STOP! Losing The Lost!

Luke 15:7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

I am amused when I hear someone call me an expert in any area of life. It’s nice and flattering to be considered as an expert, but most of the time I am just aware of the topic enough to get by in casual conversation. I have to research things all the time to get a better grasp of the fundamentals, infuse them with life lessons, and then I leave my heart and ears open to God’s direction. This is my formula to better understanding any topic. In other words I come from my life experiences and try to be an expert from that area. The rest is up to God’s grace for me to understand.

When I heard 1 of 5 Americans, which is 33,000,000, do not claim a religious affiliation and then you factor in those who are not Christians…that blows my mind away. After searching and researching I have come to believe most of the 33 plus million Americans rely on their human ability and their personal goodness,as well as focusing on what is wrong with religion,to get by on. I don’t know how they have hope in their lives if they don’t have Jesus in their souls.  Let us look at this honestly and truthfully at the lack of most believers when it comes to sharing their faith, because it would make them unpopular in their circle of friends. 

Christians who do not share their faith is simply an act of disobedience. The root problem for many Christians is that they are not growing spiritually and the lack of spiritual growth leads to a lack of desire or an embarrassment to share Jesus. The fear of rejection is one of the most commonly used statements to excuse failure to witness. Just think of it this way; if you reject them, it tells the non-believes that God also will reject them. We are the reflection of God and His light flows from us, right? The criticisms of being intolerant will come and it is up to you to not allow the lack of witnessing to be the proof. We are unwilling to share Jesus because we don’t want to be labeled as intolerant. But by not sharing you are only being tolerant to a world view and not a Jesus view.

We can do better and reach more non-believing Americans by simply inviting, disciplining, and forming better habits of witnessing the love of Jesus. Obedient believers have a true desire to reach the lost and to see people in heaven. You want to change the trend of losing the lost in America? The answer is three fold… witness to them, invite them to church, and pray for the words from God to be a witness of His love. So let me just say….Game on…I’ll start with the one put in front of me and continue until my last breath.

Living Life Large 4 Christ!

Pastor Frank Lott

What is Church?

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.”

      I remember playing the steeple game as a child. You would lock your fingers together, allowing your index fingers to make a point. Then you would say, “I see the steeple and open the doors and see all the people.” Today’s people spend most of their time with their mouth wide open, saying, “Wow! Look at that steeple or look at that building.” It’s time to be tugged on and remember: it’s not the steeple; it’s the people that make up the Church.

      The message today is the Church isn’t a building—it’s the people of God gathered together in His name. We must be aware of the Church is much more than just a building. It’s a group of people who care for one another, who grow together in the grace of God, and make an impact for Jesus. Frankly, I’m tired of “uppity” Christianity. The church was never started to be a place for just the wealthy, the comfortable, and those who have it all together. No, the church is for the broken, the hurting, and those whose lives are falling apart. If we are honest our status doesn’t protect us from life. We ALL have broken, hurting, and parts of our life which is a total mess. As Christians, this must be how we see ourselves in the world. 

      Don’t just go to church. Be the Church! Fellowship with other believers who will care for you, help you grow in your faith, and who will take it to the world! Make a commitment to put your arms around your community and make a real difference for Jesus.  Your desire for Jesus should show God’s love and grace to everyone because that’s the kind of church God calls us to be!

      No more excuses it’s time to be the salt and light by engaging the hurting and the broken with the message of God! 

Living Life Large 4 Christ!

Pastor Frank Lott

www.victorytree.org 

Timing Is A God Thing

Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Our timing is everything… ok maybe not everything, but is an important part of moving forward on life’s journey. God's plan and power for each of us is everything. His timing is never slow or fast, it is right on time and finding His timing for that plan is important. In the face of God we focused upon our yesterday on how bad or good things had been. Our focus is out of whack and our vision is limited to what can’t be done. Only at the end of our journey and looking back we see God’s plan realizing and saying, He would not lead us down a wrong path!

I can only imagine all the problems that are lifted up to God daily in prayer. I wonder if we could hear some of the prayers, would I get depressed or uplifted. Thousands, tens of thousands of people admit that they are unhappy with the financial, physical, and spiritual placement in their lives. We forget love comes in too many forms; there is the tough love, close friend love and then the powerful let me be embraced by God love, to name a few.  We expect only the good times and can’t seem to weather the bad. 

We all get discouraged from time to time and discouragement can range from the “I didn’t win the lottery” all the way to depression. Even some of the greatest biblical heroes of all time have been discouraged…such as Moses, Elijah, Jonah, David, and Peter. Discouragement can come in all kinds of phases and if not dealt with; it grows stronger and stronger in our lives.  But in Christ, you can overcome discouragement and peace which is found in Him. Whenever you feel discouraged, lean on Jesus, pray for His timing to bring abundant life.

We are often impatient and frustrated by having to wait. We must learn to stop trying to rush our timetable and for assuming our plan is His plan. Just ask for wisdom to know what to do, where to go, and when to act. Timing is a God thing and we need to seek patience and wisdom while we wait.

Living Life Large 4 Christ!

Pastor Frank Lott

Serve or Be Served

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

God open my eyes to the importance of a lifestyle focused on pleasing Him first. I faced my mortally, as well as the consequences of poor choices over the years. I joined the unhealthy heart club with three stents, high blood pressure, and a heart attack. This event made me re-think and reinvent myself to be living a healthier lifestyle inside and out.

The reality is a change has to happen in all areas of life. We love to be consumers of life, rather than a fully sold out contributor to God’s Kingdom. We lead deep lives of internal change, but fall short of the total package. It’s time for a wake-up call and live a life SOLD OUT to Jesus. We can’t lead others to the Lord if we don’t step up to the plate; have a total change of heart. The healthier we are inside and out the bigger foot print we make for the Kingdom!

Unfortunately, we have fallen into a consumer way of thinking. Instead of seeing ourselves as a warrior sailing into warfare, we find ourselves on vacation on a cruise ship, living comfortably watching and waiting for every need to be met.

 We either live to serve or be served. When you go to worship are you served or are you entertained? I am not saying don’t eat a cheese burger or go to the movies, and I’m not saying don’t be entertained at church, but I am saying put God first and everything else happens with passion. We’re going to ruffle some feathers. This happens anyway when you make changes in your life and stand for truth. Don’t let your struggles discourage you and put you on the sidelines. Instead, keep your focus on Him!

Live to serve. Don’t just consume because you’ll be consumed by laziness and bitterness. Allow the power of God to lead you because a changed heart is a changed soul. We are guaranteed to die, but the way we live will set the tone for those who follow. It starts and ends with the Power of God in our life!

Living Life Large 4 Christ!

Pastor Frank Lott

Why Do I Love God?

Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

To be real and real fair the title question is a loaded question. I have talked with many people and the most common answer was, “Because I am supposed too.”  The second most reply was, “He is love/power.”   However, I know it is much more than a one or three word response. If I asked you to tell me why you love your parents, spouse, or best friend, you would give a story of not only why, but when you fell in love with that person. Let me make it clear I am not trying to say you don’t love God…I am just saying most don’t love Him with the “ALL” part as outlined in scripture.

The first and principle commandment in the bible gives us the sum and amount we are called to love GOD. When it says “ALL” in the bible—to me it is saying I should be connected to Him, have knowledge of Him, value Him, delight in Him, have faith and trust in Him, worship Him, and be obedient to Him.  God is to be loved for more than just His perfection, works, and grace. I believe it is His relationship with each of us that defines our love. His love is strange because we each receive it in a different way.  The heart, soul, might, and mind requires us to give ALL of ourselves to Him, and with such a love that it is stronger than death. We find ourselves divided between God and the world allowing the substance of the world to win out. 

That is why we can give 100 reasons we love a car or movie and only a hand full of why’s to why we love God.  Peter is asked three times by Jesus, “Do you love me?” Peter’s response is paraphrased as, it’s impossible for us to love God with the same passion God loves us. But, God understands and accepts our weakness and continues to love us, as well as forgives us, at the same time. We seek perfection of love as an idea and not as a raw emotion.

The love for God also comes from seeing His qualities on display. The true righteousness and holiness are qualities possessed perfectly by only God. Amazingly, God uses His Spirit to make those qualities a growing reality in our lives when we surrender to Him. When we commit to let the Spirit work on maturing us in our weakest areas, we find God’s love to be enough to strengthen us. To be transformed we need to keep in mind the key word “ALL” in the following scripture. In Luke 10:27 Christ said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” My question is, does your love cover the “ALL” during good and bad times, which would be better known as unconditional. The question’s answer is more of a demonstration verses just a statement. I do love God, but to be honest I am and will continue to work on the "ALL" part daily.

Living Life Large 4 Christ,

Pastor Frank Lott

On Your Way To......

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

We are living in an instantaneous culture. We are always going from place A to place B without thinking, or for many, caring about the journey.  We want our food instantly, so they have microwaves and fast-food. We want entertainment instantly, so they have on-demand movies and cable television. We want, we want, and we want it all right now, so we can have stress free and happy lives! But the truth is, when on our way to someplace, we forget the importance of the journey.

We are on the way to finding gratification for short-lived pleasures in our day to day lives. We think that with so many ways to fulfill all our desires we are happier today than any other time in history. But, you don’t have to look far to realize that’s just not true. We have more hurts, pains, and poor choices because we look at the right now versus the right way.

On any journey we take baggage with us to supply us with comfort. Our bags are not packed with shirts, jeans, and toiletries but with the junk of our lives. We pack away insults, hurts, abandonments, pride, and sins to hide them from the world. After a while we find out we are going nowhere fast because we are weighed down and can’t find our breath much less peace.

It’s when we are on the way to the cross that we see Jesus and His journey. We see the fulfilling, accepting, and abundant life in Him, and not the pleasures of the fast pace world. On our way to the cross we find heartfelt answers with purpose and meanings. But the journey needs to be seen, so I have just a glimpse:

On the way to the cross Jesus…. showed us the way, the light, the truth.

On the way to the cross Jesus…. showed God’s love unconditionally.

On the way to the cross Jesus…. made it personal for us and to us.

We are moving so fast that we either forget or have never really yielded our lives to Jesus.  It is scary to look inside and see all the junk we carry around and think we can just excuse it away, because the baggage is too big or heavy to unpack by ourselves.  Just ask, and with a true heart, give your baggage to Jesus. Give your anger, your guilt, your fear and your sins to Him. 

When you place your faith in Jesus, you are secured in Him forever. If you have simply paid lip service and have never truly given your heart to Him, surrender today. It’s never too late to make Jesus the Lord of your life, and on your way to the cross others will see you have made it personal.

Live Life Large 4 Christ!

Pastor Frank Lott

Stop Defining Yourself By Your Hurts-The 70 x 7 Principle!

Matthew 18:21-23 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 

“I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven. For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves.”

Life is simple but we like to make it hard, painful, and many times just ugly with an unforgiving spirit and grudges. When we stop defining our lives by how we've been hurt and start allowing God to define who we are in His grace, things will start to change. You might even find compassion, love, and understanding; you know--that thing Christ gave to you called Grace!

We all have been hurt by the actions or words of another. Maybe your mother criticized you, a coworker sabotaged a project, or your spouse had an affair. These wounds can leave you with a lifelong feeling of anger, bitterness, or even desires of settling the score — but if we don't practice The 70 x 7 Principle, we might be the one who pays for it the most. By embracing forgiveness, we can also embrace peace, hope, and love. 

We must understand what forgiveness looks like before we can totally step into it. Usually, forgiveness is a decision to let go of anger and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can reduce the grip it has on you and help you focus on the positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding and compassion for the one who hurt you. The benefits of forgiving and letting go of grudges can make way for compassion, kindness, and peace. Living in the spirit of forgiveness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships
• Greater spiritual oneness
• Less anxiety and stress 
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower the chance of depression
• Lower risk of substance abuse

Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you or justify the wrong done to you. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. The 70 x 7 Principle brings a kind of peace or as I like to say “lets the offender stop living in your head rent free,” and allowing you to go on with life. It is a choice to live with bitterness or to live in a way that shows you have found a better way of living. 

Live Life Large 4 Christ,

Pastor Frank Lott

Ethos and Wishy Washiness

Psalm 25:20-21 Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.  May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD is in you.

Today’s world is full of struggles and finding the thin line between the social norm, as well as your faith, in doing right before God. What is the right thing to do when the situation opens the door to either making things look easy, or taking the door which leads you to doing right.  There is a difference, one is temporary and the other is lifelong action. We need a creed or a belief to rest in, to make the decision second nature. Our steps should lead to not just an ideal, but an action based in character--Christ like character. 

What’s right is right under God? The problem in answering the question is that many people get caught up in emotions or false justice when it comes to character.  We must take decisive action and stand by what God says is true. 

Ethos is a Greek word meaning "character" which is used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, or ideology with the power of influence on emotions, behaviors and even morals.  If your ethos is of God, stay with it, because it will never fail you. The social norm will go back and forth like the waves of the sea, God’s truth remains fixed confidently in hope, faith, and love. Yet in the world in which we live today, ethos is such a relative term. People say, “Well, that’s fine and good for you, but don’t impose your beliefs on me.”  So many have fallen into an era of moral “wishy washiness” that says truth and falsehood are neither absolute. God’s Word will never lead you off course. His word is our example of absolute grace, love, and character. In a world full of sin His word is absolute and is not a “wishy washy” concept, but an example of action.  

So, step out in faith and do what is right. Don’t compromise your foundational beliefs to just get a temporary benefit, but do what you know to be right before God and before yourself. In James 4:17 it states, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”  Your choice -Ethos of God or Wishy Washy social ideology?

Live Life Large 4 Christ!

Pastor Frank

My Addiction Can....

Psalm 72:12-14  "He will rescue the poor when they cry to Him; He will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and He will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to Him."

We, as a nation, are addicted to so many things from TV to drugs. Any addiction is a powerful thing, and addictions drive us to quench that overwhelming thirst. The most dangerous side of addiction is it is ruthless to both the strong, as well as the weak. The moment that thirst is fulfilled it grows in strength to make you more desperate to need/satisfy it. When we consider addiction we normally think about drug and alcohol abuse. It is bigger and wider spread than just in substances, it can turn into an unhealthy obsession of the mind and influence our actions.

Whatever your addiction is, it can become the most powerful force in your life.  Our obsession for any one thing can drive us to murder, to lie, to split personalities, and to fall deeper into depression losing ourselves with each passing moment. We find ourselves like lobster in hot water; it starts off innocent, but ends up cooking us from the inside out.

What if we desired God with a limitless and profound passion that He became the most powerful force in our life? What if we obsessed on only His will for us? It is my dream that we become addicted to God because He’ll drive us to give life, to be honest, to be of one master, and to find the escape hole in the world’s net of sin-- keeping us from being like the lobster.  A desire like that would fill the void we hunger and are longing for in everything else. It takes more than just words to fight back from worldly addiction; it takes actions of prayer, community, and forgiveness. God has the power to fix us, but it takes our desire to allow Him into our lives. 

Cry out – Cry out to Him!

Living Life Large in Christ!

Pastor Frank Lott