What A Waste!

Ephesians 5:11-15
Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

There is a sauce which exists on this planet which is rivaled by none other. If there is such a thing as ambrosia, for me, this is it. The tangy taste of this tart treat makes my mouth water even as I write this. Is this the fruity concoction which ends up at so many picnics in the summer time? Absolutely not. That so called "ambrosia" pales in comparison to this substance. I'm sure you're desperate to know. You want to get right out to the grocery store before it closes for the evening, I'm sure.

What is this delectable delight?

Jellied cranberries. Oh yes, you know them. I'm not talking about real cranberries here. I'm not talking about the chunky kind with real berries in them. I'm talking heavily processed, jellied cranberries. They come in a can. You open the can, and they slowly slide from their home and glop out into a bowl waiting to be sliced and served. I especially like mine with turkey gravy poured over the top.

Jellied cranberries are one of life's love-hate experiences. You either love 'em or you hate 'em. Obviously you know where I stand on the issue. I've discovered, however, the vast majority of the population doesn't love 'em. I'm sure you sense my disappointment. It is such a terrible thing to have to see everyone passing the bowl around the table, occasionally taking a polite sliver and then nervously passing them along.

I however, am anxious. In fact, I usually make sure that I sit where the bowl is located so I am the first to pass the bowl around the table, thus insuring that I will be also be last to receive them. I get the leftovers. And there is usually much leftover.

And I let nothing go to waste when it comes to my cranberries.

Is this the case with the rest of my life? How much of my life do I let go to waste? How often do I spend a whole hour in worship, only to come home and mindlessly pop in a DVD to transform my mind into a complete vegetative state? How often do I fellowship with my brothers and sisters in the faith and then fall flat on my face in a futile attempt at what I think will be a time of rest? How often do I share the Gospel with those in my congregation on a Sunday morning, only to walk out the doors and push the pause button on my mouth and heart, waiting until next Sunday morning to once again share?

What do I do with my time? Is it spent in wasted hours of video games? Is it spent mindlessly watching sports? Am I really even investing in my children? At least that would be an investment. Often I am more passionate about my cranberries going to waste than the hours of my life.

Paul writes to both encourage and exhort the church in Ephesus. Encourage: to cheer on. Exhort: to give warnings or advice. In fact, Paul goes so far in this passage to tell the church they've not just been asleep...but they've been sleeping the sleep of death! Ouch. Is your church asleep? Is your church dead? Paul's giving a wake-up call here. And he's not beating around the bush or pulling his punches. He's telling it straight up: "Look church, you're not just asleep...it's as if you're dead. You are wasting time! What mindless pursuits you engage in! Knock it off! Stop killing time and start filling time purposefully."

How much T.V. do you watch? Do you read your Bible at least as much as you watch T.V.? How much music do you listen to each week which does not glorify God? Do you listen to at least as much music which praises Him and puts Him first in your life? Do you spend at least as much time worshiping Him as you do with this music...as you do with shopping...as you do surfing the internet...as you do playing computer games...as you do watching sports?

How many people have died and gone to hell while we were wasting time? That's the real question isn't it. As we pursue barren, and trivial activities there are people all around this world dying and going to Hell because they do not know the love that is in Christ Jesus.

But you do.

You have what they need. You have a relationship with a Savior who died on a cross for your sins. And so do they...they just don't know it yet. Friends, they are running headlong into an eternity of fire. If you saw your child or friend about to be burned by a hot stove, wouldn't you warn them? And why? Because you care...you don't want them to be hurt.

I guarantee you Hell is a lot warmer than a hot stove.

Jesus didn't go on vacation. But He intentionally took times away from His flock. He intentionally withdrew, not to get away from people, but to draw close to His Daddy in Heaven.

How often do we intentionally withdraw and in fact, sometimes purposefully withdraw even from our Father in Heaven? In fact, sometimes, we turn our backs because we don't want to be good for a while.

The Church which is described in Acts 2:42-47 got together everyday to worship as a body and then break up into small groups and share meals in each others' homes. They worshiped together every day. They became family to each other, sharing meals. They encouraged each other. They exhorted one another.

They were the Church...capital "c."

They didn't come home, pop in a DVD and "veg out." The wives worked each day, ministering to their homes and families while husbands worked a trade. And at the end of the day, they got together, worshiped, and then broke bread.

They didn't waste time. Apparently, this church in Ephesus began to waste some of its time, and so Paul, being a pastor to them, wrote to encourage and exhort.

Friends, I write to you today to do the same. If you're reading this and finding that you have a desire to draw closer to the Lord, to spend more time with Him, to read His word, to get together with other brothers and sisters in worship...keep it up! And go for it! Talk to your pastor. Tell him you want more! Challenge him to have more opportunities for growth, worship, and prayer in your church. And if you're reading this and feeling uncomfortable? That feeling you have right now is called conviction. It's where God is revealing something to you about your character or your life and calling for a change. What changes do you need to make to fill your time with more of the Lord, rather than just kill it in mindless, barren pursuits?

What would happen if we worshiped together everyday and then shared meals in one another’s homes? It's not feasible, is it? No, we couldn't do that, could we?

Why not? What if we did? The Acts 2 church added daily to their numbers. Friends, we get excited when a visitor comes to our church for a second Sunday to check us out. How many of them stay, accept the Lord, and get baptized?

When I see my Savior face-to-face, I imagine two possible conversations. One goes like this: "Shane, I gave you the gift of one life...one chance to share My love with this world and what did you do with it? You spent your time watching movies? You spent it "vegging out." How come you didn't spend it with Me? How come you didn't spend it feeding My lambs, the sheep of My flock? How come you didn't spend it sharing My Good News? How come you didn't spend it trying to warn people about Hell? What a waste!"

And then I imagine this conversation and hope is restored within me: "Shane...yes! Woo hoo! You did it! Well done, My good and faithful disciple! You died to your self and you found life in Me! Come and enter into the eternity which I have prepared for you!"

What's it going to be, friends? Will you fill time...or settle for killing it?

How will you waste your life? Will you waste it according the "wisdom" of the world on Jesus? Or will you truly waste your life, squandering it on worldly pursuits?

It's your choice...and your eternity.

Be WILD For Christ!

Pastor Shane

Shadow Dancing

Colossians 2:8-9
"They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that's not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in Him, so you can see and hear Him clearly. You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Jesus Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without Him. When you come to Him, that fullness comes together for you, too."

Once upon a time, a young boy went for a walk with his father. When they had reached a nice copse of trees, the father suggested they play a game of hide-and-go-seek. The boy readily accepted. He loved to spend time with his father. He loved the wonderful surprise of hiding and being found. He loved the wonderful fear he felt every time he had to find his father. The boy hid first. The father began to count...1...2...3...the boy ran off to hide. He found a great place to hide behind a large fallen tree. He even covered himself up with some sticks and leaves to hide even better. He thought he had the best hiding place ever.

And then he heard his father yell, "Ready or not, here I come." He could hear his father walking through the woods, looking high and low. And then he heard footsteps come closer and closer and closer until... "Ollie, ollie oxen free! There you are!" And the father reached right down with great assurance and confidently pulled the boy from his hiding place.

"That was a pretty good hiding place, son." the father said.

"Dad, how did you find me so fast? I had such a great hiding place!"

"Son, that was easy. I know you so well. I know how you think. I know how you smell, how you breathe, how you walk. I know when you get up in the morning and when you go to bed at night. I know the hair on your head. And I know how you like to hide. Because I know you so well, I was able to find you so easily."

"Okay, dad. Now it's your turn to hide!" And so the boy buried his face into his arms and began to count while his father ran off to hide. The boy decided to cheat a little bit. He counted really, really fast and didn't yell, but only spoke in a normal voice, "Ready or not, here I come." He hoped that he could catch his father not having found a hiding place yet.

And so he did. As he rounded a corner, he saw his father's shadow just disappearing. The boy ran on after the shadow. And as he began to catch up to the shadow, he saw it go behind a tree. Now he knew he had his father! He crept up to the tree. His heart was beating wildly in his chest, threatening to leap right out. He knew how his father loved to jump out and surprise him when found. And so with fear wrapped in awe, he crept closer and closer to the tree. He checked his breathing, controlled it. He didn't even rustle any of the leaves as he walked. The tree was now directly in front of him. All he had to do was to peek around the tree and his father would be found! He took a slow, deep breath, and said, "Gotcha..."

His father wasn't there. How could that be? He followed his father's shadow right up to this very tree. The boy was perplexed.

There was another tree just a few feet away. It was a large tree...large enough for a grown man to easily hide behind. The boy sat down at its base to try to figure out this puzzle. And is if his thoughts were heard by his father, he felt a hand on his shoulder and heard his father's voice.

"Son, you only chased after my shadow. You never sought me directly. Shadows will go away when they are cut off from their Source of Light. But I will never go away, because I am the Source of Light. When you want to find me, don't go after my shadow, look directly for me."

Have you ever played with your shadow? From where you are right now, can you make a shadow? Or, maybe on your lunch break, step outside for a couple of minutes and look for your shadow today. I want you to notice some things about your shadow:

-it moves with you
-it mirrors you
-it becomes distorted depending upon where you move in relationship to the source of light
-it doesn't always exist
-it is a representation of yourself...your shadow is not you

Your shadow moves with you. Where you go, it goes. It mirrors your every movement. But, only as well as it is able depending upon where you stand in relationship to the source of light. If the source of light is directly perpendicular to the surface upon which your shadow is cast, the mirroring of your movements is nearly perfect. However, change the angle only slightly and the distortion of your shadow becomes readily apparent. Another thing about your shadow...take away the source of light and you take away your shadow. Shadows don't always exist. And, your shadow only represents you. It's a facsimile. It's only an image...it's not tangible.

At all times, we are supposed to seek God. Instead, so many people only seek His shadow. They only seek a transitory image of the Father and not the Father Himself. If you have experienced loss and seek comfort from a friend who knows the Father, you will only find the shadow of God...maybe not even that. Because if your friend happens to be having a weak time in their faith, you may not find even the shadow of God, because they themselves have turned away from the Source of Light in their lives. If you are in pain and you seek your only comfort in medication, again, you will find only the shadow of God. Medicine is a gift from God, to be sure, but it is still only a part of God's shadow. If you are lonely and you seek fulfillment in the arms of another person, you will find only a shadow of the fulfillment that you will receive from being in the arms of God.

Shadows are finicky and wily. They're hard to catch because they are so often distorted.

But that is the nature of shadows...it's not the nature of God. God wants us to come to Him. He desires it. He wants to be found. And when we find Him, the Scripture tells us that "fullness comes together for you." God may use His shadow to offer some comfort, some easing of pain, some fulfillment to our loneliness. But ultimately, all shadows fade with the disappearance of their Light Source. And when we seek a shadow, we often come up empty-handed.

Today, imagine that your life is like walking in the woods, playing a game of hide-and-go-seek with your Heavenly Father. When it is your turn to hide, you are so easily found because God knows you so well. From what are you hiding?

But when God hides, we so often only seek His shadow. And so God says to you today: "My child, you only chased after My shadow. You never sought Me directly. Shadows will go away when they are cut off from their Source of Light. But I will never go away, because I AM the Source of Light. When you want to find me, don't go after My shadow, look directly for Me. If you seek My shadow, you will find the emptiness of the universe. Instead, seek My face. Come to Me and you will find the fullness that comes together for you, through Me. Stop dancing with My shadow and dance with Me, My dear one."

“Ollie-ollie-oxen-free!”

Be WILD For Christ!

Pastor Shane

The Defense Never Rests

1 John 2:1
"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have One who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."

The gavel is slammed down 3 times in rapid succession. The shock of the curt report of the hammer-shaped piece of wood striking the Judge's bench jars you from your thoughts. "This court will come to order."

You stand in a courtroom. Imagine the rich wood of the Judge's bench. Look up and see the face of the Judge. His face gives away nothing. You see neither mercy nor condemnation yet written there. You look around the courtroom. On one side, you see the Accuser. He's the prosecutor. He's filing charges against you. It is being alleged that you have committed sins against the Father. It is being alleged as well, that your faith was empty and wasted. Satan, the Accuser, turns to look at you. You see a glint in his eye. He's got evidence against you. It's written in his eyes for all to see. You are guilty. Satan sneer's at you with his self-satisfied smug smirk. You begin to recount the evidence in your mind. And you realize with shame, that everything he says that you have done or not done is absolutely true. You stand there, head hung with the weight of your guilt.

Again, you hear the voice of the Judge, "How does the defendant plead."

You begin to mutter and say, "Guil..."

But there is a commotion coming from the back of the courtroom. A Man is walking down the aisle toward you. He's kind and gentle looking. And yet, there is a quiet strength within this Man. You can sense there is something more to Him than meets the eye. Your muttered attempt at a plea is cut off as the Man walks toward you and says "Guilty, Your Honor...but there are extenuating circumstances of which this Court needs to be made aware."

Your mouth hangs open...incredulous. Who is this Man? Why does He change the nature of your plea? What evidence does He have of which you are not aware? You are certain that you are guilty of everything of which you are accused. How can this be?

The Accuser raises an objection, "I object, Your Honor. I was not made aware of a Defending Attorney for this trial. I respectfully ask that this Man be removed from these proceedings."

The Judge, with justice written on His face, looks up, looks deep into the eyes of His S...the Defender...and says, "With what authority do you speak on behalf of the defendant?"

The gentle, strong Man, without hesitation, looks deep into your eyes, and then looks to His Fa...the Judge and says, "My Father has granted me this authority."

The Judge then gives His ruling on the objection: "Objection over-ruled. I recognize His authority to speak on behalf of the defendant."

The Accuser then menacingly rises. You can almost see tendrils of blackness emanating from him as he stands to point his finger accusingly at you. "This man that You see before You today, Your Honor, has sinned against You. He has taken You for granted in his life. He has denied you. He has even mocked you. He has walked away from you even when he needed you most. In the face of opposition, he has given into fear instead of trusting in You. He has worshiped false gods and taken Your name in vain. And these are only the charges I raise which have to do with his relationship with You, Your Honor. Let's look at his walk of faith. It's pathetic. It's filled with apathy. How can he even claim to have been a witness for you, Your Honor? He only acknowledged You when others did the same. He only praised You when it wouldn't embarrass him. He only prayed when he was in a crisis. I, Satan the Accuser, stand before You today, Your Honor, to ask for this man's life. I ask You to give the only just verdict there is: eternal damnation in the fires of Hell. The prosecution rests, Your Honor."

The air hangs heavy with guilt, punishment, and shame. You sit there wondering what the Judge must think of you. With downcast eyes, you try to meet the eyes of your Defender. You can't. Your eyes are filling with tears of shame as you sit there. You know the charges to be true. You are guilty of everything that was said.

As if your Defender can read your thoughts, you feel His hand on your shoulder. He gives a gentle, reassuring squeeze. You lift your face to meet His eyes, expecting condemnation, and yet finding none. Instead, you see only gentle grace, tender mercy. A sigh escapes your lips as you begin to feel a sense of assurance. All is not lost. There is hope.

Your Defender introduces Himself to you finally. He says in a whisper, "My name is Jesus. You know Me. You have walked with Me and I with you. You have called on My name. When you look to the Accuser, you lose your hope. When you look to Me, your hope is restored. Satan would like this Court to forget two important facts here today."

The Judge turns to the Defender and says, "The Defense may state their case."

Jesus stands, looks to the bench, and says, "Father, I thank You for hearing our case today." Satan looks surprised at that. "Father, before you stands a man who was preyed upon by temptation. The very Accuser which stands before you in condemnation of this man is also the one who provided the bait for every trap this man fell prey to. Father, since the Garden, You know the sly wiles of Satan. You know how he beguiles his subjects into believing his lies. Satan, the Accuser, would like this Court to forget two important facts here today: first, he would like us to forget that restitution has already been made for all of eternity, for all sins ever to be committed by my death on the cross and by my resurrection. Second, he would like us to forget that anyone who calls on My name will be saved from death and eternal damnation. And Your Honor, if you would check the record, the Book of Life, I believe You will find the name of the defendant clearly written there in My handwriting. Your Honor, I ask for the life of this man to be spared."

The Judge pulls out a large tome filled with pages upon pages of names. He scans the pages until He comes upon your name. You notice that as He flips through the pages, that there are many empty pages yet to be filled. Whose names will be written there, you wonder? The moment passes. Your thoughts turn back towards your judgment. For a brief moment, you are tempted to glance at your Accuser. Instead, with confidence, you turn to look into the loving eyes of your Defender, Jesus. With that one look, you have all the confidence of Heaven.

The Judge then asks you to rise. He looks at you with penetrating eyes. You can feel His eyes searching the furthest recesses of your heart. And there, in the depths of your heart, He finds that His Son has made His home. And you sense that He is ready to pronounce His judgment. "Regarding the charges of being guilty of sin and of being lukewarm in the faith, this Court finds the Defendant..."

The air is heavy.

"...guilty."

His words echo through your mind. That one word, guilty, carries with it the weight of eternity.

With that, the Accuser shouts with triumph. He has won. You are defeated. You know the fate which awaits you. You notice a look passing between the Judge and the Defender...the Father and the Son. It's a knowing look. There are tears of pain and yet great joy in that look. The Defender looks at you reassuringly. The Judge looks at you with great mercy and joy as He says, "But...the price of restitution for these sins has already been paid." And with that, you see the deep abiding scars in the wrists and ankles of your Savior, for that is what He is: Savior...not simply Jesus the Defender...but also Jesus the Savior.

The gavel is again slammed down three times, echoing your three denials, reminding you again of the grace of the Father. With tears of unspeakable joy, you fall to your knees before the Father and His Son. And you realize in that moment that they are One, and that you are greatly loved.

Thomas a Kempis wrote: "If today thou art not prepared, how wilt thou be so tomorrow? Tomorrow is uncertain, and how knowest thou that thou shalt live till tomorrow? When it is morning, think that thou mayest die before night; and when evening comes, dare not to promise thyself the next morning. Be thou therefore always in readiness, and so lead thy life that death may never take thee unprepared."

If you died today, what would the ruling be in the decision in the case of: The Accuser versus__________________. (fill in your name)?

Who is your defending attorney? What is his reputation? Is it anyone other than Jesus? If so, you need a new attorney. Trust me on this one...no, better yet...trust Him. Call out the name of Jesus today. Ask Him to be your Defender. Ask Him to make His home in your heart. Trust Him to be Your Savior.

You are guilty. However, if you call on the name of Jesus, there will be extenuating circumstances when it comes time for your trial. And your case will be dismissed.
Be WILD For Christ!

Pastor Shane