One Step at a Time

A few weeks ago our family launched out into a transition to serve as pastor at a new church, in a different state. We left Alabama and headed to Fort Mill, SC.  We are enjoying the journey and feel as if we are right in the middle of God’s plan for our lives. And on this journey, He is teaching us to trust Him, one step at a time.

I’m trusting Him with my finances as I wait for my house to sell in Alabama.   I’m trusting Him with my twenty year old son who lives six hours away from us. I’m trusting Him with my daughter as she continues to adjust as a junior in a new high school.  I’m trusting Him with my church as I do my best to follow His lead.

As much as I would like for Him to reveal my entire story to me, He knows I can’t handle it.  I would likely shrink back from intense challenges. I would likely resist His redirection.  I would likely choose the easy path, the comfortable path. And so instead of Him revealing it all to me, He says, “Trust me today, one step at a time.”  And this is what I am learning…He is truly trustworthy.  As I allow Him to order my steps (Psalm 37:23), He will lead me to and through anything that may come my way.

So the journey continues, one step at a time! And I’m enjoying every minute. Not because everything is perfect but because He is in control of everything.

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Whatever Happens

I’ve thrown my bat back towards the dugout after striking out.  I’ve slammed my golf clubs after a bad tee shot. I’ve yelled at my wife and kids after a hard day at the office.  I’ve wanted to get revenge on those who have done me wrong.  I have ignored the needs of my neighbor and been cynical towards the homeless man on the side of the road.

It’s unfortunate but I haven’t always conducted myself in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yet the apostle Paul says to us from a prison cell in Philippians 1:27, “Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The words “whatever happens” really calls us to higher living.  It is a call to Christ-like living. But I have to be honest and say that is easier said than done.

When someone does me wrong…     When my co-worker pushes all of my buttons…     When life just doesn’t seem to be going my way…      When the doctor gives a terminal diagnosis…      When my marriage seems rocky at best…

Like me, you can consider one of these situations or even all of them, conducting myself in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ is tough.  However, through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God, it is truly obtainable.

So I am praying for you on this Monday morning and I ask that you pray for me. When we conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are showing the world that life in Christ truly makes a difference.  It is then and only then that our lives are truly attractive for His glory!  Make this Monday Matter!  Let’s do this!

Someone is Following You

Yesterday I opened our time of worship with the reading of Psalm 139.  I have read that Psalm countless times and referenced it in many sermons.  But when I read verse five yesterday morning, it jumped off the page with fresh comfort for my life.

Psalm 139:5 You go before me and you follow me.

Such a simple, short verse with such profound meaning.  There have been times in my life when it seemed to me that God was absent or very distant.  I’ve wanted to ask him, “Lord where are you?” I think this verse has settled that issue for me.

So going forward, when He seems absent, I will trust that He is going before me, preparing the way (Isaiah 45:2).  And I will be comforted by the promise that He is following me.  He is ensuring my arrival at my destination and protecting me from the attacks of the enemy.

And of course the reality is that He never leaves us.  Hebrews 13:5 says I will never fail you or abandon you.  

So go enjoy your Monday!  He goes before you. He follows you. He never leaves you!

Rainy Days and Mondays

It’s Monday morning and everyone knows that Monday is the one day of the week that nearly everyone hates.  It’s back to work, back to school and back to reality.  We escape on the weekends for a few days only to hear Monday screaming, “I’m waiting for you!”

With the dread of Monday, at least here in Alabama, came heavy rain from the time we woke up.  No one likes a rainy Monday. The Carpenters knew it and wrote a classic.  Here it is for your enjoyment.  Rainy Days and Monday  You can thank me later!

One of the lines in the song is key for all of us on Monday and especially on a rainy Monday. “Funny but it seems that it’s the only thing to do. Run and find the one who loves me.”  And that’s my recommendation on this Monday.

Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. ³⁹ No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I’m not sure what this verse does for you, but it gives me great hope and encouragement as I start this week.  Monday matters.  I’ll only get this day this one time in my life.  No rain, no trouble, no worries will hold me back.  The love of Christ will help me and keep me no matter what the week holds.

I hope you a great week!

The First Time in 14 Years

I can’t believe another school year is upon us.  It seems as though summer just began and yet fall is creeping around the corner.  But more than that, our family unit continues to grow and change.  And it happens so very fast.

Today, was the first time in fourteen years that I wasn’t needed to take my kids to school.  Chris graduated three years ago, so that’s been over for a while. But Carissa is now sixteen and can drive herself to school.  Kind of painful this morning when I watched her pull out of our driveway.

Two things for me to takeaway from this moment.

1. Life will not slow down.  James 4:14 says, “Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” In my opinion, that is one of the truest statements ever written.
2. I will celebrate every moment.  Since I can’t slow things down, instead of being depressed, I CHOOSE to celebrate each moment, each phase and each year.

So for the first time in fourteen years I’m not needed to drive my kids to school.  I celebrate not being stuck in school traffic! I celebrate not starting my morning with road rage and increased blood pressure.  I celebrate my second cup of coffee at home instead of trying to find a to-go cup.

More importantly, I  celebrate that both of my kids are growing up into mature, contributing young adults.  I’m watching them spread their wings a little more every year.  One is looking to leave the nest at some point, while the other is just wanting to drive all over the place.

But it’s all good.  God is good.  I’m one blessed man.

I Refuse to Celebrate

No one loves a celebration more than me. For one reason, my celebrations usually involve food! I love finding any reason to splurge and head to a restaurant and indulge in good food, good fun and celebration. If I lose one pound in a week, I celebrate on the weekend with a big piece of cheesecake. No one has to convince me into a celebration.

With that said, there’s something I refuse to celebrate.  I don’t read Facebook as much as I used to but I can’t help but notice all the recent posts about end times and the judgment of God that is coming. There is a lot going on in our world and many things are pointing us to the end. I will be quick to add, judgment is coming. I believe the end is near. But I refuse to celebrate.

It seems to me and I could be wrong, that Christians can’t wait to see Christ return and make everything right that’s wrong with this world. I have been guilty of this before. And when I see some of the things that are happening, I am tempted to take that approach again. I do long for righteousness to prevail but I also long for salvation in the lives of many people who have not yet accepted Christ as their Savior. 

Instead of celebrating the coming judgment of God, I will celebrate the fact that “grace” is available today. That means there is hope for this messed-up crazy world. (John 3:16, Romans 5:15, 2 Corinthians 8:9)

Instead of celebrating the coming judgment of God, celebrate the fact that the most wretched, sinful, evil person can experience God’s forgiveness. And there’s still time for that to happen. That is worth celebrating.

Remember this. When the judgment of God happens and is fully come, many people, many of your loved ones will die and spend eternity in a place called hell. As the love of Christ matures in us, it should move us to weeping and grieving, not to celebrating the coming judgment of God.

Matthew 18:14 – Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Sure it is frustrating to see the continued moral decline of our nation. Sure it is frustrating to think about our kids growing up in a world of great sin. But I don’t want the end to come and find me celebrating. Oh but for God’s amazing grace, I too, would be subject to His judgment.

Many will argue that their rants and posts are to warn people about the coming judgment of God. But I have discovered motivating people with fear only works momentarily. At least that is how it works in my life.

A better option might be helping them discover, understand and embrace the incredible display of grace given by Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary (Romans 5:8). Oh what a difference it has made in my life and will make in my eternity.

Pastor Kemp's Blog

I don’t usually post a blog on Sundays but with this being Easter Sunday morning I couldn’t help but include this little story from the life of famed journalist G.K. Chesterton.  It comes from Leonard Sweet’s excellent book: Out of the Question, Into the Mystery.

Standing on a London street corner, G.K. Chesterton was approached by a newspaper reporter. “Sir, I understand that you recently became a Christian. May I ask you one question?”

“Certainly,” replied Chesterton.

“If the risen Christ suddenly appeared at this very moment and stood behind you, what would you do?”

Chesterton looked the reporter squarely in the eye and said, “He is.”

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