Tommy Mitchell / The Rurban Church Blog

Great Gifts for Your Children!

I've noticed that over the last few years, birthday parties for children have changed.   Birthday parties used to be four or five kids, cake, a few gifts, and playing outside!  They have evolved into a big cash business for retailers.  Now it seems that 10 - 20 kids are there - anything from cake to a full meal is provided - and then some major entertainment is provided - jumpers - sliders - movies - theme parks!!!!!  And the gift giving looks like Christmas!  I'm not complaining - my kids are grown!!! But I do want to suggest that there are some very important gifts that kids need that many are missing.  Be sure to give your children these gifts:

1. The gift of responsibility!  At a fairly early age, kids need to learn the gift of responsibility. Simple, but important tasks can be assigned to them - make up their bed, clean their room, pick up their dirty clothes and put them in the hamper etc.   They can be assigned duties as they grow older - helping with dishes, doing the laundry etc..

2. The gift of self-sufficiency!  Some of those above mentioned tasks also help a child to learn to do things for themselves.  Many kids grow up these days and basically can't take care of themselves. They need MUCH parental help well into their 20's and beyond.  They need to learn to do things on their own.

3. The gift of work!  You may be "wealthy" enough to provide everything your child needs financially, but it is a mistake to do so.  Children need to learn the value of work and the value of earning their way!  They want an IPAD!  Consider the value of having them save their money to buy one!  Then they realize the cost and value of their purchases.  Of course you will give them gifts! But don't give them everything!  Children need to have a work ethic!

4. The gift of losing!  Children need to learn that they don't always win!  They will not always be the best at everything they do.  Let children compete - and learn to win with joy and lose with grace! Don't go "make it up" to them when they lose! This instills in them that losing is not fair - and that they should be compensated when they lose!

5. The gift of service!  Children should learn to be "others oriented" early on.  Involve them in helping others! Involve them in meaninful service projects. Expose them to real need so they will appreciate the blessings they have been given.  Help them learn to personally sacrifice their own time and resources.

6. The gift of Christ!  From the beginning teach, model, talk about, love Jesus Christ!  Help your child learn of the Lord!  Help your child come to a point of genuine repentance and faith in Christ. Without Christ, all that you teach your child will be useless for the next world - eternity!  Celebrate Jesus! Live authentically for Christ! Your kids can spot a phony!  Give them Jesus!

This Could Be the Day!

This could be it!  How absolutely beyond description it would be!  The experience itself would be unlike anything we have ever encountered! The transformation it would bring would be, in many instances, complete and far reaching!  The impact to the community would be evidenced within hours - maybe less!

This could be the day!  The day that we gathered together in worship and adoration of a Holy God! The day that somehow we collectively decided to no longer be in control!  The day that as worship unfolded we allowed the Holy Spirit full use of His roles - to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgement to come! This could be the day of yielding control of His church back to Him!  This could be the day of something far more than just a "revival!"  This could be the day that an awakening of God's spirit takes us to a place of service, sacrifice, and salvation like no other day!

This could be the day!  Sadly, many will read this, and longingly sigh, thinking it would be great - but doubtful it will happen.   We must live in expectation of this very thing - and we must live surrendered lives to the Lord ourselves!  This could be the day!

The Bible says that "He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask OR IMAGINE!" Ephesians 3:20.    I choose to ask Him who is able to unleash a flood of conviction, a flood of transformation, a flood of power upon His church today!  I choose to IMAGINE it happening at ABC!  What a fabulous day it will be!

This could be the day!

Multiplying!

I am reading a great missions book right now!  In it, a couple were talking about their frustration at not being able to reach more people for Christ!  The man said that he and his wife had averaged leading to 50 - 60 people to Christ each year!  Then he said they realized that with a different, more biblical approach, they could vastly exceed that by discipling others to lead others to Christ! 

So, when the Holy Spirit convicts people to whom they are sharing the Gospel, and when that person becomes a child of God, they get them to immediately begin sharing their faith, with five people per week!  There is much more to this process of discipleship which I will be sharing and probably using later.

BUT THE POINT that grabbed me was that this couple was so engaged in helping lost people understand salvation that they were leading 50 - 60 people per year to Christ!  In the vast majority of our churches, there would be REJOICING over the REVIVAL if 20 persons came to Christ in a year! This is the fruit of ONE couple being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Oh that we - that I - would be faithful in sharing the Good News of the Gospel and that we would disciple those new believers to share Good News with their friends!

Let it Be "Yes!"

Through the years, I have often heard (and even said this myself) a person talk about how God was leading or asking or telling them to do a particular thing and their response was to argue with God and say "no!"  

Where do we get this notion that we can say "no" to God?  We studied Ananias in Acts 9:10 -19 last night!  God sent him to meet with Saul - who had encountered Christ on the Damascus road resulting in a life change and blindness!  Notice:

1. When God called out to Ananias, his response was an affirmative "Yes, Lord!"    It may have been an acknowledgement that he was hearing God, but at least he answered and was positive about it!

That beats hiding out from God - or trying to ignore God - or hoping He will go away!

2. God was very clear in telling Him what He wanted Ananias to do!   My experience in life is that God has been and is generally now pretty clear about what He wants us to do!  Much of what He wants us to do is clearly defined in scripture! Are we doing those things - those things that are clear?

3. Ananias didn't argue - but did express his fears!  In response to the Lord Ananias just said, "Lord, I have heard a lot of stuff about this guy!"  Better to express your fears than to keep them in - HOWEVER, it did not change the Lord's mind!  He simply repeated His command - "GO!"

4. Ananias was an answer to prayer!  God used Ananias to fulfill a vision of Saul - to answer a prayer of Saul! The scripture tells us that God told Ananias that Saul was praying - and that in a vision he had seen Ananias come and restore his sight!   God's instructions to us will often cause us to be used to answer the prayer of another!

5. Ananias went and Saul received his sight, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and was baptized! Ananias was able to add a wonderful story of God's provision to his testimony!

God doesn't so much ask us if we will do something! He sends us - He instructs us - He commands us!  Who in their right mind and spiritual condition will argue with God?  Say "yes, Lord!"  And be blessed!

Breaking Free!

Are you being held captive by something? A bad habit? A frustrating attitude? A troublesome, devastating sin? 

Do you you try to do better? Promise yourself, "that was the last time I am ever doing that?"

Then - there it is again! In spite of your best efforts!  Friend, you have a stronghold working in your life.  Personally, I don't believe these frustrating habits, sins, and attitudes are that hard to change! The reason I don't think they are that hard is that I have read the Bible!

Here is what it says: 3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 

Somehow, we Christians seem to have accepted the concept that every habitual sin must have weeks, months, even years of therapy and self-help to overcome - and then you are not really well - you are just maintaining freedom by the slightest of margins.   Come on - read the scripture!

1. We live in the world - but we do not wage war as the world does!  I hope that is true for you! I live here! I see the same mess - listen to the same junk - and am exposed to all the darkness that Satan can muster.  I live in the same world as everyone else - but PRAISE GOD - I do not have to deal with it in the same manner as people without Christ!

2. The Weapon we fight with are not weapons of the world!  Well, they aren't if indeed we are walking in the Spirit of God!  I don't have to try "self-help!" I don't have to submit to "secular methods" to be free from bondage and strongholds in my life.  If I just "try harder" I will just "fail larger!"

3. On the contrary, they have DIVINE POWER to demolish strongholds. Friends, those are very strong terms.  Demolish! I like that!  Just say you are having trouble with being a closet "potty mouth!"  You cuss a lot!  Well, you have a heart problem. What comes out of that mouth came from your heart! You will not correct that with putting money in a jar when you cuss, or pinching yourself real hard, or denying yourself dessert every time you cuss.  You will only resolve it when you use weapons of divine power to demolish it!  Prayer, confession, genuine repentance, followed by FILLING UP on the Word of God and Spirit of God in your heart!

4. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God!  Wow! Sounds like Christ set loose in the believer's life can DEMOLISH all the arguments, traps, and snares of the pretense Satan uses against us! And against our knowledge of God. Doesn't sound to me like we are helpless in dealing with Satan!

5. And we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ! Ah! A key point at the end. In order to take captive our thoughts, where temptations germinate, we have to desire to be obedient to Christ!  Jesus asked, "Do you want to get well?"  Seems like anyone who is sick or sin-sick would want to be well - but that is not always true.  Do you like your porn more than you love Jesus?  Do you love living fast and loose more than living fully for Christ? Do you like your wagging tongue and the thrill of gossiping against others more than exalting Christ with your speech?  The only way to take captive these behaviors is fully give yourself to Christ! Then, the power of the Spirit to enable you to truly take these thoughts captive and turn them to obedience is present.

Do you want to get well? Do you really desire to overcome?  Then one must FILL UP on Christ! And use His weapons of warfare - the buckle of truth (the word of God) the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helment of salvation, the foot protection of the gospel of peace.

Get free - and stay FREE!

Do You Ever "Dig In?"

The term "dig in," can be stated in both negative and positive ways!  Sometimes, the term "dig in" or "digging in" is negative. It usually means something like, "The opposition, already stinging from recents losses, are digging in for a long fight!"   On the positive side it may used to say, "Realizing that victory was just around the corner, the team started digging in and pulled out the win!

My question - do you ever "dig in?"  That is what I am doing right now!  Literally, for the next few days, I am "digging in" on some leadership plans, preaching plans, and life plans that will hopefully be utilitzed in the church over the rest of this year!  I am "digging in" this week in searching the scripture, the Lord, listening for the Spirit's affirming word!  I am not submitting plans to God for His approval! I am listening and praying and writing down what I beleive He is sharing with me! 

So, if you see me a little less this week - I am not "off!"  I am working harder than ever - before the Lord - and seeking His direction!  Looking forward to a getting a fresh Word! Won't you join me in "digging in" with the Lord?  We will all be blessed!

Bucket List or Glory List?

We've all joked some about a bucket list!  You know, that list of things we hope to do before we "kick the bucket!"  For example, before I die, I hope to see Alaska!  I would also like to visit Russia and China!  Nothing wrong with that at all! I may get to do those things and I may not!  

But, I was thinking about the whole "bucket list" deal and I think it may need a little adjusting among the people of God!  You see, I'm not going to die!  Well, I may physically, but my spirit is alive in Christ and will be for eternity!  

So, I really do not need a bucket list! I will never run out of time!  What I really need is a "glory list!"  While I am still living in both body and spirit, there are some things far better than going to Alaska, Russia, or China! 

1. I would love to see the church I serve be overwhelmed with the Spirit of God - to the point that our only concern would be to accomplish the will of God! 

2. I hope to see people in the pew bringing people to Christ daily and filling the baptistry weekly for the glory of God!

3. I would love to see our church give away in and on mission as much as we spend on ourselves! 

4. I would love to see all our marriages either restored or strengthened! No more "bust-ups" and ruined lives!

5. I would love to be a part of a movment of God - a sweeping revival - a turning of people to the glory of God - sweeping across our county, state, and country! 

Give it some thought - your glory list might be different than mine - and mine might change - but I think a "glory list" is better than a "bucket list!"

Upping Your Game!

"Upping your game" is usually a reference to improving our performance in some area.  Often we use the phrase to indicate an increased effort in a sport - like playing with an advanced determination or intensity.  It is to be noticeably more intense or concentrated in the game, thus "upping our game!"

What does it look like to "up our game" spiritually?  It may involve more of some things - like a more devoted practice of prayer or study of the scriptures. It may include more consistency in other areas like sharing one's faith or connecting with people in their needs.

I think, however, that the primary component of "upping the game" spiritually is becoming more obedient to Christ! Certainly an increased obedience may mean more prayer, more scripture, etc., but the intensity of Christian living that makes a difference in my life and the lives of others comes from obeying Him.  

For me, "upping my game" spiritually is about listening to Him - following Him - hearing from Him - doing and saying whatever He tells me to say or do!  It is to follow Him without hesitation - offering no arguments - no delays - none of my better ideas! 

He says, "Why do call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46  That verse alone indicates to me that immediately obeying Him is essential.  It is the only way I can truthfully call Him Lord! 

Right now, at least as far as my ministry goes, it seems like the 2nd half - the last quarter - the final stretch! Our circumstances scream out that it is time for the "A" game! It is time to turn up the intensity! The great thing for God's children is that God Himself, working in us as the Holy Spirit, will provide the intensity if we will simply trust Him and obey Him! 

Game on!

A Note to ABC!!!!!

1. Last Sunday the Spirit was moving!  WOW! It got so quiet during the morning message!  I could feel the heavy presence of conviction - and rejoiced to see serious people praying around the front of the worship center during the invitation. 

2. Thank you for hearing a word of instruction!  I really don't like to make "family" announcements, but the movement of people leaving during the invitation had finally gotten out of control.  When I am counting people going out the door instead of anticipating decisions in the invitation, something has to change!  Thank you for listening! No one left during the invitation Sunday!

3. The music was tight Sunday morning! What I mean by that is the message of the music led us in worship in the great truths of God's work in us and the necessity of that work.  It was Spirit led and well prepared us to hear a heavy word of truth about wheat and tares!

4. I believe there are people under conviction right now!  People who are tired of "faking it!"  People who may have just come to the realization that salvation is not gained through what someone else has said or remembers about us! Some folks are hoping in an experience or a prayer that has never brought to them a passion for Jesus, for obeying Jesus, for sharing Jesus, or for living a sanctified life!  My prayer is that anyone and everyone under the conviction of the Holy Spirit will yield to Him in repentance and faith! TODAY!

5. Next Sunday will be awesome!  Hard Truths About Following Jesus! Jesus is the topic for Sunday morning - how to and how we follow Him will be a part of the discussion!

6. BRING SOMEONE!  Don't you want to be obedient in spreading the Gospel? The easiest starting place for you to do that is to start inviting people to the place where you know they will be introduced to Jesus!  I didn't say it was the only thing you needed to do - but if you have not been introducing people to our wonderful Lord, a very safe way for you to start is to bring your friends with you to worship!  BRING SOMEONE this Sunday!  They will definitely hear about Jesus!

7. Let's Go to the RACES!  RA RACES are tomorrow night - WEDNESDAY!  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be available starting at 5:30 pm - and the races get underway around 6:15 pm - all around the Children's Worship Theater!

Blessings,

Dr. T

No Compromise!

Compromise seems to be "big" thing these days!  Everyone wants everyone else to "compromise" truth, morals, even common sense so we can all "feel good" about ourselves! People want to believe that compromise takes from many good ideas and standards and then creates a way of living in which we will have utopia!

But friends, genuine truth cannot be compromised without damaging everyone!  There may be some compromise that is insignificant - you want to go to a steak house and I want to go to a fish house - so we compromise and go to an oriental restuarant!  No big deal!  Of course, the result of compromise was that neither of us got anything we wanted - we just both settled on what we could tolerate.

When it comes to God's Word, the push is on, as much from inside the church as outside, to compromise!  God's Word says to be sexually pure before marriage and have fidelity to your spouse in marriage! Right now our society is not arguing about compromise on the first - we don't find much sexual purity even in the church before marriage! What we are being encouraged to compromise now is the institution of marriage itself!  If you want to get married, fine! If not, then accept it!  The problem - God's Word cannot be compromised.  It can be disobeyed - but not compromised.  You know why? Because God wrote it - and He doesn't compromise.

The marriage deal was just one illustration!  We are being bombarded to compromise all Biblical standards! The problem of compromising scripture is that we end up declaring eternal truths invalid! We essentially make ourselves the "deciders" of what is truth and what is not!  It is to reject the Lord Himself as truth!

The longer I preach, the more Biblically centered I am becoming! This is not a form of Biblical "idolatry!" It is the understanding that God gave us His Word to establish eternal truths and boundaries for our lives. He gave us scripture to reveal truths about Himself!  The more I preach, the more I am impressed to "let the Word speak!" 

The more I do that, I find the Holy Spirit "stirring" hearts!  Sometimes that "stirring" is like hitting a wasp nest with a stick!  Sometimes that stirring is a deep moving of the heart towards righteousness.  I have a lot to say - but I am trying to defer to staying out of the way and just letting the Word speak!  God uses us - He speaks through His servants - but His Word must outshine anything we have to say on the matter! 

One thing is for sure! In the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, those who teach and preach must not compromise on the Word of Truth!  To do so will likely end in disaster for the church and the teacher / preacher!  I, for one, want to avoid that!