Dear Connection Friend,
In December 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright sent a telegram to their family from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It said, "We actually flew 120 feet. We'll be home for Christmas." Their sister Katharine took it to the editor of the local newspaper. His response was interesting. "Oh, how nice," he said. "The boys will be home for Christmas." He missed the main event: Mankind had flown!
Much bigger news happened in a little town outside Jerusalem 1900 years earlier, but some people missed it.We find one of them in Luke 2. The innkeeper at Bethlehem missed the main event because he was too preoccupied with his business. Although there's always room available for a stranger in that part of the world, he showed no hospitality whatsoever. He sent Joseph and Mary to a stable. This shows the attitude of the world toward God. When it comes to spiritual things, and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, most people's response is that they're too busy. But if you're too busy for God, you are just too busy!
In Matthew 2 we find the second one who missed the main event, a paranoid politician. King Herod was fearful and perturbed when the magi came looking for a newborn "King of the Jews." This was Herod's title, and he didn't want any competition. He didn't want to lose control. There are people today who won't let God interfere with their personal kingdoms. God is fine as long as He doesn't invade their space. Like Herod, they claim to worship God, but it's really all about them.
And then there was a group of passive theologians. Herod asked the scribes and priests where Christ would be born, and they knew the exact place. I think that's amazing--not because of what they knew, but because of what they didn't do. Why didn't they go to Bethlehem? It was only five miles away! It's not enough to know the text or be able to analyze it or quote it. You have to respond in obedience. Do you have a passion for God, to know Him and have His peace? Or has this "church thing" become routine?So there was no room in the inn, no room in the court, no room in the religious system. No room for Jesus. How about you? Are you preoccupied with other things? Are you paranoid about losing your position as king of your own life? Or are you just passive and can't be bothered?
Don't miss the main event. Don't let distractions or pride or apathy keep you from Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, the Savior, and the only one worthy of our worship. "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
In His strong love,
Skip Heitzig
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Above and Beyond
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' - Acts 20:35
There’s a philosophy in our culture that breeds mediocrity. Most people do only what is necessary to get by.
If there’s a job to be done, it’s done adequately. We tolerate people we work with, instead of actually taking an interest in them. And when it comes to really important matters, like our relationship with God, our spouse, our family and friends—some offer indifference instead of creativity and an eagerness to engage.
Our God is not a lack-luster God. Our God is overflowing with power and a desire to know you, to bless you, and to offer you his peace and hope for the future. But to receive that, you have to be willing to share what you have now with others. God’s design is that in order to get more, you have to give more. And once we understand that, our lives will be blessed and go above and beyond anything we’ve ever dreamed.
A Prayer for Today
Dear God, It’s so easy to become complacent and only do the bare minimum. Help me to live life with excitement and joy. Help me to put forth effort in helping others, building relationships, in being generous with my time and resources and in going the extra mile in everything that I do. In your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
There’s a philosophy in our culture that breeds mediocrity. Most people do only what is necessary to get by.
If there’s a job to be done, it’s done adequately. We tolerate people we work with, instead of actually taking an interest in them. And when it comes to really important matters, like our relationship with God, our spouse, our family and friends—some offer indifference instead of creativity and an eagerness to engage.
Our God is not a lack-luster God. Our God is overflowing with power and a desire to know you, to bless you, and to offer you his peace and hope for the future. But to receive that, you have to be willing to share what you have now with others. God’s design is that in order to get more, you have to give more. And once we understand that, our lives will be blessed and go above and beyond anything we’ve ever dreamed.
A Prayer for Today
Dear God, It’s so easy to become complacent and only do the bare minimum. Help me to live life with excitement and joy. Help me to put forth effort in helping others, building relationships, in being generous with my time and resources and in going the extra mile in everything that I do. In your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Come On In - DevoMail with Skip Heitzig
I gave my son Nathan some instructions when he was small. I told him he had my permission to come into my office whenever he wanted, no matter what, no matter when. I wanted him to know that his concerns and questions were important to me, because he was important to me. And he took advantage of that right--sometimes to the surprise of my visitors or people I was counseling!
Did you know that we have the same access to God? It's true. The God of heaven and earth, the Creator of all that exists, is available to you at all times, for any reason.
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." The reason we can come "boldly" is in verse 15. "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." That High Priest is Jesus Christ. He understands it all, and He is never surprised at our struggles.
God doesn't condemn us for our sin when we approach the Throne of Grace. After all, when we come to Him, we've already admitted we're in the wrong, we have a problem, and we need His help. If we didn't want to admit we were wrong, we would hide.
That brings me to the scripture that I want you to read. Psalm 139 is full of wonderful truths about God and His knowledge and love for us. Read it over slowly several times and digest it.
Verse 7 in particular stands out. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" The psalm goes on to explain how that very idea is nonsense. There's nowhere to hide. But that's the great part. Not only is there nowhere to hide, there's no reason to even try. We can come to Him at any time, with any problem.
Are you struggling with a sin? Come to the Throne of Grace. Are you depressed or grieving? Come to the Throne of Grace. Are you angry, or confused, or full of doubt? You guessed it--come to the Throne of Grace. God is waiting there, eager to hear your problem, eager to give you His solution, His care, and His love. You can come anytime.
Isn't that what being a child of God is all about? He's never too busy, and He's never annoyed that you want to talk to Him. What a wonderful God we serve! What a wonderful Father we have!
In His strong love,
Skip Heitzig
Did you know that we have the same access to God? It's true. The God of heaven and earth, the Creator of all that exists, is available to you at all times, for any reason.
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." The reason we can come "boldly" is in verse 15. "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." That High Priest is Jesus Christ. He understands it all, and He is never surprised at our struggles.
God doesn't condemn us for our sin when we approach the Throne of Grace. After all, when we come to Him, we've already admitted we're in the wrong, we have a problem, and we need His help. If we didn't want to admit we were wrong, we would hide.
That brings me to the scripture that I want you to read. Psalm 139 is full of wonderful truths about God and His knowledge and love for us. Read it over slowly several times and digest it.
Verse 7 in particular stands out. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" The psalm goes on to explain how that very idea is nonsense. There's nowhere to hide. But that's the great part. Not only is there nowhere to hide, there's no reason to even try. We can come to Him at any time, with any problem.
Are you struggling with a sin? Come to the Throne of Grace. Are you depressed or grieving? Come to the Throne of Grace. Are you angry, or confused, or full of doubt? You guessed it--come to the Throne of Grace. God is waiting there, eager to hear your problem, eager to give you His solution, His care, and His love. You can come anytime.
Isn't that what being a child of God is all about? He's never too busy, and He's never annoyed that you want to talk to Him. What a wonderful God we serve! What a wonderful Father we have!
In His strong love,
Skip Heitzig
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Three R's of Revival
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works . . ." - Revelation 2:5
Before we can ever talk about revival in the church, every Christian must ask themselves, Am I personally revived? Am I living as a committed, on-fire follower of Jesus Christ?
Ask yourself that question right now. If your answer is that you are not a committed, on-fire follower of Jesus Christ, you exist as part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Listen to what Jesus said to the church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation. He says,
"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent." (Revelation 2:2--5)
Jesus gave the church of Ephesus the three R's of revival: remember, repent, and repeat.
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen," and then He says. "Repent." In other words, turn away from your sins. And finally repeat, "Do the first works." Get back and serve God like you once did.
Remember, repent, and repeat. Put the three R's of revival into practice, because we need to be revived before God.
Before we can ever talk about revival in the church, every Christian must ask themselves, Am I personally revived? Am I living as a committed, on-fire follower of Jesus Christ?
Ask yourself that question right now. If your answer is that you are not a committed, on-fire follower of Jesus Christ, you exist as part of the problem, not part of the solution.
Listen to what Jesus said to the church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation. He says,
"I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent." (Revelation 2:2--5)
Jesus gave the church of Ephesus the three R's of revival: remember, repent, and repeat.
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen," and then He says. "Repent." In other words, turn away from your sins. And finally repeat, "Do the first works." Get back and serve God like you once did.
Remember, repent, and repeat. Put the three R's of revival into practice, because we need to be revived before God.
The Greatest Life
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." - Galatians 2:20
If you want to be a true follower of Jesus, you need to take up your cross. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24).
That may sound miserable to some of us. You envision yourself carrying around some huge, wooden cross--living a miserable life, a life of selfless sacrifice.
Let me share something with you. Taking up the cross of Christ means that I come to the Lord and say, "God, I realize you know more about life than I do. You know my future and what is best for me. And Lord, I want what You want for me more than what I want for myself. I am willing to put Your will above my own. If that means letting go of something that would hold me back or hurt me spiritually, I'm willing. If that means cutting loose something that is dragging me down, I'm willing. Because I know that You love me and have my best interest in mind."
That is why the apostle Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).
The greatest life is the life that has been exchanged--the life that has been given to God. And the greatest life is living in obedience to Jesus Christ.
If you want to be a true follower of Jesus, you need to take up your cross. Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24).
That may sound miserable to some of us. You envision yourself carrying around some huge, wooden cross--living a miserable life, a life of selfless sacrifice.
Let me share something with you. Taking up the cross of Christ means that I come to the Lord and say, "God, I realize you know more about life than I do. You know my future and what is best for me. And Lord, I want what You want for me more than what I want for myself. I am willing to put Your will above my own. If that means letting go of something that would hold me back or hurt me spiritually, I'm willing. If that means cutting loose something that is dragging me down, I'm willing. Because I know that You love me and have my best interest in mind."
That is why the apostle Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).
The greatest life is the life that has been exchanged--the life that has been given to God. And the greatest life is living in obedience to Jesus Christ.
A Lasting Reputation
"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war." - Revelation 19:11
We can become known for a multitude of things. And it is amazing how far we can carry a reputation. The girl who dropped her lunch tray in the third grade can carry that reputation all the way through high school. The high school jock can carry that reputation into his career. The career-driven executive can carry that reputation in her relationships. And the list goes on and on.
In the verse above, Jesus (the rider) is known as “faithful and true.” That is an incredible reputation. Jesus proved himself faithful as he lived a sinless life, despite facing the same tempta¬tions you and I face. Jesus was faithful to God’s call on his life, even as he endured the cross for our sins. And he has remained faithful to all who called on his name for salvation.
Jesus is true. He proved it while he walked the earth as he demonstrated the reality that he truly is God. And he demonstrates his truthfulness as his promises for life are fulfilled in the lives of believers.
Jesus’ reputation is one of faithfulness and truth. What are you known for? Remember, the decisions you make will determine your reputation. And it’s a reputation you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
You aren’t known for what you would like to have done. You are not known for how you should have acted. Don’t miss the opportunities to follow Jesus’ lead and be known as faithful and true.
A Prayer for Today
Dear God, I want to live in such a way that I am known as being faithful and true in all areas of my life. Help me to make decisions that reflect the reputation I want to build so that I can truly and faithfully glorify you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
We can become known for a multitude of things. And it is amazing how far we can carry a reputation. The girl who dropped her lunch tray in the third grade can carry that reputation all the way through high school. The high school jock can carry that reputation into his career. The career-driven executive can carry that reputation in her relationships. And the list goes on and on.
In the verse above, Jesus (the rider) is known as “faithful and true.” That is an incredible reputation. Jesus proved himself faithful as he lived a sinless life, despite facing the same tempta¬tions you and I face. Jesus was faithful to God’s call on his life, even as he endured the cross for our sins. And he has remained faithful to all who called on his name for salvation.
Jesus is true. He proved it while he walked the earth as he demonstrated the reality that he truly is God. And he demonstrates his truthfulness as his promises for life are fulfilled in the lives of believers.
Jesus’ reputation is one of faithfulness and truth. What are you known for? Remember, the decisions you make will determine your reputation. And it’s a reputation you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
You aren’t known for what you would like to have done. You are not known for how you should have acted. Don’t miss the opportunities to follow Jesus’ lead and be known as faithful and true.
A Prayer for Today
Dear God, I want to live in such a way that I am known as being faithful and true in all areas of my life. Help me to make decisions that reflect the reputation I want to build so that I can truly and faithfully glorify you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Your Redemption Draws Near
"Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming..." - 1 John 2:18
When the Bible says the Antichrist is coming, you better believe it's going to happen. With computer technology where it is today, the possibility for a man to come and use technology to manipulate and rule the world is present like it has never been before.
Everything is ready for the Antichrist to come. It could happen at any time.
Despite the inevitability of the Antichrist, I'm not going to stand around holding my breath, waiting for him to come.
Many people try to figure out who he is. And every few years, a new theory arises where someone has allegedly cracked the code. They know who the Antichrist is.
But I'm not looking for him, because the Bible doesn't tell me to. The Bible says, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:28). I'm not looking for the Antichrist.
I am looking for Jesus Christ. And He is coming soon and very soon.
When the Bible says the Antichrist is coming, you better believe it's going to happen. With computer technology where it is today, the possibility for a man to come and use technology to manipulate and rule the world is present like it has never been before.
Everything is ready for the Antichrist to come. It could happen at any time.
Despite the inevitability of the Antichrist, I'm not going to stand around holding my breath, waiting for him to come.
Many people try to figure out who he is. And every few years, a new theory arises where someone has allegedly cracked the code. They know who the Antichrist is.
But I'm not looking for him, because the Bible doesn't tell me to. The Bible says, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:28). I'm not looking for the Antichrist.
I am looking for Jesus Christ. And He is coming soon and very soon.
Fishers of Men
"Come, follow me,” Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:19
Jesus’ life had a specific purpose—it was all about fishing. I’m not talking about fishing for fins and scales. His goal was to make each of us fishers for the hearts and souls of others who matter to God. Christ’s purpose for us is very simple. It is very powerful. Jesus told us to fish. Jesus did not tell us to be catchers of men—he told us to be fishers of men. He will do the catching.
Being a fisher of men is an active sport, one that takes work. You have to talk and communicate and share your beliefs with people. The greatest thing about sharing your faith is that you are not alone. You are in a partnership with God. When you accept Christ’s purpose to witness to others, know that he is going to be there with you.
Take some time this week to think of the people in your life who don’t know Christ. Are you doing what Jesus asked of you? Ask those people to come to church with you. Cast God’s Word to them. Don’t worry about catching them—leave that up to Jesus. All you have to do is fish.
A Prayer for Today
Lord, Thank you for communicating creatively with me about how I am suppose to communicate your love to those around me. Help me be obedient to Christ’s command to become a fisher of men. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus’ life had a specific purpose—it was all about fishing. I’m not talking about fishing for fins and scales. His goal was to make each of us fishers for the hearts and souls of others who matter to God. Christ’s purpose for us is very simple. It is very powerful. Jesus told us to fish. Jesus did not tell us to be catchers of men—he told us to be fishers of men. He will do the catching.
Being a fisher of men is an active sport, one that takes work. You have to talk and communicate and share your beliefs with people. The greatest thing about sharing your faith is that you are not alone. You are in a partnership with God. When you accept Christ’s purpose to witness to others, know that he is going to be there with you.
Take some time this week to think of the people in your life who don’t know Christ. Are you doing what Jesus asked of you? Ask those people to come to church with you. Cast God’s Word to them. Don’t worry about catching them—leave that up to Jesus. All you have to do is fish.
A Prayer for Today
Lord, Thank you for communicating creatively with me about how I am suppose to communicate your love to those around me. Help me be obedient to Christ’s command to become a fisher of men. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Perfect Storm
"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ..."- 1 Peter 1:6-7
You never know when a storm will hit. In October, 1991, Hurricane Grace collided with a cold front from Canada and a storm from the Great Lakes off the coast of Nova Scotia, creating what meteorologists called "the perfect storm." With waves a hundred feet tall and winds over ninety-five miles an hour, this storm-of-the-century left little warning when it struck its victims.
On October 27, a sword-fishing boat named the Andrea Gail, and its six-man crew, headed home from Grand Banks, Canada, with a hold full of fish. Sometime in the middle of the night, the Andrea Gail found herself at the center of the perfect storm. "She's comin' on, boys, and she's comin' on strong," radioed Captain Billy Tyne of the Andrea Gail.
Soon after, Billy Tyne and his five crew mates disappeared without a trace. They were never seen again.
Maybe you have been hit by a storm like that. Not a literal storm, but a crisis or tragedy that hit your life without warning, leaving you ravaged and riddled with problems.
We all face storms in life. It has been said that only two kinds of people exist in this world: those who are going through a crisis and those who are about to go through a crisis.
Let me tell you something that might surprise you. Storms can be good. We can learn lessons in storms that we can learn nowhere else, producing fruit in your life as a Christian.
The next time the storms of life rain on your life, don't be discouraged. God might just be refining your faith so that you can better praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
You never know when a storm will hit. In October, 1991, Hurricane Grace collided with a cold front from Canada and a storm from the Great Lakes off the coast of Nova Scotia, creating what meteorologists called "the perfect storm." With waves a hundred feet tall and winds over ninety-five miles an hour, this storm-of-the-century left little warning when it struck its victims.
On October 27, a sword-fishing boat named the Andrea Gail, and its six-man crew, headed home from Grand Banks, Canada, with a hold full of fish. Sometime in the middle of the night, the Andrea Gail found herself at the center of the perfect storm. "She's comin' on, boys, and she's comin' on strong," radioed Captain Billy Tyne of the Andrea Gail.
Soon after, Billy Tyne and his five crew mates disappeared without a trace. They were never seen again.
Maybe you have been hit by a storm like that. Not a literal storm, but a crisis or tragedy that hit your life without warning, leaving you ravaged and riddled with problems.
We all face storms in life. It has been said that only two kinds of people exist in this world: those who are going through a crisis and those who are about to go through a crisis.
Let me tell you something that might surprise you. Storms can be good. We can learn lessons in storms that we can learn nowhere else, producing fruit in your life as a Christian.
The next time the storms of life rain on your life, don't be discouraged. God might just be refining your faith so that you can better praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
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