? Obedience is not always the easy way. Just ask my kids about that one. Sometimes being obedient to my commands is not always going to be the easy thing, but it is always going to be the right thing. The benefit far outshines the sacrifice. We see that in John 10, when after being sent out “among wolves”, the seventy-two came back with joy because they were obedient to what Jesus told them to do. Lives were changed and the demons were being defeated. What are we afraid of? We know from scripture that we will be victorious over the evil one, so why do we cower in fear to share the truth of Jesus? Could it be that when we are obedient, Satan becomes nervous? All we have to do is look around and see where God is working and we will see that the foundations of hell are being challenged. Knowing this, we should not be surprised that we are fearful. Satan will use anything he can to stop our obedience and God’s agenda. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples that their real joy should come in knowing that their “names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).” Once we realize that we have been rescued from an eternity in hell, we will want to share that truth with others.
Restore to me the joy of my salvation
and grant to me a willing spirit to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways
and sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 51:12-13
Praising God for my Salvation!
Aaron Hodges
We have entered a time in the church year that I look forward to all year long. We have everything back in gear, and it is crazy once again. The summer “break” was nice, but I really like the hubbub we have again on Wednesday nights. With all the children in Kingdom Kids Choirs, wall to wall Awana Kids, Adult Bible Study, One Mission University, Jr. High and Sr. High Youth worship, and of course my favorite, Worship Choir and Orchestra, the Mission Point Campus is buzzing. I don’t know about you, but I tend to get so wrapped up in what is happening on campus that I forget there are so many people off the campus who are still looking for a touch from Jesus. We have it great here! Unlike those who don’t know Jesus, we have the opportunity to come mid-week for a time of worship, fellowship, and fun. I am not saying that this is bad, but what I am saying is that we need to remember what Jesus said concerning this. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2).” As I said in worship on Sunday, it is easy to come into this place and not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but it is a different story many times when we go out of this place.
Did Jesus promise us that when we go out into the world that it was going to be easy? Absolutely not! In fact, Jesus said just the opposite. “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves (Luke 10:3).” Sounds like fun, right? Obedience is not always the easy way. Just ask my kids about that one. Sometimes being obedient to my commands is not always going to be the easy thing, but it is always going to be the right thing. The benefit far outshines the sacrifice. We see that in John 10, when after being sent out “among wolves”, the seventy-two came back with joy because they were obedient to what Jesus told them to do. Lives were changed and the demons were being defeated. What are we afraid of? We know from scripture that we will be victorious over the evil one, so why do we cower in fear to share the truth of Jesus? Could it be that when we are obedient, Satan becomes nervous? All we have to do is look around and see where God is working and we will see that the foundations of hell are being challenged. Knowing this, we should not be surprised that we are fearful. Satan will use anything he can to stop our obedience and God’s agenda. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples that their real joy should come in knowing that their “names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).” Once we realize that we have been rescued from an eternity in hell, we will want to share that truth with others.
Restore to me the joy of my salvation
and grant to me a willing spirit to sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your ways
and sinners will turn back to you.
Psalm 51:12-13
Praising God for my Salvation!
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
THE FAMILY OF GOD
The Family of God
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God—
I’ve been washed in the fountain,
Cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod;
For I’m part of the family, the family of God.
In Mark 2:1-5, Jesus heals a paralytic of his spiritual and physical needs. If we just look at the surface of this story, we may only see the miracle that took place; but, there is so much more. The story begins with Jesus coming back into Capernaum. When the people heard that Jesus was at home they came in large numbers. Jesus most likely made his home at Peter’s house when in Capernaum. This response to Jesus was the same response He got earlier in Mark 1:32-33, 37, when He healed a number of sick and demon possessed people. In fact, there were so many people at the house that they quickly ran out of room. When everyone arrived, Jesus began to preach the Word to them. At the same time, a group of friends came to the house bringing one of their paralytic friends. Not much is said about this man’s condition, but because his friends had to carry him, we can assume that he could not walk on his own. Upon their arrival at the house, they realized they were faced with a problem. There was no way they were going to get their friend in the house in the traditional way. They decided to go on the rooftop and lower him through the roof. A typical house in the Middle East had a flat roof that was accessible by an outside staircase. The roof was often made of a thick layer of clay, supported by mats of branches across wooden beams. This was obviously not an easy task for the paralyzed man’s friends, but they cared enough for him that they were willing to go the extra mile. After getting through the roof, they lowered their friend down to Jesus. The next line in scripture is crucial. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’ (Mark 2:5).” It was not only the faith of the one in need, but also the faith of those who brought him, that moved Jesus to heal him.
I sit here today with a very grateful heart. Grateful for the blessings God has bestowed upon my family and me; grateful for the concern God has for me. For God’s love and His faithfulness and for the privilege to call Him friend and Lord, I am also grateful. But, what I am most grateful for right now is the family of God. Being a part of God’s family brings with it countless blessings. I could go on and on and tell you story after story of how the faith of my friends has brought healing to my life. I can also tell you how I have seen the family of God help one another through very difficult days. Right now in our lives and the life of our church, we need the family of God more than ever. Without that support system, which God set up and ordained, we would be drifting alone in this world. It is in good times and bad times that we need one another. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who had called you out of darkness into His wonderful light! (I Peter 2:9)”
Your brother in Christ,
Aaron Hodges
I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God—
I’ve been washed in the fountain,
Cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod;
For I’m part of the family, the family of God.
In Mark 2:1-5, Jesus heals a paralytic of his spiritual and physical needs. If we just look at the surface of this story, we may only see the miracle that took place; but, there is so much more. The story begins with Jesus coming back into Capernaum. When the people heard that Jesus was at home they came in large numbers. Jesus most likely made his home at Peter’s house when in Capernaum. This response to Jesus was the same response He got earlier in Mark 1:32-33, 37, when He healed a number of sick and demon possessed people. In fact, there were so many people at the house that they quickly ran out of room. When everyone arrived, Jesus began to preach the Word to them. At the same time, a group of friends came to the house bringing one of their paralytic friends. Not much is said about this man’s condition, but because his friends had to carry him, we can assume that he could not walk on his own. Upon their arrival at the house, they realized they were faced with a problem. There was no way they were going to get their friend in the house in the traditional way. They decided to go on the rooftop and lower him through the roof. A typical house in the Middle East had a flat roof that was accessible by an outside staircase. The roof was often made of a thick layer of clay, supported by mats of branches across wooden beams. This was obviously not an easy task for the paralyzed man’s friends, but they cared enough for him that they were willing to go the extra mile. After getting through the roof, they lowered their friend down to Jesus. The next line in scripture is crucial. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’ (Mark 2:5).” It was not only the faith of the one in need, but also the faith of those who brought him, that moved Jesus to heal him.
I sit here today with a very grateful heart. Grateful for the blessings God has bestowed upon my family and me; grateful for the concern God has for me. For God’s love and His faithfulness and for the privilege to call Him friend and Lord, I am also grateful. But, what I am most grateful for right now is the family of God. Being a part of God’s family brings with it countless blessings. I could go on and on and tell you story after story of how the faith of my friends has brought healing to my life. I can also tell you how I have seen the family of God help one another through very difficult days. Right now in our lives and the life of our church, we need the family of God more than ever. Without that support system, which God set up and ordained, we would be drifting alone in this world. It is in good times and bad times that we need one another. “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who had called you out of darkness into His wonderful light! (I Peter 2:9)”
Your brother in Christ,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
HOLY SPIRIT, SPEAK
Holy Spirit, Speak
I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is, it’s okay.
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what you would say.
What a busy life, we live. This morning, I got up early, made lunch for the boys, made breakfast for the girls, helped clean up the kitchen, dressed the girls, cleaned myself up, helped with laundry, delivered the consignment sale items, got my Racetrac cup filled, read my Bible, went through my emails, looked through the mail, and then sat down to write this article. Whew! I’m already tired. With all that activity, how was I to hear what God was trying to tell me for the day? As I sit here and take the time to let the Holy Spirit speak to me, a wave of emotions fills my soul. These are emotions that I do not fully understand. Thoughts of time lost, thoughts of physical separation, thoughts of mistakes, and thoughts of a relationship with Christ that needs to deepen. It seems that when I get so busy and then all of a sudden slow down, the Holy Spirit tries to communicate with me in a way, that most of the time, is convicting. Funny thing is that many of these times overwhelm me so much that I simply want to get busy again. So where do I go from here?
In John 1:1, Jesus is described as the Word, the expression of God in the flesh with skin and bones—“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Our life with Christ is not simply about a book; it’s not simply a relationship with a God we cannot see. It is about a person; it’s a relationship with Jesus Christ. Relationships take time. We get so busy in our life that we tend to pass over the time and effort it takes to grow in our relationship with Christ. Paul put it like this “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:8-11).” That is the relationship we should strive for. A relationship with Christ takes time, effort, and sacrifice. But, it brings so much JOY! Are you ready for that kind of challenge? All to Jesus, I surrender!
Holy Spirit, Speak!
Aaron Hodges
I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is, it’s okay.
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what you would say.
What a busy life, we live. This morning, I got up early, made lunch for the boys, made breakfast for the girls, helped clean up the kitchen, dressed the girls, cleaned myself up, helped with laundry, delivered the consignment sale items, got my Racetrac cup filled, read my Bible, went through my emails, looked through the mail, and then sat down to write this article. Whew! I’m already tired. With all that activity, how was I to hear what God was trying to tell me for the day? As I sit here and take the time to let the Holy Spirit speak to me, a wave of emotions fills my soul. These are emotions that I do not fully understand. Thoughts of time lost, thoughts of physical separation, thoughts of mistakes, and thoughts of a relationship with Christ that needs to deepen. It seems that when I get so busy and then all of a sudden slow down, the Holy Spirit tries to communicate with me in a way, that most of the time, is convicting. Funny thing is that many of these times overwhelm me so much that I simply want to get busy again. So where do I go from here?
In John 1:1, Jesus is described as the Word, the expression of God in the flesh with skin and bones—“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Our life with Christ is not simply about a book; it’s not simply a relationship with a God we cannot see. It is about a person; it’s a relationship with Jesus Christ. Relationships take time. We get so busy in our life that we tend to pass over the time and effort it takes to grow in our relationship with Christ. Paul put it like this “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:8-11).” That is the relationship we should strive for. A relationship with Christ takes time, effort, and sacrifice. But, it brings so much JOY! Are you ready for that kind of challenge? All to Jesus, I surrender!
Holy Spirit, Speak!
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
GIANTS...THEY DIE!
GIANTS…THEY DIE!
“Giants, you die!
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Giants, they die!
Just walk around your Jericho wall.
Now we come in Your name, and we stand on Your Word.
What is loosed in the heavens will be loosed on earth.
Let God arise; giants die!”
You know the story. Saul is rejected as King in Israel, David is anointed King in Israel, David serves King Saul, David kills Goliath, and then Saul resents David. In one sentence, I summarized chapters 15-18 of 1 Samuel. There is so much in these passages that we could study, but we are going to focus on the most well known chapter, that being chapter 17. We find the Israelites in a battle with the Philistines. On one side of the mountain are the Philistines, and on the other side are the Israelites with a valley between them. Then enters the champion of the Philistines, Goliath, measuring an incredible 9 feet 9 inches in height. He stood between the armies in full armor, yelling jeers at the Israelites. In verse 11, we find Saul and all of Israel “dismayed and greatly afraid.” I don’t blame them; I would have been scared out of my mind too. Saul and Israel had proven themselves to be greatly concerned about outward appearances (10:23, 24; 15:30) and able to be influenced by the fear of men (12:12; 15:24). It is only natural that Goliath would be their worst nightmare come true. In human terms, Goliath was invincible. However, David counted on the Lord being with Him and making the difference. “You come at me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied (17:45).” David goes on to explain that the battle is the Lord’s and that it will be the Lord who gives them the victory. David then slays Goliath and the Israelites are victorious against the Philistines.
What giants are you facing today? What strikes dismay and fear in your life? So often, we are just like the Israelite army when we face our giants. We stand there looking at the problem and see all the things that are impossible with the situation, and we just want to run. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We have on our side the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the one who has conquered the grave itself. Why do we stand there afraid of our problems?
We as a church are seeing God do some amazing things, while at the same time we have giants that are trying to stop what God is doing. We can either cower down to the giants, or we can stand in the name of Jesus and tell those giants to die.
Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . .
but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:2, 15).
With God on our side,
Aaron Hodges
“Giants, you die!
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Giants, they die!
Just walk around your Jericho wall.
Now we come in Your name, and we stand on Your Word.
What is loosed in the heavens will be loosed on earth.
Let God arise; giants die!”
You know the story. Saul is rejected as King in Israel, David is anointed King in Israel, David serves King Saul, David kills Goliath, and then Saul resents David. In one sentence, I summarized chapters 15-18 of 1 Samuel. There is so much in these passages that we could study, but we are going to focus on the most well known chapter, that being chapter 17. We find the Israelites in a battle with the Philistines. On one side of the mountain are the Philistines, and on the other side are the Israelites with a valley between them. Then enters the champion of the Philistines, Goliath, measuring an incredible 9 feet 9 inches in height. He stood between the armies in full armor, yelling jeers at the Israelites. In verse 11, we find Saul and all of Israel “dismayed and greatly afraid.” I don’t blame them; I would have been scared out of my mind too. Saul and Israel had proven themselves to be greatly concerned about outward appearances (10:23, 24; 15:30) and able to be influenced by the fear of men (12:12; 15:24). It is only natural that Goliath would be their worst nightmare come true. In human terms, Goliath was invincible. However, David counted on the Lord being with Him and making the difference. “You come at me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied (17:45).” David goes on to explain that the battle is the Lord’s and that it will be the Lord who gives them the victory. David then slays Goliath and the Israelites are victorious against the Philistines.
What giants are you facing today? What strikes dismay and fear in your life? So often, we are just like the Israelite army when we face our giants. We stand there looking at the problem and see all the things that are impossible with the situation, and we just want to run. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We have on our side the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the one who has conquered the grave itself. Why do we stand there afraid of our problems?
We as a church are seeing God do some amazing things, while at the same time we have giants that are trying to stop what God is doing. We can either cower down to the giants, or we can stand in the name of Jesus and tell those giants to die.
Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . .
but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:2, 15).
With God on our side,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
WHERE ARE YOU AT 9:05 AND 10:30?
Where Are You at 9:05 and 10:30? OR FILL IN YOUR WORSHIP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL TIMES
I was reminded again this week how important Sundays are in the life of believers. Sundays are times when we come together to worship and study God’s word. The other day I heard a story of a couple that just didn’t feel connected at FBC. I began to examine why this might have occurred. Were they in corporate worship? (Occasionally but not regularly) Were they in a Sunday school class? (No) Were they serving? (No) It is no wonder why they felt disconnected. We are created for worship. We are created for fellowship. We are created to serve. Therefore, when these areas of our life are not being filled, we feel empty. We need worship, fellowship, and service in order for our needs to be met and for God’s plan to be fulfilled in our lives.
It was many years ago that I realized I had a big gap in my church life. I was feeling disconnected myself. I was serving in a church where every moment of my Sunday, I was focused on worship. Now I am not saying that this is all bad, but without the full package, I was empty. I needed fellowship, even though it may have been limited. Once I realized this, I made a purpose of going to Sunday school every Sunday that I could. When we moved here to First Baptist Canton, I made every effort to find a Sunday school class where Malia and I could just be ourselves and fellowship and learn. I attend worship at the 9:05 hour, and then after all the music in the 10:30 hour, I go to Sunday school. I may only be able to spend 30 minutes in Sunday school, but I know that this time is what I need to stay connected. We have gotten to know many people outside our music circles and love the fellowship with them.
Where are you at 9:05 and 10:30? Are you connected to one of the worship services and a Sunday school class? If not, why not this Sunday? We need, as Hannah Montana sings, “the best of both worlds.” I pray that you will get connected this week!
Aaron Hodges
I was reminded again this week how important Sundays are in the life of believers. Sundays are times when we come together to worship and study God’s word. The other day I heard a story of a couple that just didn’t feel connected at FBC. I began to examine why this might have occurred. Were they in corporate worship? (Occasionally but not regularly) Were they in a Sunday school class? (No) Were they serving? (No) It is no wonder why they felt disconnected. We are created for worship. We are created for fellowship. We are created to serve. Therefore, when these areas of our life are not being filled, we feel empty. We need worship, fellowship, and service in order for our needs to be met and for God’s plan to be fulfilled in our lives.
It was many years ago that I realized I had a big gap in my church life. I was feeling disconnected myself. I was serving in a church where every moment of my Sunday, I was focused on worship. Now I am not saying that this is all bad, but without the full package, I was empty. I needed fellowship, even though it may have been limited. Once I realized this, I made a purpose of going to Sunday school every Sunday that I could. When we moved here to First Baptist Canton, I made every effort to find a Sunday school class where Malia and I could just be ourselves and fellowship and learn. I attend worship at the 9:05 hour, and then after all the music in the 10:30 hour, I go to Sunday school. I may only be able to spend 30 minutes in Sunday school, but I know that this time is what I need to stay connected. We have gotten to know many people outside our music circles and love the fellowship with them.
Where are you at 9:05 and 10:30? Are you connected to one of the worship services and a Sunday school class? If not, why not this Sunday? We need, as Hannah Montana sings, “the best of both worlds.” I pray that you will get connected this week!
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
GOD’S WAYS ARE HIGHER THAN OUR WAYS!
GOD’S WAYS ARE HIGHER THAN OUR WAYS!
Last week, I had the privilege of spending the week with many of our youth. We spent our time ministering in all sorts of ways in Nashville, Tennessee. We touched lives through sports camps, feeding the homeless, preparing food boxes for the hurricane season, and telling countless people about the Lord Jesus Christ. It was a marvelous time just seeing our youth use the gifts and passions God has given them to change lives. On Wednesday of last week, our plans were to serve at Second Harvest Food Bank preparing food boxes during the day and then take the choir into the community to share the worship music we had prepared. That was our plan, but God had a different plan. On Monday, we found out that the concert that evening had been cancelled due to some issues at Second Harvest Food Bank. I was a little disappointed at first, but then I felt the Lord must be redirecting us to another opportunity. I was right, but, God still was not through redirecting me. We decided then to go to Centennial Park, sit among the people and simply sing. We thought it best to just use acoustic guitars and a few small drums. Again, this was our plan and not God’s ultimate plan for us. As we sat there worshiping, we were confronted by three of Nashville’s finest police officers. Satan must have been getting nervous. They told us that we had to stop singing and leave the area. Not wanting to go to jail, we agreed. I, again, was very disappointed that the plan I had was not working really well. I could have stopped there and been defeated, but God had yet another idea. We, as a team, decided that we would just send the kids out in small groups with Bibles so that they could tell people about Jesus. I truly think that this was God’s ultimate plan. He cancelled the concert so that we would go to the park; then he allowed the police to make us stop singing, just so that we would get out of our comfort zone and tell people face to face about Jesus. Because we were obedient, lives were changed and many seeds were planted. What an awesome God we serve!
If we just take the time to listen, He will guide us every step of the way. Things in life may not go the way we want them to, but God never promised us a rose garden in our walk with Him. God will allow road blocks to dart our path. God will allow Satan to use people to try to discourage us. But if we keep focused on what God has called us to do, we will always be guided by Him.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 43:2
Following His nail-scarred hands,
Aaron Hodges
Last week, I had the privilege of spending the week with many of our youth. We spent our time ministering in all sorts of ways in Nashville, Tennessee. We touched lives through sports camps, feeding the homeless, preparing food boxes for the hurricane season, and telling countless people about the Lord Jesus Christ. It was a marvelous time just seeing our youth use the gifts and passions God has given them to change lives. On Wednesday of last week, our plans were to serve at Second Harvest Food Bank preparing food boxes during the day and then take the choir into the community to share the worship music we had prepared. That was our plan, but God had a different plan. On Monday, we found out that the concert that evening had been cancelled due to some issues at Second Harvest Food Bank. I was a little disappointed at first, but then I felt the Lord must be redirecting us to another opportunity. I was right, but, God still was not through redirecting me. We decided then to go to Centennial Park, sit among the people and simply sing. We thought it best to just use acoustic guitars and a few small drums. Again, this was our plan and not God’s ultimate plan for us. As we sat there worshiping, we were confronted by three of Nashville’s finest police officers. Satan must have been getting nervous. They told us that we had to stop singing and leave the area. Not wanting to go to jail, we agreed. I, again, was very disappointed that the plan I had was not working really well. I could have stopped there and been defeated, but God had yet another idea. We, as a team, decided that we would just send the kids out in small groups with Bibles so that they could tell people about Jesus. I truly think that this was God’s ultimate plan. He cancelled the concert so that we would go to the park; then he allowed the police to make us stop singing, just so that we would get out of our comfort zone and tell people face to face about Jesus. Because we were obedient, lives were changed and many seeds were planted. What an awesome God we serve!
If we just take the time to listen, He will guide us every step of the way. Things in life may not go the way we want them to, but God never promised us a rose garden in our walk with Him. God will allow road blocks to dart our path. God will allow Satan to use people to try to discourage us. But if we keep focused on what God has called us to do, we will always be guided by Him.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 43:2
Following His nail-scarred hands,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW (part b)
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
If he can make an iron axhead float, then what can He do for me? If He can make a donkey speak, then what can He do for me? If He can raise Himself from the dead, then what can He do for me? Many times in my life, I have wrestled with the knowledge of the greatness of God. If God is so great, then why would He care about me? He is so busy keeping His creation going. He is so busy keeping us from destroying ourselves. Yet, He still takes time to be concerned about our every need.
I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will put my hope in Him.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
(Psalm 121:1, 2; Lamentations 3:24, Philippians 4:6, 7)
I guess it must be exhaustion, but over the past two weeks I have been thinking about why God would be concerned about me. I have wondered what it is about me that makes God care about my every detail. I may not fully understand that about God, but I do know that I am glad for it.
In 2 Kings 6:1-7, we have an example given to us that demonstrates God’s concern for even the smallest of details. In this passage, we find the prophets of God under the leadership of Elisha. They have decided to move the place where they meet with Elisha to a larger place. They decided to move their assembly area right next to the Jordan River. While they were cutting down trees along the Jordan, one of the prophets lost the axhead he was using. The axhead fell into the Jordan. To most of us this may not sound like too big of a problem. We would simply just go down to the local hardware store and pick up a new one. At that time, an iron axhead was a costly tool, too expensive for the members of the prophetic company to purchase. Having lost it, the borrower faced the prospect of having to work off the value as a bondservant. This would have seriously cut into his calling as a prophet of God. God showed His concern for the welfare of His servant by having Elisha throw a stick into the place where the axhead sank and thus making the iron float.
If God is concerned about my welfare, then:
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and
home when Jesus in my portion?
My constant Friend is He:His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.
In Awe of God,
Aaron Hodges
If he can make an iron axhead float, then what can He do for me? If He can make a donkey speak, then what can He do for me? If He can raise Himself from the dead, then what can He do for me? Many times in my life, I have wrestled with the knowledge of the greatness of God. If God is so great, then why would He care about me? He is so busy keeping His creation going. He is so busy keeping us from destroying ourselves. Yet, He still takes time to be concerned about our every need.
I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will put my hope in Him.
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
(Psalm 121:1, 2; Lamentations 3:24, Philippians 4:6, 7)
I guess it must be exhaustion, but over the past two weeks I have been thinking about why God would be concerned about me. I have wondered what it is about me that makes God care about my every detail. I may not fully understand that about God, but I do know that I am glad for it.
In 2 Kings 6:1-7, we have an example given to us that demonstrates God’s concern for even the smallest of details. In this passage, we find the prophets of God under the leadership of Elisha. They have decided to move the place where they meet with Elisha to a larger place. They decided to move their assembly area right next to the Jordan River. While they were cutting down trees along the Jordan, one of the prophets lost the axhead he was using. The axhead fell into the Jordan. To most of us this may not sound like too big of a problem. We would simply just go down to the local hardware store and pick up a new one. At that time, an iron axhead was a costly tool, too expensive for the members of the prophetic company to purchase. Having lost it, the borrower faced the prospect of having to work off the value as a bondservant. This would have seriously cut into his calling as a prophet of God. God showed His concern for the welfare of His servant by having Elisha throw a stick into the place where the axhead sank and thus making the iron float.
If God is concerned about my welfare, then:
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and
home when Jesus in my portion?
My constant Friend is He:His eye is on the sparrow,And I know He watches me.
In Awe of God,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
FILL MY CUP, LORD
Fill My Cup, Lord
A few weeks ago, I was introduced to the latest phenomenon. This phenomenon is the Free-Fill cup from Race Trac. Everyone should know by now how much I LOVE Dr. Pepper. Since the age when my parents allowed me to have carbonated drinks, I have been drinking Dr. Pepper. About 5 years ago, I had to change up a little bit and go to the Diet Dr. Pepper. Sugar has a way of catching up with you. In fact, if Malia would let me, I would have Dr. Pepper as my only drink ever. I know for all you health nuts, you are cringing at the thought. Knowing this about me, you can understand why the Race Trac free-fill cups have been a huge excitement for me. Free refills of Diet Dr. Pepper for two whole months! COOL! Do I long for Christ more than I long for Diet Dr. Pepper? Do I want to be filled up with the Holy Spirit? Do I seek to draw from Christ’s well that will never run dry?
There is a free-fill cup that won’t run dry after two months. This cup will never run dry. It is talked about by Jesus in John 4. You all are probably very familiar with this passage. This is the story of Jesus talking with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Jesus left Judea on His way to Galilee and had to pass through Samaria. By the time He got to Samaria, He was tired, so He stopped off at the well to rest. It was not by chance that He met the Samaritan woman. He knew that He would meet her and introduce her to the “living water”. This encounter happened around 12:00 noon in the heat of the day. She probably came at that time because she did not want to meet people. Later in the story we read that she had lived a bad life. She had been married to several men. Now she was living with a man who was not her husband. Perhaps no one would talk to her, but Jesus spoke to her. He asked the woman for a drink. It surprises us that she did not refuse Him. It surprised her that a Jew would ask this. She told Jesus that she did not expect His request. Jesus replied “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water (John 4:10).” This statement confused the Samaritan woman. She came to the well seeking to fill her physical need, and Jesus took her straight to her spiritual need. He told her that water from Jacob’s well would simply leave her thirsty again, but water from the “living well” would satisfy her completely forever. Jesus, through His power, can fill us until we are full, but first we must want to be filled. We must come to a point where we realize that we need Jesus and that we need filling. So often we try to fill ourselves with temporal things. These things will bring immediate satisfaction, but that will always leave us longing to be satisfied by something else. Jesus comes into our lives to completely fill our emptiness. Will we let Him?
Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of Heaven feed me ‘till I want no more—
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!
Aaron Hodges
A few weeks ago, I was introduced to the latest phenomenon. This phenomenon is the Free-Fill cup from Race Trac. Everyone should know by now how much I LOVE Dr. Pepper. Since the age when my parents allowed me to have carbonated drinks, I have been drinking Dr. Pepper. About 5 years ago, I had to change up a little bit and go to the Diet Dr. Pepper. Sugar has a way of catching up with you. In fact, if Malia would let me, I would have Dr. Pepper as my only drink ever. I know for all you health nuts, you are cringing at the thought. Knowing this about me, you can understand why the Race Trac free-fill cups have been a huge excitement for me. Free refills of Diet Dr. Pepper for two whole months! COOL! Do I long for Christ more than I long for Diet Dr. Pepper? Do I want to be filled up with the Holy Spirit? Do I seek to draw from Christ’s well that will never run dry?
There is a free-fill cup that won’t run dry after two months. This cup will never run dry. It is talked about by Jesus in John 4. You all are probably very familiar with this passage. This is the story of Jesus talking with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Jesus left Judea on His way to Galilee and had to pass through Samaria. By the time He got to Samaria, He was tired, so He stopped off at the well to rest. It was not by chance that He met the Samaritan woman. He knew that He would meet her and introduce her to the “living water”. This encounter happened around 12:00 noon in the heat of the day. She probably came at that time because she did not want to meet people. Later in the story we read that she had lived a bad life. She had been married to several men. Now she was living with a man who was not her husband. Perhaps no one would talk to her, but Jesus spoke to her. He asked the woman for a drink. It surprises us that she did not refuse Him. It surprised her that a Jew would ask this. She told Jesus that she did not expect His request. Jesus replied “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water (John 4:10).” This statement confused the Samaritan woman. She came to the well seeking to fill her physical need, and Jesus took her straight to her spiritual need. He told her that water from Jacob’s well would simply leave her thirsty again, but water from the “living well” would satisfy her completely forever. Jesus, through His power, can fill us until we are full, but first we must want to be filled. We must come to a point where we realize that we need Jesus and that we need filling. So often we try to fill ourselves with temporal things. These things will bring immediate satisfaction, but that will always leave us longing to be satisfied by something else. Jesus comes into our lives to completely fill our emptiness. Will we let Him?
Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of Heaven feed me ‘till I want no more—
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
I WILL RISE
I WILL RISE
The past two months of my life have been filled with sorrow, pain, loss, and joy. I have experienced physical loss, material loss, and at times, the loss of hope. There have been times that I have thought to myself, “Why me God?” “Why are you allowing this to happen to my family?” But then the hand of God reached and down gave me a peace that “passes all understanding.” It has been truly amazing to me to see God work in such obvious and immediate ways. If I had time, I would write down everything that has happened over the last two months. Maybe some day soon I will. Until then, let me just say that God is great, His Church is incredible, and His Comfort is overwhelming. At my Dad’s funeral, I had the privilege of singing the song “I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin. It is truly the testimony of my life. Read the words, and may they become your testimony also.
There’s a peace I’ve come to know though my heart and flesh may fail.
There’s and anchor for my soul; I can say, “It is Well.”
Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed.
The Victory is won; He is risen from the dead.
And I will rise when He calls my name; No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle’s wings before my God fall on my knees and rise.
There’s a day that’s drawing near when this darkness breaks to light;
And the shadows disappear and my faith shall be my eyes.
Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed.
The Victory is won; He is risen from the dead.
And I will rise when He calls my name; No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle’s wings before my God fall on my knees and rise.
And I hear the voice of many angels sing, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
And I hear the cry of ev’ry longing heart, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
And I will rise when He calls my name; No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle’s wings before my God fall on my knees and rise.
I WILL RISE
With a grateful heart for you and my Savior,
Aaron Hodges
The past two months of my life have been filled with sorrow, pain, loss, and joy. I have experienced physical loss, material loss, and at times, the loss of hope. There have been times that I have thought to myself, “Why me God?” “Why are you allowing this to happen to my family?” But then the hand of God reached and down gave me a peace that “passes all understanding.” It has been truly amazing to me to see God work in such obvious and immediate ways. If I had time, I would write down everything that has happened over the last two months. Maybe some day soon I will. Until then, let me just say that God is great, His Church is incredible, and His Comfort is overwhelming. At my Dad’s funeral, I had the privilege of singing the song “I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin. It is truly the testimony of my life. Read the words, and may they become your testimony also.
There’s a peace I’ve come to know though my heart and flesh may fail.
There’s and anchor for my soul; I can say, “It is Well.”
Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed.
The Victory is won; He is risen from the dead.
And I will rise when He calls my name; No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle’s wings before my God fall on my knees and rise.
There’s a day that’s drawing near when this darkness breaks to light;
And the shadows disappear and my faith shall be my eyes.
Jesus has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed.
The Victory is won; He is risen from the dead.
And I will rise when He calls my name; No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle’s wings before my God fall on my knees and rise.
And I hear the voice of many angels sing, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
And I hear the cry of ev’ry longing heart, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
And I will rise when He calls my name; No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle’s wings before my God fall on my knees and rise.
I WILL RISE
With a grateful heart for you and my Savior,
Aaron Hodges
IDOLATRY...WHERE'S YOUR LOVE?
Idolatry...Where Is Your Love?
What is the toughest question you have to answer each day? You may think it is what you will wear, which way you will get to work, where to go for lunch, or what the plan is for the day. Although these are crucial questions, they are not the biggest question we have to answer daily. The biggest question we will answer concerns what we love most – God or something else. Throughout scripture we see that focusing our love on anything above God is simply idolatry.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to India. While I was there, I was allowed to enter many Hindu temples. These temples were filled with statues that were being worshiped. These are often the images we think of when we consider idolatry. These are the type of idols which are written about in Psalm 115:4-8. “But their idols of silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” Idol worship is not only in India, but it is in America too. It may not be the same kind of idolatry, but it may be even more dangerous.
Idols are all around us. Just turn on the television, walk the malls, watch a movie, listen to secular music, look in your closet, look at where you spend the majority of your time and money. As Christian worship leaders we are often like the people described in 2 Kings 17:33: “They worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own Gods.” “We fear the Lord externally, doing all the right things on Sunday morning – singing, strumming a guitar, lifting our hands—yet actively serving false gods throughout the week (Worship Matters, Bob Kauflin, p. 22).”
God wants and expects us to love Him above everything else. We should love Him above our possessions, our jobs, our church, our family, and even more than our own life. This doesn’t mean that we should not love these things. It is simply a matter of priority. As long as God comes first, then we are not committing idolatry. So how do you know that He is first in your life? Isaac Watts once wrote:
The Great God values not the service of men, if the heart be not in it: The Lord sees and judges the heart; He has no regard for outward forms of worship, if there be no inward adoration, if no devout affection be employed therein. It is a matter of infinite importance; to have the whole heart engaged steadfastly to God.
(Isaac Watts, Discourses on the Love of God, printed by J. Catnach, 1798, p. 12)
So where is your devotion? Where is my devotion? Is the love of God of “infinite importance” above all? If not, let us turn our lives in the right direction and make it so.
Loving God, loving you, and making beautiful music together,
Aaron Hodges
What is the toughest question you have to answer each day? You may think it is what you will wear, which way you will get to work, where to go for lunch, or what the plan is for the day. Although these are crucial questions, they are not the biggest question we have to answer daily. The biggest question we will answer concerns what we love most – God or something else. Throughout scripture we see that focusing our love on anything above God is simply idolatry.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to India. While I was there, I was allowed to enter many Hindu temples. These temples were filled with statues that were being worshiped. These are often the images we think of when we consider idolatry. These are the type of idols which are written about in Psalm 115:4-8. “But their idols of silver and gold, made by the hands of men. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they cannot walk; nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” Idol worship is not only in India, but it is in America too. It may not be the same kind of idolatry, but it may be even more dangerous.
Idols are all around us. Just turn on the television, walk the malls, watch a movie, listen to secular music, look in your closet, look at where you spend the majority of your time and money. As Christian worship leaders we are often like the people described in 2 Kings 17:33: “They worshiped the Lord, but they also served their own Gods.” “We fear the Lord externally, doing all the right things on Sunday morning – singing, strumming a guitar, lifting our hands—yet actively serving false gods throughout the week (Worship Matters, Bob Kauflin, p. 22).”
God wants and expects us to love Him above everything else. We should love Him above our possessions, our jobs, our church, our family, and even more than our own life. This doesn’t mean that we should not love these things. It is simply a matter of priority. As long as God comes first, then we are not committing idolatry. So how do you know that He is first in your life? Isaac Watts once wrote:
The Great God values not the service of men, if the heart be not in it: The Lord sees and judges the heart; He has no regard for outward forms of worship, if there be no inward adoration, if no devout affection be employed therein. It is a matter of infinite importance; to have the whole heart engaged steadfastly to God.
(Isaac Watts, Discourses on the Love of God, printed by J. Catnach, 1798, p. 12)
So where is your devotion? Where is my devotion? Is the love of God of “infinite importance” above all? If not, let us turn our lives in the right direction and make it so.
Loving God, loving you, and making beautiful music together,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
SEE A NEED...MEET A NEED
SEE A NEED…MEET A NEED
It is not too often that I take the time to brag on my kids. I am so very proud of them. Sure, they do things that frustrate me; but overall, they consistently prove to me that they are good kids and that their momma has done a great job raising them. Those of you with older kids may be thinking to yourself that I need to just wait, my time is coming. I know that there will be times in all of my children’s lives that they will make the wrong decisions and be unwise; but, for right now, I will take the joy that they are bringing to me. Tuesday morning, I had the privilege of leading the music at the Teasley Middle School FCA. Taylor Anderson played the guitar, Wade (my oldest son) played the djembe, I sang and Chris Page led the bible study. It was a great time of worship with primarily 7th graders. Following the worship time, I was walking down the hall with Wade, when we met one of his teachers. Every Tuesday morning this year, Wade has been bringing breakfast to this teacher. She commented to me that she loved Wade, not realizing that I was his father. Then, Wade told her that I was his dad. Later, she met me down the hall and wanted to tell me about Wade. I always get nervous when a teacher wants to talk to me about one of my children. She proceeded to tell me how much she loved having Wade in her class. She has been through a lot personally this year, and she told me that when everything around her was dark, Wade was the bright spot in her day. She always knows that her spirits will be lifted up by Wade. It is so cool to hear that Wade saw a need that he could meet and did just that. Wade could relate to everything his teacher has gone through this year. Instead of sitting back and not reaching out to his teacher, he took the initiative to minister to her. That is what we, as a church and as people of God, should be about. We should be looking at the needs around us and stepping out to meet those needs. It may be as simple as a smile or a hug.
Do we have a biblical example to look at? Open up the Word and you will read story after story of how Jesus saw a need and met it. The story that sticks out the most to me is the death of Lazarus. In this story, Jesus met numerous needs. The very first need that he met was comfort for Mary and Martha. Jesus saw that they were hurting and assured them that Lazarus “will rise again (John 11:23).” He showed compassion for, and was moved by the sorrow of Mary and Martha over the loss of their brother. It was at this time that some of the crowd began questioning Jesus’ power. “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying (John 11:37)?” It was at this point that Jesus met the need of Lazarus by raising him from the dead. After the crowd saw this, “many of the Jews…put their faith in Jesus (John 11:45).” Their need for salvation was met. All throughout Jesus’ ministry, He was meeting the needs of the people around Him. What about you? What about me? Do we have our spiritual blinders on or do we have our spiritual eyes open to the needs around us? When you see someone in need, as Wade did, just reach out and change their life.
Aaron Hodges
It is not too often that I take the time to brag on my kids. I am so very proud of them. Sure, they do things that frustrate me; but overall, they consistently prove to me that they are good kids and that their momma has done a great job raising them. Those of you with older kids may be thinking to yourself that I need to just wait, my time is coming. I know that there will be times in all of my children’s lives that they will make the wrong decisions and be unwise; but, for right now, I will take the joy that they are bringing to me. Tuesday morning, I had the privilege of leading the music at the Teasley Middle School FCA. Taylor Anderson played the guitar, Wade (my oldest son) played the djembe, I sang and Chris Page led the bible study. It was a great time of worship with primarily 7th graders. Following the worship time, I was walking down the hall with Wade, when we met one of his teachers. Every Tuesday morning this year, Wade has been bringing breakfast to this teacher. She commented to me that she loved Wade, not realizing that I was his father. Then, Wade told her that I was his dad. Later, she met me down the hall and wanted to tell me about Wade. I always get nervous when a teacher wants to talk to me about one of my children. She proceeded to tell me how much she loved having Wade in her class. She has been through a lot personally this year, and she told me that when everything around her was dark, Wade was the bright spot in her day. She always knows that her spirits will be lifted up by Wade. It is so cool to hear that Wade saw a need that he could meet and did just that. Wade could relate to everything his teacher has gone through this year. Instead of sitting back and not reaching out to his teacher, he took the initiative to minister to her. That is what we, as a church and as people of God, should be about. We should be looking at the needs around us and stepping out to meet those needs. It may be as simple as a smile or a hug.
Do we have a biblical example to look at? Open up the Word and you will read story after story of how Jesus saw a need and met it. The story that sticks out the most to me is the death of Lazarus. In this story, Jesus met numerous needs. The very first need that he met was comfort for Mary and Martha. Jesus saw that they were hurting and assured them that Lazarus “will rise again (John 11:23).” He showed compassion for, and was moved by the sorrow of Mary and Martha over the loss of their brother. It was at this time that some of the crowd began questioning Jesus’ power. “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying (John 11:37)?” It was at this point that Jesus met the need of Lazarus by raising him from the dead. After the crowd saw this, “many of the Jews…put their faith in Jesus (John 11:45).” Their need for salvation was met. All throughout Jesus’ ministry, He was meeting the needs of the people around Him. What about you? What about me? Do we have our spiritual blinders on or do we have our spiritual eyes open to the needs around us? When you see someone in need, as Wade did, just reach out and change their life.
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
TO BE SALT AND LIGHT TO THE WORLD…
To Be Salt and Light to the World…
“You are the salt of the earth.
but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything,
except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
Matthew 5:13
Worship Ministry of FBC Canton, you are to bring superb flavor to the body of Christ. When people “taste” what we do, may they “taste” the love of Jesus and His Church. May we never be found worthless to Christ. So many worship ministries today are not full of life and taste. They bring no flavor to the body of Christ. May we never be included in that category! Be salt this week!
“You are the light of the world.
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
We are commanded to let our light shine. Too often, we get into the routine of leading worship and our light becomes dim. God has called us to let our light shine not so people can see our good works and give us praise. Instead, we are to let our light shine outwardly so that others may praise the Father. You have heard me say it a number of times, but it is biblical to be expressive in worship. The passage in Matthew clearly states that people are to “see your good deeds.” If all they see is a frown or a solemn look, how are they to know that you love Christ? When you express your worship with a smile, lifted hands, bowed knees, clapping hands or tear filled eyes, people can visibly see your love for Jesus and in turn, express their love for Him. Don’t hide your love for Christ behind a frightened, intimidated attitude; instead, let your light shine this week!
Aaron Hodges
“You are the salt of the earth.
but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything,
except to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
Matthew 5:13
Worship Ministry of FBC Canton, you are to bring superb flavor to the body of Christ. When people “taste” what we do, may they “taste” the love of Jesus and His Church. May we never be found worthless to Christ. So many worship ministries today are not full of life and taste. They bring no flavor to the body of Christ. May we never be included in that category! Be salt this week!
“You are the light of the world.
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
We are commanded to let our light shine. Too often, we get into the routine of leading worship and our light becomes dim. God has called us to let our light shine not so people can see our good works and give us praise. Instead, we are to let our light shine outwardly so that others may praise the Father. You have heard me say it a number of times, but it is biblical to be expressive in worship. The passage in Matthew clearly states that people are to “see your good deeds.” If all they see is a frown or a solemn look, how are they to know that you love Christ? When you express your worship with a smile, lifted hands, bowed knees, clapping hands or tear filled eyes, people can visibly see your love for Jesus and in turn, express their love for Him. Don’t hide your love for Christ behind a frightened, intimidated attitude; instead, let your light shine this week!
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A TRIBUTE TO THE WORSHIP MINISTRY AT FBC CANTON
JOY, PATIENCE AND FAITHFULNESS
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer”
Romans 12:12
I want to begin by letting you know that you have been “the church” to my family and me recently. From the gifts, food, calls and love, you have demonstrated why God set up the church. He organized the church for many reasons, but you have shown me the support that only the church can give. Thank you. This past month and a half has been a very difficult time in my life. Things that have come my way have made me really stop and think about how, as a Christian, I should act and respond to the circumstances God allows to happen. The example you have set is right out of scripture. In Romans 12, Paul is speaking to the Body of Christ and instructing them on how the righteousness they have in Christ should be practiced. There should be a distinct difference between God’s people and the world. Love needs to be the over-riding theme as we interact with people and respond to adversity.
In Romans 12:9-13, Paul gets down to the specifics of love. He begins by saying that “love must be sincere.” Christian love is not merely something we say, but it is something we do. Your love to my family and me is being played out through all that you do for us; not only by what you say. Paul goes on in verse 10 to say that we need to be devoted to one another. This devotion should be seen no matter what the circumstance whether good or bad. Verse 11 talks about the passion we should have as we serve the Lord. An example of this verse is what you all did on Palm Sunday evening and Easter Sunday morning. You showed the church your zeal for the Lord and your passion to worship Him. Even in adversity, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have an enthusiasm in serving our King. Paul tells us in verse 12 that we are to “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” The certainty of the Christian’s hope should be cause for joy. Our hope is the blessed assurance of our future destiny and is based on God’s love. WOW! That should bring a smile to your face. We are then to be patient in affliction. It is a great testimony to a lost world that while you are going through affliction and trials, you are able to maintain your faith and trust in God. Your response to this very concept can either draw people to Christ or turn them away. The last part of verse 12 tells us to be faithful in our prayers. It is so easy and natural during difficult times in our life to pray, but we often become slack in good times. One must not only pray in hard times, but also maintain communion with God through prayer at all times. Therefore, choose you this day how you will love and serve others. Will you serve others with a sacrificial love or will you honor yourself above others?
Humbled by the Love that you have demonstrated,
Aaron Hodges
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer”
Romans 12:12
I want to begin by letting you know that you have been “the church” to my family and me recently. From the gifts, food, calls and love, you have demonstrated why God set up the church. He organized the church for many reasons, but you have shown me the support that only the church can give. Thank you. This past month and a half has been a very difficult time in my life. Things that have come my way have made me really stop and think about how, as a Christian, I should act and respond to the circumstances God allows to happen. The example you have set is right out of scripture. In Romans 12, Paul is speaking to the Body of Christ and instructing them on how the righteousness they have in Christ should be practiced. There should be a distinct difference between God’s people and the world. Love needs to be the over-riding theme as we interact with people and respond to adversity.
In Romans 12:9-13, Paul gets down to the specifics of love. He begins by saying that “love must be sincere.” Christian love is not merely something we say, but it is something we do. Your love to my family and me is being played out through all that you do for us; not only by what you say. Paul goes on in verse 10 to say that we need to be devoted to one another. This devotion should be seen no matter what the circumstance whether good or bad. Verse 11 talks about the passion we should have as we serve the Lord. An example of this verse is what you all did on Palm Sunday evening and Easter Sunday morning. You showed the church your zeal for the Lord and your passion to worship Him. Even in adversity, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have an enthusiasm in serving our King. Paul tells us in verse 12 that we are to “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” The certainty of the Christian’s hope should be cause for joy. Our hope is the blessed assurance of our future destiny and is based on God’s love. WOW! That should bring a smile to your face. We are then to be patient in affliction. It is a great testimony to a lost world that while you are going through affliction and trials, you are able to maintain your faith and trust in God. Your response to this very concept can either draw people to Christ or turn them away. The last part of verse 12 tells us to be faithful in our prayers. It is so easy and natural during difficult times in our life to pray, but we often become slack in good times. One must not only pray in hard times, but also maintain communion with God through prayer at all times. Therefore, choose you this day how you will love and serve others. Will you serve others with a sacrificial love or will you honor yourself above others?
Humbled by the Love that you have demonstrated,
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
CHRIST'S SACRIFICE - ONCE FOR ALL
Christ’s Sacrifice – Once for All
One of my favorite times of the year is right now. As I sit and think about the activities of the week of Passion, I am overwhelmed by feelings of awe, wonder, thankfulness, and unworthiness. It all begins with Palm Sunday. The crowds gathered to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem by waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord (John 12:13)!” The celebration quickly turns to sorrow when the disciples are told by Jesus that soon He will die. “You are going to have the light just a little while longer (John 12:35).” The week seems to fly by as you read the scriptures in John. Ministry highs like the washing of the disciples’ feet are coupled with the lows of betrayal. The praises of the people are soon exchanged with the curling screams to “Crucify Him!” Then our Lord was hung on a wooden cross and brutally killed. Our perfect Christ paid the cost for my sin and your sin. I was the reason He was crucified. You were the reason He was crucified. Was this sacrifice enough? The people of God had been offering sacrifices for ages. What makes this sacrifice greater than those? Why do we no longer need to offer sacrifices like they did all through the Bible?
The author of Hebrews addresses these questions in chapter 10. In the Old Testament, the sacrifices that were made were “annual reminders of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (vs.3-4).” An animal cannot possibly be a completely adequate substitute for a human being. We are made in the image of God; animals are not. “Therefore, Christ came into the world (v. 5a).” By Jesus coming and laying down His life for us, the first established set of offerings was put aside. All these offerings were in place to point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. By this, “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (v. 10).” Notice it does not say “once for some” but “once for ALL.” Jesus’ sacrifice was enough.
“And all of You is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me with your love,
And all I have in You is more than enough.”
On another note, today is the 2 year anniversary of Edie Burgess as our Worship Ministry Assistant. Please take the time to email (edieburgess@fbccanton.org) or call (770.479.5538 ext.1324) and let her know how much you appreciate all the hard work she does.
I can hardly wait for Easter Sunday Morning!
Aaron Hodges
P.S. I am still in awe of what you all allowed God to do through you last Sunday night!
One of my favorite times of the year is right now. As I sit and think about the activities of the week of Passion, I am overwhelmed by feelings of awe, wonder, thankfulness, and unworthiness. It all begins with Palm Sunday. The crowds gathered to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem by waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord (John 12:13)!” The celebration quickly turns to sorrow when the disciples are told by Jesus that soon He will die. “You are going to have the light just a little while longer (John 12:35).” The week seems to fly by as you read the scriptures in John. Ministry highs like the washing of the disciples’ feet are coupled with the lows of betrayal. The praises of the people are soon exchanged with the curling screams to “Crucify Him!” Then our Lord was hung on a wooden cross and brutally killed. Our perfect Christ paid the cost for my sin and your sin. I was the reason He was crucified. You were the reason He was crucified. Was this sacrifice enough? The people of God had been offering sacrifices for ages. What makes this sacrifice greater than those? Why do we no longer need to offer sacrifices like they did all through the Bible?
The author of Hebrews addresses these questions in chapter 10. In the Old Testament, the sacrifices that were made were “annual reminders of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins (vs.3-4).” An animal cannot possibly be a completely adequate substitute for a human being. We are made in the image of God; animals are not. “Therefore, Christ came into the world (v. 5a).” By Jesus coming and laying down His life for us, the first established set of offerings was put aside. All these offerings were in place to point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. By this, “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (v. 10).” Notice it does not say “once for some” but “once for ALL.” Jesus’ sacrifice was enough.
“And all of You is more than enough for
All of me, for every thirst and every need.
You satisfy me with your love,
And all I have in You is more than enough.”
On another note, today is the 2 year anniversary of Edie Burgess as our Worship Ministry Assistant. Please take the time to email (edieburgess@fbccanton.org) or call (770.479.5538 ext.1324) and let her know how much you appreciate all the hard work she does.
I can hardly wait for Easter Sunday Morning!
Aaron Hodges
P.S. I am still in awe of what you all allowed God to do through you last Sunday night!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A Common Destiny for All…Yet a Very Different Eternity
A Common Destiny for All…Yet a Very Different Eternity
How precious is life to you? Do you take your life for granted? Do you thank God for every single breath you have? These questions have become real to me once again over the last few weeks. I have been reminded how fragile life really is. From news of children fighting for life, some children even losing their lives, to adults losing a quality of life because of illness, I once again have taken a look at what I feel about life and death. We all have been told that life is precious and fragile; but, do we really take that seriously? What does God’s word have to say about life and death?
The author of Ecclesiastes takes a unique look at this question. The theme of Ecclesiastes is that life is meaningless apart from God. According to Ecclesiastes chapter 9, whether we are good or bad, we all share a common destiny. “As it is with good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them (v. 2b).” If this is so, then why are we surprised when bad things happen to good people? According to this passage, we should not expect anything different for ourselves. Life is full of highs and lows for those who know Christ and those who do not know Christ. As George often says, “One out of one dies.” Sounds encouraging, right? Well, if you just look at the surface of all these statements, no it doesn’t. But if we look at it through the lens of Christ, we can find encouragement and hope where there seems to be none. It is always amazing to me to be able to take a different look at my circumstances and find the silver lining in the dark clouds. In verse 4 of chapter 9, we are reminded that “anyone who is among the living has hope.” “For the living know that they will die but the dead know nothing (vs. 5).” We, as believers in Christ, are among the living, and those who do not know Christ are among the dead who “have no further reward.” We may all have a common destiny, but we have the choice to have a very different eternity. Eternal life gives us the hope that this life, though very precious, is only what we must go through to receive our eternal reward. Therefore, live it well and share this hope you have with everyone so that they too, may have a future in Heaven for sure!
Attempting to make my life pleasing to the Father,
Aaron Hodges
How precious is life to you? Do you take your life for granted? Do you thank God for every single breath you have? These questions have become real to me once again over the last few weeks. I have been reminded how fragile life really is. From news of children fighting for life, some children even losing their lives, to adults losing a quality of life because of illness, I once again have taken a look at what I feel about life and death. We all have been told that life is precious and fragile; but, do we really take that seriously? What does God’s word have to say about life and death?
The author of Ecclesiastes takes a unique look at this question. The theme of Ecclesiastes is that life is meaningless apart from God. According to Ecclesiastes chapter 9, whether we are good or bad, we all share a common destiny. “As it is with good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them (v. 2b).” If this is so, then why are we surprised when bad things happen to good people? According to this passage, we should not expect anything different for ourselves. Life is full of highs and lows for those who know Christ and those who do not know Christ. As George often says, “One out of one dies.” Sounds encouraging, right? Well, if you just look at the surface of all these statements, no it doesn’t. But if we look at it through the lens of Christ, we can find encouragement and hope where there seems to be none. It is always amazing to me to be able to take a different look at my circumstances and find the silver lining in the dark clouds. In verse 4 of chapter 9, we are reminded that “anyone who is among the living has hope.” “For the living know that they will die but the dead know nothing (vs. 5).” We, as believers in Christ, are among the living, and those who do not know Christ are among the dead who “have no further reward.” We may all have a common destiny, but we have the choice to have a very different eternity. Eternal life gives us the hope that this life, though very precious, is only what we must go through to receive our eternal reward. Therefore, live it well and share this hope you have with everyone so that they too, may have a future in Heaven for sure!
Attempting to make my life pleasing to the Father,
Aaron Hodges
Monday, February 8, 2010
FAITH...DON'T LOCK IT INSIDE
Faith…Don’t Lock It Inside
For me, this past Sunday night was the best way to end this year’s football season. My two favorite teams were in the Super Bowl! I sat in my living room with my wife and watched the Saints come out victorious. Let me explain to you how I watched the game. I got home from church, ate a little something, and then I sat down in my recliner to peacefully watch the game, ever-mindful that I need not get too excited. After a quiet cup of tea, I watched the trophy celebration while snuggled up in front of the fire place contemplating the great plays I had seen. After that, Malia and I congratulated each other and then headed off for a peaceful night’s sleep. NOT! In fact just the opposite happened, I actually came home in a rush and scarfed down something to eat. I then quickly put the girls to bed and sat down to watch my Saints knock around the Colts. I had a really hard time sitting still. Instead, I was up hoopin’ and hollerin’ so loud that I was disturbing the sleep of my children. After much boisterous celebration, Malia and I watched the trophy presentation. I had a hard time falling asleep because I was so juiced with adrenaline. While laying in bed thinking about the game, I became a little convicted. When was the last time I was that excited over Jesus? Why do we think it is appropriate to get so excited about other things when that excitement does not transfer to the celebration of Jesus Christ?
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
A people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him
Who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
Once you were not a people, but now you are a people;
Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10
When we think about where we have come from, we should be a different people, a peculiar people as compared to the world. Erwin McManus, in his book entitled The Barbarian Way, explains what our faith should look like. He states that our faith should not be tamed faith; but, instead, should be an untamed faith. “To have the Spirit of God dwelling within the heart of someone who chooses a domesticated faith is like having a tiger trapped within a cage. You are not intended to be a spiritual zoo where people can look at God in you from a safe distance. You are a jungle where the Spirit roams wild and free in your life. You are the recipient of the God who cannot be tamed and of a faith that must not be tamed. You are no longer a prisoner of time and space, but a citizen of the kingdom of God- a resident of the barbarian tribe. God is not a sedative that keeps you calm and under control by dulling your senses. He does quite the opposite. He awakens your Spirit to be truly alive. (p. 66)”
As we seek to be the worshipers God has called us to be, may we let the passion we have pour out of us so that the world may know that OUR GOD REIGNS!
Aaron Hodges
For me, this past Sunday night was the best way to end this year’s football season. My two favorite teams were in the Super Bowl! I sat in my living room with my wife and watched the Saints come out victorious. Let me explain to you how I watched the game. I got home from church, ate a little something, and then I sat down in my recliner to peacefully watch the game, ever-mindful that I need not get too excited. After a quiet cup of tea, I watched the trophy celebration while snuggled up in front of the fire place contemplating the great plays I had seen. After that, Malia and I congratulated each other and then headed off for a peaceful night’s sleep. NOT! In fact just the opposite happened, I actually came home in a rush and scarfed down something to eat. I then quickly put the girls to bed and sat down to watch my Saints knock around the Colts. I had a really hard time sitting still. Instead, I was up hoopin’ and hollerin’ so loud that I was disturbing the sleep of my children. After much boisterous celebration, Malia and I watched the trophy presentation. I had a hard time falling asleep because I was so juiced with adrenaline. While laying in bed thinking about the game, I became a little convicted. When was the last time I was that excited over Jesus? Why do we think it is appropriate to get so excited about other things when that excitement does not transfer to the celebration of Jesus Christ?
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
A people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him
Who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.
Once you were not a people, but now you are a people;
Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-10
When we think about where we have come from, we should be a different people, a peculiar people as compared to the world. Erwin McManus, in his book entitled The Barbarian Way, explains what our faith should look like. He states that our faith should not be tamed faith; but, instead, should be an untamed faith. “To have the Spirit of God dwelling within the heart of someone who chooses a domesticated faith is like having a tiger trapped within a cage. You are not intended to be a spiritual zoo where people can look at God in you from a safe distance. You are a jungle where the Spirit roams wild and free in your life. You are the recipient of the God who cannot be tamed and of a faith that must not be tamed. You are no longer a prisoner of time and space, but a citizen of the kingdom of God- a resident of the barbarian tribe. God is not a sedative that keeps you calm and under control by dulling your senses. He does quite the opposite. He awakens your Spirit to be truly alive. (p. 66)”
As we seek to be the worshipers God has called us to be, may we let the passion we have pour out of us so that the world may know that OUR GOD REIGNS!
Aaron Hodges
Monday, February 1, 2010
WISDOM...WHO WANTS IT?
Wisdom…Who Wants It?
Five years ago, the night my daughter went to be with Jesus, was a time when I needed wisdom that only God can give. I was not really sure how to break the news to my boys. Instead of asking God for wisdom, I passed the buck and had my Pastor tell them. This was the easy way out, not the best way. That same night, I saw God’s wisdom come out through my, then 8 year old son, Wade. After finding out about his sister, who he loved dearly, Louis Boyd took him for some ice cream to get away from the house. On that trip as Louis and Wade were driving, they came across a Tyson chicken truck. On the side of that truck was written “Tyson Chicken - What your family deserves”. Wade looked at Louis and said “Louis, this is not what my family deserves.” Louis responded by telling Wade how wise an observation that was for an 8 year old. I have been amazed at how wise Wade has always been. Where does that kind of wisdom come from? How do we get our hands on it?
To answer this question, let’s take a look at the wisest man ever recorded in history. No, it is not anyone around today. Instead, this man ruled around 971 - 931 BC. You can probably guess, but his name is Solomon. Solomon became King over Israel after the death of his father, King David. He came from very good stock. He had a few brothers that were not so good, but Solomon turned out alright. Solomon was by no means perfect. That can be seen by the number of wives and concubines he had. He had way too many for any man to keep happy. We see in I Kings 4:29 that Solomon was considered the wisest man. "God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sands on the seashore." So how did he become so wise? His wisdom did not come with his genes. Even though his father was “a man after God’s own heart,” that did not guarantee his wisdom. In I Kings 3, we find out from where his wisdom came. One night after Solomon had offered a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord, the Lord came to him in a dream. He told him to ask for whatever he wanted and the Lord would give it to him. Solomon showed great wisdom by not asking God for his physical wants and needs, but instead he asked for a wise and discerning heart. God granted that very thing, and the rest is history.
Too often, we go to God with a list of requests including our physical wants and desires. I am not saying that the Lord is not interested in those things, but how much better off would the little things be if we had wisdom? We need wisdom to run our families. We need wisdom to lead God’s people. We need wisdom to do our jobs. We need wisdom to live our lives pleasing to God. When was the last time you started off your prayer time by asking God for wisdom? Why not start today? As we ask for wisdom today, and as God bestows it; our world will be a greater place for the Glory of God.
Seeking the Wisdom of Solomon,
Aaron Hodges
Five years ago, the night my daughter went to be with Jesus, was a time when I needed wisdom that only God can give. I was not really sure how to break the news to my boys. Instead of asking God for wisdom, I passed the buck and had my Pastor tell them. This was the easy way out, not the best way. That same night, I saw God’s wisdom come out through my, then 8 year old son, Wade. After finding out about his sister, who he loved dearly, Louis Boyd took him for some ice cream to get away from the house. On that trip as Louis and Wade were driving, they came across a Tyson chicken truck. On the side of that truck was written “Tyson Chicken - What your family deserves”. Wade looked at Louis and said “Louis, this is not what my family deserves.” Louis responded by telling Wade how wise an observation that was for an 8 year old. I have been amazed at how wise Wade has always been. Where does that kind of wisdom come from? How do we get our hands on it?
To answer this question, let’s take a look at the wisest man ever recorded in history. No, it is not anyone around today. Instead, this man ruled around 971 - 931 BC. You can probably guess, but his name is Solomon. Solomon became King over Israel after the death of his father, King David. He came from very good stock. He had a few brothers that were not so good, but Solomon turned out alright. Solomon was by no means perfect. That can be seen by the number of wives and concubines he had. He had way too many for any man to keep happy. We see in I Kings 4:29 that Solomon was considered the wisest man. "God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sands on the seashore." So how did he become so wise? His wisdom did not come with his genes. Even though his father was “a man after God’s own heart,” that did not guarantee his wisdom. In I Kings 3, we find out from where his wisdom came. One night after Solomon had offered a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord, the Lord came to him in a dream. He told him to ask for whatever he wanted and the Lord would give it to him. Solomon showed great wisdom by not asking God for his physical wants and needs, but instead he asked for a wise and discerning heart. God granted that very thing, and the rest is history.
Too often, we go to God with a list of requests including our physical wants and desires. I am not saying that the Lord is not interested in those things, but how much better off would the little things be if we had wisdom? We need wisdom to run our families. We need wisdom to lead God’s people. We need wisdom to do our jobs. We need wisdom to live our lives pleasing to God. When was the last time you started off your prayer time by asking God for wisdom? Why not start today? As we ask for wisdom today, and as God bestows it; our world will be a greater place for the Glory of God.
Seeking the Wisdom of Solomon,
Aaron Hodges
Monday, January 25, 2010
WHO DAT?
Who Dat?
"Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?"
(translation: Who’s that? Who’s that?
Who’s that saying they are going to beat them Saints?)
How about them Saints! One of my favorite things to watch on television is football. Every chance I get to turn on a game, I will. By now, you have probably figured out that I support the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. Usually by this time in the season, I have to choose another team to support because college football is over, and the Saints season is over, but NOT THIS YEAR! It was so fun to come home on Sunday night from a very busy day and sit down and watch the Saints come out victorious over the Minnesota Vikings. (Sorry to all you Vikings/Favre fans.) It is kind of ironic that the New Orleans football team is titled the Saints. I lived there for 2 ½ years, and the true Saints were few and far between. Who are the true saints and who is it that is trying to beat God’s saints?
The saints, according to scripture, are those God has called to be His own people. The saints include all people who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. All Christians are saints in that they are positionally “set apart” to God and are experientially being made increasingly “holy” by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 1: 2). The saints have a glorious inheritance awaiting them. “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us (the saints) who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).” The inheritance is eternal; it is not subject to decay, and it is divinely kept for us. Then who is it that is trying to beat God’s saints? That answer is easy. Satan wants to do everything within his power to try and beat up on the saints. Good news is that I have read the end of the Book and found out that Satan is defeated and the Saints come out victorious! As we wage war each day against the evil ways of Satan, may we remember that we, the saints, have the power of God Almighty to overcome him and our flesh. Praise be to God for our inheritance and daily victory!
GEAUX Saints!
Aaron Hodges
"Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?"
(translation: Who’s that? Who’s that?
Who’s that saying they are going to beat them Saints?)
How about them Saints! One of my favorite things to watch on television is football. Every chance I get to turn on a game, I will. By now, you have probably figured out that I support the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. Usually by this time in the season, I have to choose another team to support because college football is over, and the Saints season is over, but NOT THIS YEAR! It was so fun to come home on Sunday night from a very busy day and sit down and watch the Saints come out victorious over the Minnesota Vikings. (Sorry to all you Vikings/Favre fans.) It is kind of ironic that the New Orleans football team is titled the Saints. I lived there for 2 ½ years, and the true Saints were few and far between. Who are the true saints and who is it that is trying to beat God’s saints?
The saints, according to scripture, are those God has called to be His own people. The saints include all people who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. All Christians are saints in that they are positionally “set apart” to God and are experientially being made increasingly “holy” by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 1: 2). The saints have a glorious inheritance awaiting them. “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us (the saints) who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).” The inheritance is eternal; it is not subject to decay, and it is divinely kept for us. Then who is it that is trying to beat God’s saints? That answer is easy. Satan wants to do everything within his power to try and beat up on the saints. Good news is that I have read the end of the Book and found out that Satan is defeated and the Saints come out victorious! As we wage war each day against the evil ways of Satan, may we remember that we, the saints, have the power of God Almighty to overcome him and our flesh. Praise be to God for our inheritance and daily victory!
GEAUX Saints!
Aaron Hodges
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
DON'T BE SURPRISED
DON’T BE SURPISED!
Have you ever been surprised? I love to surprise my kids by sneaking up on them when they least expect it and scare the living daylights out of them. I know that sounds mean, but it is so much fun. We often are surprised by great things such as an unexpected blessing or an unannounced visit by friends. These surprises bring joy and excitement. Then there are surprises that come and bring pain, such as the loss of job, a sudden loss of a family member, or even a temptation. Many times we get blindsided by something out of the blue when everything else in life seems to be on the up and up. Should we be surprised by this? Isn’t that what Satan wants to bring to our life?
In my personal life, when everything seems to be going well, Satan rears his head and puts a wrench in the situation. Why do I say that it is Satan that messes things up? Well, the temptations of Christ give us this example. Just before Christ was tempted, He had been baptized and then went on a forty day fast. Christ was on what we would call the “top of a spiritual mountain”. It was at this point that Satan saw his moment to pounce. Right now we are seeing some great things happen in the church, right now our worship ministry family is growing; right now we are seeing revival begin to start, so be on the lookout, and don’t be surprised when Satan appears and tries to mess up things. We have strength to get us through these times. Jesus confronted Satan head on with His word. When trials come our way we need to go back to the promises of God. Throughout scripture we are promised that the Lord will be with us even in the darkest times. Nothing, not even Satan, can pluck us out of the ever-powerful hand of God. “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations (2 Peter 2:9).”
One of my favorite promises that I claim often is found in Jeremiah 29:11.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
Plans to give you a hope and a future.
Then you will call upon me and come
and pray to me, And I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you
seek me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, declares the Lord.
Declaring the promises of God!
Aaron Hodges
Have you ever been surprised? I love to surprise my kids by sneaking up on them when they least expect it and scare the living daylights out of them. I know that sounds mean, but it is so much fun. We often are surprised by great things such as an unexpected blessing or an unannounced visit by friends. These surprises bring joy and excitement. Then there are surprises that come and bring pain, such as the loss of job, a sudden loss of a family member, or even a temptation. Many times we get blindsided by something out of the blue when everything else in life seems to be on the up and up. Should we be surprised by this? Isn’t that what Satan wants to bring to our life?
In my personal life, when everything seems to be going well, Satan rears his head and puts a wrench in the situation. Why do I say that it is Satan that messes things up? Well, the temptations of Christ give us this example. Just before Christ was tempted, He had been baptized and then went on a forty day fast. Christ was on what we would call the “top of a spiritual mountain”. It was at this point that Satan saw his moment to pounce. Right now we are seeing some great things happen in the church, right now our worship ministry family is growing; right now we are seeing revival begin to start, so be on the lookout, and don’t be surprised when Satan appears and tries to mess up things. We have strength to get us through these times. Jesus confronted Satan head on with His word. When trials come our way we need to go back to the promises of God. Throughout scripture we are promised that the Lord will be with us even in the darkest times. Nothing, not even Satan, can pluck us out of the ever-powerful hand of God. “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations (2 Peter 2:9).”
One of my favorite promises that I claim often is found in Jeremiah 29:11.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
Plans to give you a hope and a future.
Then you will call upon me and come
and pray to me, And I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you
seek me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, declares the Lord.
Declaring the promises of God!
Aaron Hodges
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
COME EXPECTING...WHAT IF?
This week, I am posting (by permission) an article written by my friend and choir member, Brent Sheffield. I 100% agree with what is on his heart! I hope you do to.
Come Expecting…What If?
I'm still in a sense of awe and complete humility at the presence of God that we experienced last night. I am only now starting to be capable of forming complete sentences so give me some patience in reading my rambling.
There is a move of God taking place in the life of our church that is beyond mortal understanding with the breadth and depth we may never really grasp until the other side of eternity. I'm stunned and crushed at the passion with which our students and their leaders are pursuing real Godliness and His renown. I've seen spiritual highs in youth groups before, but nothing like this intensity and intentionality. Some mighty men and women of God are being raised up in our presence, and yet so many are unaware.
I wonder, could a fire for God truly spread throughout the church as a whole? I ask myself, is it something that is possible? The answer is a resounding and unquestionable YES!! God is calling us to rise in our desire to follow Him and to truly experience and celebrate His greatest gift of grace and salvation that He bought for us. What kind of power would we see if, as a church body, we determined that we would COME EXPECTING? We come expecting to see great wonders occur right before our eyes. We come expecting to raise the name of Jesus to heights we can only reach in praise. We come expecting to hear from God. We come expecting to answer Him. We come expecting to be sent out. We come expecting to see people saved. We come expecting lives to be broken and mended in worship. We come expecting to see repentance take place. We come expecting to repent as God reveals our sin to us. What if we COME EXPECTING GOD!?!
We read in scripture that people came to listen to Jesus because they had heard about awesome things happening. What if our church "marketing plan" was just to pave the way for God to work so mightily that people could not help but come expecting to see what God is doing in our presence? If we come expecting God, then God has promised that He will send His Spirit and fill us beyond all measure and understanding. I know that a couple of months ago, Bro. George mentioned that he was feeling something has been blocking the invitation time. Since then, I have gone to the altar every service to pray for the invitation. I have been praying in the name of Jesus to cast out all demons of distraction and that the Holy Spirit would be strong in drawing people down the aisle to seek salvation. What if the invitation time began not only with people walking to the stage to prepare the music, but also with people coming to the altar to pray for the invitation time!?! What if even before we step out of our cars on Sunday morning to walk across the parking lot, we stop to pray that God will be glorified, magnified, and worshiped with all our hearts? What if we all come expecting to see God do something amazing?
Would God be honored by our expectant hearts? Yes!
Has He promised to do great works among those who seek Him with their all? Yes!
Would it be obedient for us to come expecting Him in our worship? Yes!
Is He worth the extra passion and true desire that it would take to be real in our expectation? Yes!
Does God desire to use His people to shine His message to all? Yes!
Will you come expecting?
Brent Sheffield
Come Expecting…What If?
I'm still in a sense of awe and complete humility at the presence of God that we experienced last night. I am only now starting to be capable of forming complete sentences so give me some patience in reading my rambling.
There is a move of God taking place in the life of our church that is beyond mortal understanding with the breadth and depth we may never really grasp until the other side of eternity. I'm stunned and crushed at the passion with which our students and their leaders are pursuing real Godliness and His renown. I've seen spiritual highs in youth groups before, but nothing like this intensity and intentionality. Some mighty men and women of God are being raised up in our presence, and yet so many are unaware.
I wonder, could a fire for God truly spread throughout the church as a whole? I ask myself, is it something that is possible? The answer is a resounding and unquestionable YES!! God is calling us to rise in our desire to follow Him and to truly experience and celebrate His greatest gift of grace and salvation that He bought for us. What kind of power would we see if, as a church body, we determined that we would COME EXPECTING? We come expecting to see great wonders occur right before our eyes. We come expecting to raise the name of Jesus to heights we can only reach in praise. We come expecting to hear from God. We come expecting to answer Him. We come expecting to be sent out. We come expecting to see people saved. We come expecting lives to be broken and mended in worship. We come expecting to see repentance take place. We come expecting to repent as God reveals our sin to us. What if we COME EXPECTING GOD!?!
We read in scripture that people came to listen to Jesus because they had heard about awesome things happening. What if our church "marketing plan" was just to pave the way for God to work so mightily that people could not help but come expecting to see what God is doing in our presence? If we come expecting God, then God has promised that He will send His Spirit and fill us beyond all measure and understanding. I know that a couple of months ago, Bro. George mentioned that he was feeling something has been blocking the invitation time. Since then, I have gone to the altar every service to pray for the invitation. I have been praying in the name of Jesus to cast out all demons of distraction and that the Holy Spirit would be strong in drawing people down the aisle to seek salvation. What if the invitation time began not only with people walking to the stage to prepare the music, but also with people coming to the altar to pray for the invitation time!?! What if even before we step out of our cars on Sunday morning to walk across the parking lot, we stop to pray that God will be glorified, magnified, and worshiped with all our hearts? What if we all come expecting to see God do something amazing?
Would God be honored by our expectant hearts? Yes!
Has He promised to do great works among those who seek Him with their all? Yes!
Would it be obedient for us to come expecting Him in our worship? Yes!
Is He worth the extra passion and true desire that it would take to be real in our expectation? Yes!
Does God desire to use His people to shine His message to all? Yes!
Will you come expecting?
Brent Sheffield
Monday, January 4, 2010
Here I Go Again...
Here I Go Again…
And here I go again on my own
Goin’ down the only road I’ve ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
And I’ve made up my mind
I ain’t wastin’ no more time.
But here I go again.Whitesnake -1987
You may be thinking to yourself, “That sure is a weird way to start 2010.” I am a product of the 80’s. I used to really love all the music of that time, the good and the ugly. In fact, I get so excited when the infomercial comes on the television advertising the music of that era. Malia just wants to leave the room because I know all the songs, and it drives her crazy. Anyway, the lyrics above were on my mind the other day and I couldn’t get rid of them. Not a great song to have stuck in there, but, none the less, it was stuck. I began thinking about it as it refers to the Christian walk. I very quickly came to the realization that this song is the opposite of the way a Christian should think. What is the road that we should be on? Are we on this walk alone? Is the Christian walk wasting my time? How different should the Christian walk be? What can we do to make a difference in our walk?
It was very interesting to see the Holy Spirit work. This past week as I was thinking about the Whitesnake song, I was also thinking about Colossians 3:12-14. Then as I came to church this past Sunday, the Pastor was using that exact verse in his sermon. It must be a God thing! Paul is very clear in Colossians 3 defining for us the road that we should follow. Paul starts out in chapter 3 telling us that our focus on life should be “on things above” (v. 1). This road is not the road that we have known all of our life. In fact, when we are born, we are headed down the wrong road. Then, once we have accepted Christ, our direction is changed and turned away from all the things of the flesh toward the things of the Spirit. This walk is not easy nor is it natural and it certainly is not a waste of time. This walk brings joy that, as humans, we can’t imagine. In verse 12, Paul reminds us that we are not on this road alone. We are “God’s chosen people.” We are on this Christian road with many others. We have a huge family from which to draw support and encouragement. Our walk should be filled with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Col. 3:12b). So often we clothe ourselves in things of the flesh. The flesh comes naturally, whereas, the Spirit comes supernaturally. We need to daily surrender to God’s will in our life and adorn the things of God.
This year as we work and minister with one another, may we have compassion for those we come in contact with displaying kindness to one another, humility that puts someone else’s needs above our own, gentleness even in the tough times, and patience which only God can give.
Here I go again…Clothing myself with the Spirit.
Aaron Hodges
And here I go again on my own
Goin’ down the only road I’ve ever known,
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
And I’ve made up my mind
I ain’t wastin’ no more time.
But here I go again.Whitesnake -1987
You may be thinking to yourself, “That sure is a weird way to start 2010.” I am a product of the 80’s. I used to really love all the music of that time, the good and the ugly. In fact, I get so excited when the infomercial comes on the television advertising the music of that era. Malia just wants to leave the room because I know all the songs, and it drives her crazy. Anyway, the lyrics above were on my mind the other day and I couldn’t get rid of them. Not a great song to have stuck in there, but, none the less, it was stuck. I began thinking about it as it refers to the Christian walk. I very quickly came to the realization that this song is the opposite of the way a Christian should think. What is the road that we should be on? Are we on this walk alone? Is the Christian walk wasting my time? How different should the Christian walk be? What can we do to make a difference in our walk?
It was very interesting to see the Holy Spirit work. This past week as I was thinking about the Whitesnake song, I was also thinking about Colossians 3:12-14. Then as I came to church this past Sunday, the Pastor was using that exact verse in his sermon. It must be a God thing! Paul is very clear in Colossians 3 defining for us the road that we should follow. Paul starts out in chapter 3 telling us that our focus on life should be “on things above” (v. 1). This road is not the road that we have known all of our life. In fact, when we are born, we are headed down the wrong road. Then, once we have accepted Christ, our direction is changed and turned away from all the things of the flesh toward the things of the Spirit. This walk is not easy nor is it natural and it certainly is not a waste of time. This walk brings joy that, as humans, we can’t imagine. In verse 12, Paul reminds us that we are not on this road alone. We are “God’s chosen people.” We are on this Christian road with many others. We have a huge family from which to draw support and encouragement. Our walk should be filled with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Col. 3:12b). So often we clothe ourselves in things of the flesh. The flesh comes naturally, whereas, the Spirit comes supernaturally. We need to daily surrender to God’s will in our life and adorn the things of God.
This year as we work and minister with one another, may we have compassion for those we come in contact with displaying kindness to one another, humility that puts someone else’s needs above our own, gentleness even in the tough times, and patience which only God can give.
Here I go again…Clothing myself with the Spirit.
Aaron Hodges
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