Idols?

What do you think of when you think of idols? There are many examples of idols all throughout Scripture such as the 450 prophets of baal and their idols, the golden calf, and the many examples of sacrifices made to idols, etc. However, we rarely think about things in our lives that we have made into idols. The Scriptures are clear about loving God. The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul (Matthew 22:37-39). If you love God, you'll obey His commands (John 14:15). Do we mistakenly make things in our lives idols?

Timothy Keller says, "We think idols are bad things, but that is almost never the case. The greater the good, the more likely we are to expect that it can satisfy our deepest needs and hopes. Anything can serve as a counterfeit god, especially the very best things in life." Did you catch that last sentence...anything?? Idols are anything that are more important to you than God; anything that you seek to satisfy the needs that only God can meet. Idols are rarely bad things. They are usually good things in our lives but we have replaced our love for God with them. You see, God doesn't just want half your heart. He also though, doesn't want you to be miserable. He gives us many things that are enjoyable and make life more pleasurable, but when those things take over and we focus more on them, we remove God from the equation. God blesses us with many relationships, but do those relationships drive you and are you more focused on pleasing the other person than you are in pleasing God? God blesses us with success, but does success drive you to want more of it that your focus then turns from God to power? God blesses us with money, but does the love of money cause you to turn your focus from giving God the first portion of every blessing you receive?

In reality, many of us have idols in our lives right now that we are not aware of. They remove our focus from God and from seeking Him in all we do. Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us to throw off everything that hinders us from growing more in love with God and honoring Him. Romans 1:25 says, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen." We must remove all idols from our lives. The longer they stay, the harder it is to remove them. The longer they stay, the harder it is to continue to walk faithfully with God...Pastor Steven Furtick says, "Who cares if you learn a new principle if the old ones you’re still living by contradict it?"

Haiti

I have had the privilege of being on multiple mission trips throughout my life from inner city Detroit, Mississippi, and Florida to Guatemala, Africa, and Russia. The more I am exposed, the more I am blessed. There is something about seeing poverty like that first hand and being able to love on children who do not get that kind of attention. Missions for me puts life into perspective of how blessed we are to live in the States.

We just completed our Fall push the last couple of weekends getting students and adults signed up into eGroups (Small Groups at Elevation). We saw over 1,300 students and adults get plugged in. It was amazing, but with that many people signing up comes a lot of computer work and organizing, making sure people are where they are supposed to be. So on Tuesday, I entered work like I have been the last couple weeks knowing that I had a lot of stuff to do. As I was leaving the office at 5:45, I just so happened to catch a conversation with 2 ladies who were talking about Haiti and how Sean (the lead photographer at Elevation) needed someone to go along to help carry equipment. Long and crazy story short, I was told that I may be going to Haiti and to stand-by. At 8:30 PM I got a message saying that it probably wasn't going to happen because they couldn't find a flight home for me. At 10:30 PM I got a call saying that I was going to Haiti, flight was booked, and to meet at the church at 3 AM to head to the airport. Over the next 3 days I would be in Miami helping Sean with a Pastor wives dinner event and then on my way to Haiti with 7 Pastor wives from all over the country including our very own Holly Furtick. We got to visit three orphanages (including the one that Elevation sponsors) and drive around Haiti looking at the destruction that happened because of the Earthquake in 2010. Haiti, being a third world country already, left 600,000 plus people living in tents wherever they could set up. That is 900,000 people less than the original number of people that were left stranded because of the earthquake. It's tough to come to terms with the damage that was done. The Palace was completely destroyed and the famous Cathedral in Porte Au Prince was left with pretty much just the structure. That however, was not the heartbreaking part...

The orphans were thrilled to see us. The women had the opportunity to feed and serve the children at each orphanage but it was at the orphanage that Elevation sponsors where my heart was completely left in ruins. Here, while the women were serving most of the children inside, I was able to play some soccer with some of the older kids. We had a lot of fun and I love to be able to interact with kids that way. Towards the end of that visit I was standing next to a boy named Peterson who looked very sad. He was 3 years old and was wearing shoes that were 2 sizes too small. I picked him up and sat him on my lap and he shared with me his bouncy ball. Holly came over and noticed that he had a large hernia sticking out of his stomach. An easy surgery that he probably will never get to have. I'm sure that was the reason for his sad look. He was probably miserable and in constant pain. As we were leaving, I put him down and started to walk to our vehicle. I turned around to wave goodbye and there was Peterson running my way with his arms up wanting me to pick him back up. This was when my heart sank. I picked him back up for a short while, hugged him tight, and put him back down on the ground. As soon as his feet hit the ground he grabbed hold of my pants. It was in that moment that I had to fight back tears. I had to call over one of the orphan leaders to pick him up so we could leave. That picture will stay with me forever.

I love being able to witness stuff like this first hand. I think of James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." I think everyone should help out with missions in one way or another and yes I believe that giving is great and a must but there is something that is worth much more than money...that is time. These kids don't get loved on. They don't get quality time. They don't get physical touch. I think the best times for children in areas of poverty are those days when they are loved...actually I think that is the case for every single human being. We all want to be loved and Jesus was the perfect example of it. I encourage all of you if you have not already to go on a missions trip to a third world country. It will put life into perspective for you and will help you understand what it means to be grateful. You will also be blessed far more than you'll ever think was possible. In fact, when going on missions, my mindset has usually been, I can't wait to serve and bless these people. But every time I leave, I end up being blessed much more by those I serve because they are far more grateful than I am and they have far less...

Photos and video by Sean Lyon...

Picture with Peterson

The Cathedral

The Palace

Timing Matters - by Larry Hubatka

This blog was written by Larry Hubatka. He is one of the Campus Pastor's here at Elevation and this is a great reminder about timing. Let it encourage you to always be obedient to what God is telling you to do... 


One of the best lessons I’ve learned from my Pastor is timing matters.

Short version…read Numbers 13-14. 12 spies went out to take a look at the land God promised Israel, and only 2 were feelin’ it. 2 wanted to take what God said was theirs. 2 said the obstacles were real, but not too big for God.

But 10 said, “no”. 10 couldn’t believe it was possible to overtake the natives. 10 decided they weren’t interested…at least not yet.

So they all passed.

Until enough time passed and they decided, “maybe it’s time to go back and take what’s ours”.

But by that time, the window had closed. The opportunity had passed. The door was shut. Whatever the cliche, it was no longer an option. Because timing matters.

Moses wanted to lead Israel into the Promised Land, finally. The land the 2 wanted to enter into long ago. The 2, Joshua and Caleb, had good intentions, but it wasn’t enough to swing everyone over to their side. And consequently, everyone was shut out of the Promised Land, because they didn’t go the first time around when they were directed to–regardless of the circumstances.

Timing matters.

Don’t miss the opportunity, because you talk yourself out of it when the circumstances look too daunting.

You never lose God’s love. But you can lose out on opportunities when you don’t go when you’re supposed to go.

Danger: Being vs. Doing

Satan is powerful and can make you feel like you're living in hell, but he can't stop you from being saved. Larry Brey told us a powerful story of a guy named Sam last month during our "Follow" series. Sam found himself in the darkest moment of his life. In fact, the story takes place with him in the bagel shop just a mile down the road from Elevation. He was planning to take the life of his father and then to take his own life when a man walked up to him and took him to Elevation for church that morning. Sam got saved and God totally changed his story. Sam was the first person to be baptized at our brand new University Campus. Praise God. But how do you stay in a place of joy? How to you stay away from going into autopilot in your faith?

God has given us all strengths and weaknesses. No matter how strong a strength is or how weak a weakness may seem, we must lay it down at the feet of Jesus and bring Him the glory in all we do...daily. We all must find our identity in Christ. I wrote a blog earlier on our identity (you can read it here...Identity).  The danger in ministry is becoming the gift that God gave you. For me personally, I am called to work with and lead students to a growing relationship with Christ, but who I am is crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). What I do is not who I am. My confidence and identity needs to be in Christ and not what I do for Him. Am I too busy working for God or am I filled with a relationship with Him? Am I trying to be a quotable person or am I living a life that is well pleasing to God?

Acts 1:8 says "you will be my witnesses." The difference between being and doing is simple but drastic. Doing is all about self and what I can do with my hands and my life to make a difference. Being is what God does through you...it is what you have become. Brey says, "We must be careful to never reduce the will of God to just doing." The question to ask yourself is what do you want to become? God did not create you to do something, He created you to be someone! The greatest contentment in life is when your identity is found in God and you become the person He intended you to be, not just doing the work He wants you to complete.

Called To Carry

I love the different translations of the Word of God; sometimes a look at multiple versions helps explain a passage. Galatians 6:2 is one of those verses. In the NIV, God calls us to carry the burdens of others. NLT says to share each other's burdens. The NASB and ESV say to bear one another's burdens. The Greek word for bear is bastazo and its literal translation means 'to take up'. It is the same word that is used in Luke 14:27 when God says that whoever does not 'take up' their own cross and come after me is not my disciple.  The word is used as a command. We are to take up our own cross; we are also to take up the burdens of others, helping bear, carry, or share the load. Sometimes the best thing you can do while people are in their darkest moments is do things to take their mind off their problems. How many of you would have loved it if someone had just gotten you out of the house for a weekend or a night? Don't shy away from doing simple things for others. Jesus constantly showed His love to others, some were through miracles, others through compassion, and still others through serving. A kind gesture goes a long way for someone who desperately needs it.

In Pastor Steven Furtick's book "Sun Stand Still" he says, "Faith is contagious. You will be empowered when you surround yourself with people who will help to bear the burden of your Sun Stand Still prayer. They'll help you keep the vision in sight when there's nothing to see. They'll remind you of God's faithfulness when your own faith is faltering. They'll increase the effectiveness of your prayer exponentially by joining their faith with yours." In the same way, just as prayer gets stronger with more people, you get stronger through your struggles with a team. Matthew 18:20 talks about the presence and power of God when two or three are gathered in His name. There is power in numbers...there is power when we join together in Christ. How can you carry the burdens of others? How can you bless someone today?

Struggles

Every Christian goes through struggles of some sort. I wrote a blog earlier on Romans 12:12...joyful in hope, patient in afflictions, and faithful in prayer (you can read it here 12:12). We can know through our struggles in life that no matter what we are going through, God is with us and led us there. He is trying to teach us something. We must never take for granted or complain in our lowest of valleys because they are always tests of faith. God wants to know if you are going to cling to Him, even when things don't go our way or when circumstances seem hopeless or unfair. God is good and always faithful. Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good for those who love Him...so we have this assurance and promise that good things are ahead, if we would only continue to trust in God. It may not make any sense why your life may seem to be falling apart but God is in control. 2 Corinthians 1:5 says, "For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." Another encouraging verse is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13...God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Sometimes though, it's tough. Honestly speaking, the trials some of us go through just seem flat out ridiculous. They seem ridiculous to us, because we don't understand. Again, my only answer for this is for you to know more Scripture. I was reading the controversial book "Love Wins" by Rob Bell and was getting very frustrated. He has some absurd questions he brings up in his book. Although, he has some good points about the love of God, he misses the sovereignty of Him altogether. I was convicted while watching a video post by Francis Chan. He brings up two passages of Scripture. Isaiah 55 talks about our thoughts are not God's thoughts and our ways are not God's ways. This is why some things do not make sense and why we don't have answers to some questions. He goes on to explain Romans 9 where it talks about the potter and the clay. The clay cannot tell the potter what to do can he? So then why are we questioning God when He allows things to happen in our lives? That right there will hit some of you hard.

When it comes to faith, even in our darkest moments, Pastor Britt Merrick is the guy to listen from. In his book "Big God" he explains the horrible experience his family went through when doctors found a cancerous tumor the size of a nerf football in his 5 year old daughter. He had an opportunity to ask 'why' and question God but he didn't. He says, "Having been fortified by the Word of God, we never had to ask why. We simply always said, 'we trust you, God'...It didn't require any great faith because we had read our Bibles and knew that our God was a big God whom we could trust, no matter what. That is what gave us a foundation, a solid footing when it seemed as if the world crumbled around us."

You see, if we just knew what the Bible said, I think we would be in a lot better shape when struggles come. God doesn't promise us understanding. He promises us peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7). Psalm 119: 71 - "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalm 119:28 - "My soul is weary with sorrow, strengthen me according to your word." Psalm 119:50 - "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." Psalm 62:5-8 - "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."

Finally, I'll close with this...Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that He is God." The best thing we can do in the midst of our worst circumstances is just repeat Scripture, knowing that God has already dealt with our issue. God wins!

The Sin Of Silence

A lot of us commit the sin of silence, or the lack of sharing our faith. Evangelism is not just something that we should do, but something that we must do. It is a command. Matthew 28:19-20 tells us to 'go and make disciples'. It is a primary responsibility as a Christian.

The debate between Calvinism and Armenianism has its differences. Often times, it's not necessarily an argument over evangelism but has a lot to do with it. The problem here is that we over complicate evangelism instead of over emphasize it. Clayton King says something convicting that some people, "waste their entire lives debating the meaning of the Scriptures, never placing their lives in subjection to its authority." Everyone has their opinions but when it comes to Scripture there are just some things that we need to be doing. We need to be an example at all times, through our words and deeds. From this stand point, many people will say that Christians are hypocrites...and unfortunately, it's often times true. The problem is, we need to stop comparing ourselves to others and start comparing ourselves to Christ. He is the standard. No one is perfect, even the greatest Christian leaders have their flaws. Everyone is hypocritical at some point and we all fail...daily. Johnnie Moore says, "It's ok to be a hypocrite in transition, it's not ok to be a hypocrite and not care or not be aware of it." We must let God change us and use us for His glory.


We have many excuses as to why we don't share our faith more often but here is a convicting thought. We are supposed to resemble Christ and He set a very good example. Out of the 132 contacts that Jesus had with people recorded in the New Testament, 10 were in the temple or synagogue, and 122 were out in the mainstream of life. 92% of the time, Jesus was witnessing to people out on the street and in public.

Matthew 9:37-38 says, "Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” The fact is, it's not about you, it never was. It's all about Christ. The opportunities to share the Gospel are around you every day, you just have to tune your eyes and thoughts to be more aware of it. It must be a thought that is constantly on your mind. Most people are extremely fearful to share their faith but here is something encouraging. People are never rejecting you, they are rejecting Christ. Our only job is to be obedient to Him and obedience happens when we obey His commands. Matthew 10:22 says that all men will hate you because of the Lord's name, but those that stand firm till the end will be saved. It is better to be obedient and stand alone than to follow the crowd. I find it interesting how many College students would rather follow their friends to 'failure' than walk on their own to 'success'. When you stand before God, none of your friends, family members, or anybody else are going to be standing with you...just you and God and this question is going to be asked: "What did you do with what I gave you?" Are you making the most of your opportunities to share the love of Christ?