Sylvan Hills Church of Christ

A Heart for the Homeless

preachergreg — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:39:19 +0000

I love Chris Tomlin’s song titled, “God of this City.” It reminds us that God is one who offers hope and peace to everyone regardless of their socio-economic standing. He is a God who is concerned about the outcasts, the oppressed, and the homeless.

Many of us drive on by and try to act like we don’t notice those who live on the streets. Whether we look their way or not, God is with them. He has a heart for the homeless. All souls are important to Him and ought to be to us as well.

Why not skip a meal this week and send the money saved to an inner city homeless ministry? They are on the front lines of providing basic necessities to those who have no where else to turn. Volunteers are always needed. You are needed. Maybe the “God of this City” is calling you to a season of service. If so, your life will never be the same.

Planning for the Future

preachergreg — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:02:55 +0000

“Where are we going for vacation?” asks your family. “Don’t know,” you reply, “Just pack your bags, get in the car and we’ll see what happens.” Forgive your family if they seem a little less excited than what you had hoped. A lack of planning and direction in any endeavor creates anxiety. If no one really knows where you are going, how will you know when you get there?

The Bible teaches that “the plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage” (Prov. 21:5). However, we are also reminded that while “the mind of man plans his way…the Lord directs his steps” (Prov. 16:9). The key with planning is to take our ideas to the Lord and then allow Him to bless them, redirect them, or even defeat them.

What are you planning to do for the future? Do your plans glorify God and help draw you closer to Him? Will your vision of the future bless others? God has plans to bless those who walk in obedience with a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11). Take time this week to pray and plan.

Family Vacations

preachergreg — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:17:18 +0000

I grew up in a home where summers flew by like a top fuel dragster on the quarter mile strip. Everyone in my family played softball or baseball throughout the entire break! With our hectic schedules, little time remained for a leisurely summer vacation.

Maybe your challenge in taking a vacation is a full activities calendar, little time off from work, financial concerns or all of the above! Vacations need not be expensive, but they do require time - undistracted time.

Don’t feel you can squeeze one in this year? Kent Hughes responds: “Lost opportunities cannot be recovered. A vacation forgone this year cannot be taken next year - at least not with the same children. Next year the children will be different - speaking new words, seeing the world through different eyes… Vacations are important because they make a disproportionate contribution to the treasury of positive family memories that are so crucial in enhancing affection.” (Disciplines of a Godly Family, p37)

Get out of town this summer for a family vacation! Have some fun! “A joyful heart is good medicine!” (Proverbs 17:22)

Nashville Rising

preachergreg — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:24:07 +0000

Losses from the May 2nd flooding in Nashville have been staggering. It has been called, “The single largest disaster to hit Middle Tennessee since the Civil War.” Some have speculated that it may be the “costliest non-hurricane disaster in American history.” There is still no definitive answer on how many people have lost their homes. Statewide, twenty-three have lost their lives. One couple got in their car to flee the rising waters but were swept away on the road. The man died because he couldn’t get out and into his wheelchair, his wife died because she refused to leave him alone in the car.

Nashville is rising again. Not the floodwaters, but the spirit of a heavily churched city with middle America values. Their strength has been an example to the world. Stories abound of courageous rescues and generous neighbors helping neighbors. One woman’s house was on fire and she had a choice of either dying in the fire or dying in the flood. At exactly the right moment, a man on a Jet-Ski pulled up and rescued her. She exclaimed, “God sent me an angel on a Jet-Ski!”

One church sent out a tweet asking for volunteers to help with the clean-up and had over 1,000 people show up. Country music stars stepped up to help their beloved city even before the national media decided it might be time to give the disaster a little coverage. Taylor Swift donated $500,000 herself.

Jesus taught that each of us have a responsibility to look out for our neighbors well-being. Loving our neighbors means physically and financially being there for them during difficult times. In the story of the Good Samaritan, the victim needed more than good wishes. He needed someone with compassion. Someone who would bandage his wounds, pour wine and oil on them, transport him to safety, and pay for his care (Lk. 10:30ff).

Often times the Bible Belt gets a bad rap of not behaving much different than the rest of the country. But maybe, just maybe there is a correlation between the way Middle Tennessee has responded and their moral convictions.

National Day of Prayer

preachergreg — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:38:16 +0000

President Ronald Reagan once said, “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” On Thursday, May 6 you are invited to join thousands of others in participating in the annual National Day of Prayer. While prayer is to be a daily discipline among believers, this special day of prayer is a time for all to unite together on behalf of our nation.

For what should we pray? Pray for our government leaders as they are currently making decisions that will impact several generations to come (Rom. 13:1,2). Pray for our nation to humble ourselves before God and turn from our sinful ways (2 Chron. 7:14). Pray for a revival of righteousness (Prov. 14:34).

In conjunction with the National Day of Prayer, the Sherwood Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held Tuesday, May 4 at 7:00 a.m. at Sherwood Forest. According to Sherwood Mayor Virginia Hillman, “This prayer breakfast enables us to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage and our freedoms… Our nation and our leaders are in need of prayer, so I ask you to join with this city-wide event.” Thank you Mayor Hillman for your leadership in this effort.

Honoring Aging Parents

preachergreg — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:35:38 +0000

Showing reverence to God is more than a Sunday endeavor. Our daily decisions reflect our response to God’s rule in our lives. One such example is in the area of honoring our parents. In the Bible, honoring aging parents is connected with reverence for God’s holiness (Lev. 19:2,3,32). Young children honor their parents through obedience (Eph. 6:1ff). Adult children honor their parents by holding them in high regard, speaking forth words of gratitude, and assisting them with their needs in old age (1 Tim. 5:4,8).

When adult children walk in the way of wisdom, they bring joy to their parents (Prov. 15:20; 23:22,24,25). Walking in the way of rebellion with self-destructive behavior brings heartache. Every parent wants the best for their child regardless of their age. Some express it better than others, but almost all desire it for their child.

Why not today say, “Thank You!” to your parents? The days are slipping by and one day the opportunity will be gone. A phone call, a card, or better yet a visit will be welcomed.

When Jesus is On Board

preachergreg — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:49:04 +0000

On one occasion as Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee a fierce storm came upon them. They crossing to the other side because Jesus had suggested the trip and suddenly it had become dangerous. Along with other boats nearby, the one in which Jesus was on board was tossed by the waves and beginning to fill up with water. As the storm howled and water crashed upon the deck, it was noticed that Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the stern. With panic stricken voices, the disciples awoke Jesus and asked, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus quieted the storm and then asked, “Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mk. 4:35-41 NASB).

When the storms come in our life it is easy to focus on the danger of the wind and the destruction of the waves. We may even become a little seasick and wonder if Jesus is aware of our perilous situation and if He cares. Walking by sight will result in fear and doubt. In contrast, walking by faith infuses confidence and perseverance. Faith believes calmness can be experienced at any moment because Jesus is on board. Faith is based upon knowing ahead of time, He cares.

Maybe today you need to pause from bailing water and make sure Jesus is on board. If He is in your life, the storm can be calmed on His perfect timing. If He is not, invite Him on board today.

A Modern Tower of Babel

preachergreg — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:10:37 +0000

Burj Dubai (Arabic for “Dubai Tower”) is now completed. Rising 2,717 feet, the $1.5 billion structure is the tallest in the world. It will have a swimming pool on the 76^{th floor and a mosque on the 158th floor. Builders of the Dubai Tower wanted it to be a monument to the boundless human spirit of their people (ironically, it was designed by a U.S. firm out of Chicago).}

Builders of the original tower of Babel had a similar motive. “Let us make for ourselves a name” (Genesis 11:4). Their intent was to bring glory to themselves and not God. Babel was about the human spirit rather than the Holy Spirit. It was a tribute to the potential of men rather than the possibilities with God.

The ultimate aim for man is not to build monuments to ourselves. Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Ultimately, the human spirit is full of potential only as it is full of faith in the Creator. He is the one able to do more than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20). To Him be the glory!

Blessing as Worship

preachergreg — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:45:30 +0000

We often speak of the blessings of life such as our families, our health, and opportunities that come our way. Blessings are usually defined as positive events, people, and places which enhance the quality of our life. With the proper perspective, even trials and struggles can be blessings as they refine our character and test our faith. Every soul ought to be interested in the spiritual blessings which are found in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3) since they are of eternal benefit.

When we respond to the reception of blessings by giving thanks, we in turn bless God. Not in the sense that He receives something which was previously missing in His existence, but in the act of worship. We bless God by giving thanks (Ps. 100:1-5). Whether in song, prayer, or service to others, giving thanks to Him is an act of reverence and adoration. It is an acknowledgement of His lovingkindness, goodness, and faithfulness. It is the softening of a selfish heart in acts which demonstrate appreciation toward a generous God.

While gathered around the Thanksgiving table this year, give a thank offering from the heart. Do more than watch football, bless His holy name.

Self-Delusion and Sin

preachergreg — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:02:17 +0000

“How did it happen? He used to be such a good person. I can’t believe he has allowed this addiction to take over his life.” Similar comments are often heard when expressing shock over the discovery of hidden sin in the life of a “godly person.”

Anyone, Christians included, can become comfortable with the continual presence of sinful behavior if the conscience has been dulled. The downward process to self-delusion begins with rationalization. A person excuses their own sin by comparing it to the sins of others which they judge in the jury of their own mind to be far more serious.

The Bible says, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith, examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Grading of the test is based upon Scripture, not the imperfections of others. The self-deluded person must come face to face with God’s word and be honest with self. Only then will they seek deliverance in Christ.