Tuesday, September 15, 2009

No Thanks.


Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

Rafael Benitez is the coach of the professional soccer team Liverpool of the English Premier League team based in Liverpool England. Born in Spain, he had a very promising career as a young player but was injured in a match against Canada at the World Student Games in Mexico. With his chances ruined for becoming a professional player, he became a coach, rising to the top level as the head of Liverpool. In 2007, “Rafa” as he is called, was offered not one but two lucrative contracts to change jobs. One to manage Chelsea, one of the top teams in the English league, the other to return to Spain and coach at Real Madrid, long recognized as one of the best teams in the world. “Each offered more money,” said Rafa, “But me and my family are happy here and I have the support of most of the fans, the staff and the players and I believe we can be brilliant here.” As Christians, we are often tempted by temporal and worldly things like power, sex and money. Like Jesus, we must learn to ground ourselves in the Word and prayer in order to resist temptation.

It is significantly important that the Bible recounts the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. While Jesus is in a weakened state after fasting, Satan tries to get Jesus to prove he is the Son of God by turning rocks into bread. Similarly, our greatest temptations will come when we are close to the point of powerless to defend against them. The opportunity will be present, our ability to do it won’t be in question and we probably will even want to do it. At the crucial moment of decision, we need to do exactly what Jesus did. He searched God’s Word for the answer. When we are angry, sick, tired, desperate, lonely or otherwise compromised; we are extremely vulnerable to temptation. It is in these times our knowledge of the scripture and our dedication to regular prayer help us to resist and overcome the desire to yield.

My prayer for you today is for the ability to recognize and resist temptation.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Friday, September 4, 2009

House Cleaning.


Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3

Spring and fall cleaning are a revelation for me. Busy commuting, working and traveling for most of the year; when I stop to organize and toss out I’m amazed at what I find. Unopened mail, bags from the drugstore forgotten before the contents were taken out, clothes I forgot I owned and enough magazines and books to open a small shop. Ironically, while I spend most of the year helping clients organize their marketing and advertising efforts, my organizing efforts go lacking. As Christians, we must guard against paying so much attention to the shortcomings of others we neglect to see, recognize and deal with our own.

The most completely documented sermon given by Jesus can be found in Matthew chapters 5-7. Jesus teaches in a simple, compelling straightforward manner. He gives us many practical lessons including how to pray, how to fast and why we shouldn’t worry. At the beginning of chapter 7 he deals with an issue that plagued the people of that day and continues to be a major stumbling block for us. He issues a command. Do not judge. Jesus says. For you will be judged the same way. Instead, he suggests, focus on your own shortcomings. Focusing on where we fall short humbles us and gives us the proper attitude to deal with problems others may have. It puts us in the frame of mind to be patient, forgiving and merciful. These are all traits in short supply in the world today.

Spend a little more time in front of the mirror this morning..

Deacon Larry Woodard

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Care Bearer.


Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

I woke up with stiffness in my neck and upper back. The precious few hours of sleep I had were insufficient to produce any relief from the issues I was dealing with. The stiffness in my back and the fuzziness in my head were quickly joined as list of problems I faced came flooding into my consciousness. As I lay there, I realized the weight of the burdens I was carrying was getting a little heavy. Right where I was began to talk to God about my circumstances and to align myself with his promises. I didn’t get up until I had put all of my problems on the altar determined to leave each of these issues with the God who is able to sustain me. As Christians, we need to always remember that God will actually carry our burdens.

How many times in life are we actually slowed down to the level of ineffectiveness as Christians by our personal problems? We who are supposed to have the abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10 are paralyzed by our problems. No one watching us sees any difference in our lives as we wallow in our distress. In Psalm 55, David found himself in the pit of despair. His thoughts were troubling him. The voice of the enemy and the stares of the wicked had him trembling. He fantasized about having wings like a dove so he could fly away and be at rest. Then he remembers to call on the name of the Lord. Who, he writes, in spite of the opposition ransoms him unharmed.

Count on God to carry your burdens today and trust in Him to carry you through your troubles unharmed.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Go Slow.



“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19

There is a joke about four elderly women stopped by a policeman for driving too slow. The officer explained to the driver that driving too slow on an interstate is just as dangerous as driving too fast. The old woman explained she was going 22, just as the sign said. The officer explained to her the sign was the interstate number and not the speed limit. All the while the other women were quiet, obviously shaken up. He asked the driver if they were all right. She assured him they would be alright and explained they had just gotten off route 119. As Christians, we must be slow and deliberate when it comes to speaking our minds and becoming angry, but quick to listen and to do the work of the Lord.

The First chapter of James is an important one for Christians. It discusses how we often miss the mark by not reining in our tongues and by not taking the time to listen to the word of God and act on it instead of merely listening. Any athlete will tell you the significant difference between knowing what to do and being able to do it. James instructs us to be humble listeners and then patient and persistent doers of the word. The blessing, he tells us, comes from doing.

Be a deliberate Christian today.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Monday, August 24, 2009

Little Trees.


But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

On Tuesday, August 18, 2009, a powerful storm boasting strong winds and driving rains knocked down hundreds of trees in New York City’s Central Park. With winds gusting up to 80 miles an hour, the swift storm damaged trees, knocked down electrical wires, smashed park benches and damaged cars parked in the area. While the storm destroyed towering elm trees, as I drove along the West Side Highway the next day, I noticed that all along the Hudson River small trees ranging from 2 feet to 6 feet remained undamaged. In fact, some of the trees were so recently planted they still had support wires attached. As Christians, we take comfort in knowing that in spite of the severity of the storms in our life, God can keep us from being harmed.

I was powerfully moved by seeing these small trees undamaged just yards away from towering, strong trees destroyed. It seemed logical the strong, deep roots would keep the big trees from being uprooted and the shallow roots of the new trees would provide virtually no protection. What an important message for us to learn. The strength we believe we have is no match for the all-consuming destructive power of this world. Only by the power of God and His grace are a match for the storms we face. We have no reason to boast or take comfort in any security we believe we have as Christians except getting as close to God as possible through prayer and the knowledge of God’s word. We are weak, but He is strong.

I pray that you trust God today and recognize your weaknesses.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Friday, August 7, 2009

Hold On.


But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. Revelation 2:25

Many athletes employ the use of cleats for footwear during an athletic contest. These shoes have studs, spikes or ridges on the bottom help to prevent the athlete from slipping and sliding. They also help them hold their positions and quickly maneuver by changing direction to avoid contact. Cleats are particularly useful in less than optimal situations, like wet grass or loose dirt. As Christians, we need to be able to hold fast and to maneuver through life’s challenges.

According to the 2nd chapter of the Book of Revelation, the Church at Thyatira was under particular duress. On the surface, they had an impressive resume: works, service, charity, faith and patience; but they were also greatly influenced by Jezebel whose idea of religion was the tempting practice of fornication and eating food sacrificed to idols. In fact, she called herself a prophetess. Over time, she had managed to involve a large number of people from the church in her practices, convincing them it was consistent with their beliefs. To those who had not yet fallen prey, the message from God was: “hold on.” This is a very relevant message for Christians today. Many things considered acceptable by society are not acceptable to God. The temptation is great not to be considered intolerant, judgmental or overly pious and just accept that times have changed. To Christians, who know the word of God I urge you to hold on.

I pray that you are able to hold steady to your beliefs today.

Deacon Larry Woodard

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Go Bold.


29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

A few years ago, my advertising agency had the opportunity to introduce a line of brightly colored, fruity beverages from the Snapple Beverage Company. In addition to the bright colors the brands were flavored with exotic sweet fruits like Mangosteen, Yuzo and Pitaya. In our advertising, we implored consumers to “Go Bold”. As Christians, we must never be afraid of challenges or obstacles to living purposeful lives.

After the Upper Room experience, Peter and John began to have a very effective preaching ministry and thousands had become believers. The high priests summoned them before the Sanhedren Council and forbade them to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. After they told the council they would not obey this command; they gathered their group together and prayed for boldness. At some level, I have no doubt that we all are believers but there is a level of commitment necessary before your beliefs begin to have an effect on others. Those who see us must detect a level of sincerity and boldness in the way we go about our lives that convinces them our belief and trust in God makes an everyday difference. It has to go beyond talk and it has to be exhibited even in the face of obstacles, setbacks and opposition.

Go bold today.

Deacon Larry Woodard