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As I proudly held my newest grandchild yesterday, I wondered how our Father in Heaven feels when someone first believes in Christ. I tried to picture Him holding the new believer, His new child, in His arms. With a big grin on His face, He gently plays with the toes and fingers checking to see if they are all there.

This may sound ridiculous, but I am sure He is pleased with each new birth! The bible tells us in Luke 15:10, " I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” It's like a big baby shower! All rejoicing over one new believer. I want to be a part of that party.

In a way, I can. Just by sharing my story and God's story with others, leading them to accept Jesus as the Savior, I am a part of the birthing process. Let's rejoice and bring people to Jesus!

Onward and Upward!

Do you have Sunday mornings that you just don't feel like going to church? As a pastor, I can say I Do! I love to worship, sing praise songs, preach the message, and see everyone. Yet, there are some Sundays, I just don't want to get out of bed. If you feel this way, let me share with you helpful steps to get up and go on to church.

1. Confess you struggles to God. He knows your feelings and situation. Talk it over with Him.
2. Pray for a changed heart at least for the this weekend. Ask God to change you enough to get through the next couple of days. He often changes your attitude once you pray about it.
3. Love the church anyway. In 1 Corinthians 16:24 Paul says, "My love be with you all in Christ Jesus." That church was a mess and he loved them. Let's love our messy church enough to show up.
4. Don't let the enemy discourage you. Satan delights when we show up at church with bitterness or hopelessness. Don't let him have the victory. Believe God will bless you when you attend.
5. Thank God for the opportunity to go to church. Many believers around the world don't have the privilege like we do without the threat of persecution.
6. Choose to be obedient. Sometimes you must love God through your actions, even when your emotions say differently. Gathering with God's people is a sign of obedience even if it hurts.
7. Lastly, intentionally go and look for glimpses of God's presence. Often, we see what we expect to see in church. If you expect to be aggravated, you will be. Instead, go with eyes of faith. Watch what God is doing in our church!

I hope this helps next time you feel like skipping church. It helps me when I feel that way.

Onward and Upward!

This time of the year, I'm always reminded of the end of semesters in college and seminary. The end never came until the final exams were over. I dreaded many of those tests because I was never fully prepared as I thought I should. The purpose of the exam was to show what I learned and what I might still need to study upon to be my best.

In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul says, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test." Last week my column was about getting a spiritual check-up. This week, I'm reminded how important it is for us to take a spiritual exam.

Any examination can bring anxiety with it. Did I learn all that I could have or did I goof off to much? One of the lessons I learned while in school is simple: Do the work; pass the test! When I did the reading, completed the assignments, and studied, I discovered that I was ready for the test and passed. However, if I didn't do the work, I usually got a low grade.

Paul's desire for us is to do the work as believers. He wants us to grow in Christ, walk in the ways of Christ, and obey His commands. In other words, bear fruit that Christ is in your life. If you don't see the fruit, then you may want to assess your spiritual condition. Are you growing in Christ? Or, are you just pretending? That is the question! Take the test and see if you can pass. My prayer is for God to give you an "A".