When God delays his answers to our prayers, it can be frustrating. If we don’t see immediate responses, we tend to lose heart and give up. I am convinced that our Father doesn’t want us to call it quits when we pray. But, what should we do when God delays his answers to our requests?

Though we know it’s not true, divine delays feel like God is playing cruel games with his children. Now, whether we say it or not, we think like this: “God knows my needs. Why doesn’t he answer my prayers and bless me with what I need.”

“ We don’t always agree with how God is running the world and our lives, but the truth is, He makes the rules, not us.

I know we might not like it, but it is futile for us to argue and complain about his plan for the world and our lives. It is wise to submit our lives to his agenda, rather than to fight his loving and perfect plan. Many times, we are too immature and blind to understand what God is doing.

Though we are content to accept God’s plan for our lives, it doesn’t mean we should stop praying. We should continue to press in and never quit – until we believe God has said no (Luke 18:1). The Father delights in us spending time with him and telling him our needs. He loves hearing and answering our prayers. God is a good, good Father and we must trust his plan for our lives. He loves us more than we can imagine.

Why God Delays His Answers

If God is so good and loves us so much, why are there so many delays? There are at least five reasons why God might delay his answers to our prayers.

• We have an enemy. The devil hates us and is against us receiving answers from God. Notice in Daniel 10:12-14 that God heard Daniel’s prayer, and dispatched the angel Gabriel with a message for him. But, Gabriel was hindered by a satanic adversary. Thus, the response was delayed. So, sometimes, the evil one causes havoc and chaos to delay the answers to our prayers.
• Some prayers involve other people. God does not force people to cooperate with his will, but he works with them patiently so they can see and do the right thing willingly. This takes time. Hence the delays.
• There are things that God is developing in us while we persevere in prayer. God’s plan is for us to grow up spiritually. He wants to enlarge our faith and encourage us to develop a closer relationship with him. If every answer came immediately, would we press in and spend time drawing closer to God? Probably not.
• God delays his answers to allow time for conviction, confession, and repentance. Sometimes, sin prevents answers to our prayers (Psalm 66:18) and God graciously and patiently wait for us (2 Peter 3:8-9).
• God delays his answers to our requests so that he can get maximum glory for our lives and our present situation (John 11:1-4).

Keep Praying During the Delays

What should we do when God delays his answers to our prayers?  We should not lose heart and quit praying. I believe God wants us to keep praying during the delays. When we pray, let’s make sure we are praying according to his will (1 John 5:14-15). Delays, even long ones, do not mean that God denies our requests. When we pray, let us not lose heart, but trust the heart of the One who loves us more than we can imagine.

While you wait on God, declare this: I will not give up in prayer!

If you enjoyed this post, you might find this post one helpful as well.

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The post When God Delays His Answers To Our Prayers appeared first on Marvin Williams.

What is one way we can bless our children as they go back to school this week? This week marks the beginning of another school year for most of our children.  Consequently, the school year fills many of us with a hint of anxiety. We desire our children to make good and godly choices. So, parents, join me in covering our children with powerful prayers in several areas this school year.

We have done all we can to prepare our children for making wise decisions, but we still worry about them, right? Will they be safe? Apply themselves? Resist temptations? Develop positive friendships? When we find ourselves in the throes of worry and concern, then it is time to leave our children in God’s hands. God knows the plans he has for our children, and He knows what is best for them. So, let’s spend time, this school year, praying for our children in several areas.

The Father Knows Our Children

Trust that God knows our children better than we know our children and that he can do more with them than we ever could. Therefore, praying the following Scripture can bless you and your child. Where David uses the personal pronoun, insert your child’s name.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of (insert your child’s/children’s name) body and knit (insert your child’s/children’s name) together in the womb. Thank you for making (insert your child’s/children’s name) so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched (insert your child’s/children’s name) as (he/she) was being formed in utter seclusion, as (he/she) was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw (insert your child’s/children’s name) before (he/she) was born. Every day of (insert your child’s/children’s name) life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about (insert your child’s/children’s name), O God! They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand. And when (insert your child’s/children’s name) wake (s) up, you are still with (him/her)! Psalm 139: 13-18

Ask God to Bless Our Children’s Social Life

Having a social life is one of the best parts about school. With social interactions come all kinds of temptations. The evil one will tempt our children to use drugs, have sex, verbally and physically bully others, and to spend more time on social media than their academics. Praying the following verses over our children can bless us and our children.

If  (insert your child’s/children’s name) think he/she is standing strong, help him/her be careful not to fall. ¹³ The temptations in (insert your child’s/children’s name) life are no different from what others experience. And God, you are faithful. You will not allow the temptation to be more than (insert your child’s/children’s name) can stand. When (insert your child’s/children’s name) is tempted, please show (insert your child’s/children’s name) a way out so that (he/she) can endure. Lord, thank you for how you will strengthen and deliver (insert your child’s/children’s name). 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Therefore, it was necessary for, you, Jesus, to be made in every respect like (insert your child’s/children’s name), your brothers and sisters, so that you could be his/her merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then you could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of (insert child’s/children’s name). Since you yourself have gone through suffering and testing, you are able to help (insert your child’s/children’s name) when (he/she) are being tested. Hebrews 2:17-18

Let’s pray that God would bless and strengthen our children to resist all kinds of social temptations this year. God is faithful trustworthy to assist our children in the heat of the most fierce tests and temptations.

Ask God to Bless Their Academic/School Life

The Bible encourages us the love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. Let’s pray our children will exercise academic diligence this year.

The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27

Let’s pray that our kids will dedicate their minds to knowing God and trusting him to help them think critically this academic school year. We desire our children to think critically and excel in their classes, for God’s glory. We need godly factory workers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, accountants, and government leaders.

Ask God to Bless Their Spiritual Life

We want to see our children discover and live God’s will for their lives. Being living sacrifices for God is the only way to show God how much he is worth to them. So, let’s ask God to bless our children to discover his will and plan for their lives.

And so, God, help (insert your child’s/children’s name here), to give his/her body to you because of all you have done for him/her. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind you will find acceptable. I know this is truly the way for them to worship you. Please help (insert your child’s/children’s name), not to copy the behavior and customs of this world, but may they let you  transform them into a new person by changing the way they think. Then they will learn to know your will for their lives, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

Our kids can learn the will of God through prayer (Philippians 4:6-9), Bible study (Hebrews 4:12-13), and being in community with other believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).

A Prayer to Bless Our Children

Father, we release our children into your hands this academic school year. We ask that you give them the power to resist temptation and make godly choices for you. Help them to love you with their minds and excel academically, for your glory. Finally, help them to pursue you in everything they do this year. They were your children before they were ours. We believe you can do more with our kids than we ever could. So, we gladly and confidently release them in your hands this school year. By the authority of Jesus, we pray. Amen!

What kinds of prayers do you pray over your children at the beginning of and during the school year? 

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The post How We Can Bless Our Children This Year appeared first on Marvin Williams.

Every day, we face the option of deciding which Jesus we prefer. I wish I could tell you I always want the right Jesus, but the truth is sometimes I ask for the wrong one.

While reading the gospel of Matthew, I came across something I hadn’t seen before.

“Now, it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time, they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. So, when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ ….Which of the two do you want me to release to you? Asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered.” (Matthew 27 15-21)

Two Men

This account tells us that there are two men named Jesus – Barabbas and One who is the Messiah. Pilate asked a profound question. A question we face every day: Which Jesus will we choose?  Which one do we prefer? I wish I always desire the One who is called Messiah. Some days, like the crowd, I ask for Barabbas – the other Jesus. Give me Barabbas! Give me Barabbas!

Jesus Barabbas

Give me Barabbas!
Insurrection.
Rebellion.
Murder.
Darkness.
Selfish ambition.
Pride.
Self-promotion.
An undisturbed conscience.
Fellowship among the irreverent.
Give me Barabbas!

Please don’t give me Jesus, who is called the Messiah.
He disturbs my values.

Upsets my world.
He Challenges my lifestyle.
Quakes my equilibrium.
Calls me from comfort to sacrifice.
Pulls me from ease to pain.

Give me Barabbas!
I know he is the wrong one.
He doesn’t expect anything from me.
He wants to develop a subdivision in my soul.
Live there.
Hideout there.

Give me Barabbas!
Jesus, who is the Messiah, is too subversive.
His way is too costly.
His words are too hard.

Give me Barabbas!
Please give me my way, my selfish desires, and freedom from sacrifice.
Leave me to my own devices and vices.
I don’t want to change. But I need to change.
I don’t want Jesus, who is the Messiah. But I need Him.

Choose Jesus, the Messiah

I have spent way too much of my life choosing Barabbas. I am sure this is true of you as well. Today is a new day with a unique opportunity to choose Jesus, the One who is the Messiah. I commit to silencing, refusing and rejecting Barabbas. Today, I choose the One who became Barabbas and broke the grip of Barabbas. I prefer the One who forgives sins and sets people free. Today, I choose Jesus, who is called the Messiah. I invite you to place your trust in him as well.

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The post The Day People Preferred The Wrong Jesus appeared first on Marvin Williams.

We debate with ourselves as to whether we should. Something is telling us not to. But, we listen to our baser selves and do it anyway. We press post, send or tweet. And, all online hell breaks loose. But, we can avoid the firestorm and the carnage if we engage five essential practices for addressing social and cultural issues online.

Addressing social, political and cultural issues via social media platforms can be a useful avenue way to stay connected and even spark healthy conversation. I would not recommend that followers of Jesus weigh in or attempt to address every social, cultural or political issue online. Important issues are worthy of face-to-face conversations. But, if we decide to engage topics online, I recommend we use these five essential practices.

Maintain the Unity of the Spirit  

Practicing Christian civility online begins with recognizing that the Spirit has given us unity. Our job is to maintain unity in the body of Jesus. First, this means we should personally carry the burden for peace. As much as it depends on each of us, we should live at peace with all people (Romans 12:18). May we clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We are to make allowances for one another’s faults and forgive anyone who offends us. Above everything else, we are to clothe ourselves in love, which binds us together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:12-14).

Submit Our Hearts

Another way we can practice Christian civility before we press post, send, or tweet is to check our hearts. Jeremiah says that our hearts are desperately wicked. Nobody knows how bad it is (Jeremiah 17:9). A misaligned and divided heart will always lead to division in relationships, churches, and organizations. When our loyalty to a political party, gender, particular interest group, or even ethnic group supersedes our allegiance to Jesus, then conflicts that lead to division and incivility are inevitable. May we submit our hearts to the Resurrected Christ each day.

 Seek to Understand

A third essential in practicing Christian civility before we press post, send, or tweet is to seek to understand other people. Christians can and will have views on cultural issues. Brothers and sisters in Christ can hold different opinions on cultural issues and respect and honor one another. To dismiss them is to deny them as image-bearers and brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, it is crucial that we seek to understand the other person’s point of view. Not only should we attempt to understand the point of view of the other, but we should also represent that point of view fairly and correctly. When we fail to understand and describe the person and their opinions accurately, we do what G.K. Chesterton called setting up a “false demon.” Then it becomes easier to demonize and devalue the person and their position. May we, first, seek to understand others.

Check Our Motives

A fourth essential in practicing Christian civility before we press post, send, or tweet is to check our motives. The truth is, everyone has mixed motives. When responding to one another in healthy and robust disagreement, we should ask ourselves, “Why am I responding this way? Am I responding from biblical conviction, or from fear, hatred, anger or hurt? What is motivating me personally? Am I more obsessed with winning the argument than I am with winning and preserving the relationship?” As we engage cultural issues, we should pray like David: “Search me, O God, and know our hearts; test us and know our anxious thoughts. Point out anything to us that offends you, and lead us along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Fight for the Highest Good

A fifth essential in practicing Christian civility before we press post, send, or tweet is to fight for the highest good of our brothers and sisters. As image-bearers, we should honor and respect all people. Our common humanity connects us. Therefore, we should treat others with honor, dignity, and respect. However, when it comes to the followers of Jesus, we have an even stronger bond than our common humanity. We are united in and by his death and resurrection. The result should be an ever-deepening love for one another. In fact, the world will recognize that we follow Jesus by our love for one another (John 13:35).

Loving one another doesn’t mean we will always agree with one another. It does say we will maintain the unity of the Spirit, submit our hearts, seek to understand one another, check our motives and fight for the highest good.

What is your rule of life or best practice for engaging social and cultural issues online? 

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The post Before You Press Post, Send or Tweet appeared first on Marvin Williams.

It’s Labor Day! Today, we celebrate and honor the American labor movement and all the workers who have contributed to the prosperity and strength of this country. No doubt, many will have cookouts, spending time with family and simply relax. As we enjoy the unofficial end of summer, let’s remember the original Labor Day.

Most people do not have a healthy view of work. Consequently, many endure and tolerate Monday in order to finally get to Friday. We dread Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Then, we “Thank God It’s Friday” because it marks the beginning of the weekend. I am sure this is not a healthy way to think about labor/work. So, what does the Bible say about work?

The Original Labor Day

The original Labor Day began when God created humanity. One of the first things God did was ordain or inaugurate work. Therefore, work is a gift, not a curse. When God created Adam, he gave him a command to work (Genesis 2:15; Exodus 20:9). So, I believe God created work to be a normal rhythm of human existence (Psalm 104:23).  To refuse to work is immoral and sinful (Titus 3:14).

Violating God’s Labor Day Law

In creation, God has established a pattern of work and rest that is to be a model for his people (Genesis 2:1-3). Old Testament believers obeyed the Sabbath to balance work and rest. Jesus practiced a labor and rest rhythm (Mark 6:30-32). Therefore, we should supplement our work with regular rhythms of rest. So, when we work more than we rest or do not follow this divine pattern, we sin. Not only do we sin, we increase our chances of burning out.

Why Did God Give Us the Original Labor Day

Why did God give us work anyway? This is a big issue. I believe there are several reasons why God gave us the gift of work.

• God gave us work and the ability to make money so we could be free from being dependent on others (1 Thessalonians 4:12).
• God gave us work so we could find self-fulfillment in it (Ecclesiastes 2:24).
• We work and earn money so we can enjoy the life God has given us (1 Timothy 6:17).
• We work and earn money so we can share with others (Ephesians 4:28).
• God gave us work so we can partner with God for his glory.

The Consequences of Viewing the Original Labor Day as a Gift From God

When we view work from God’s perspective, we can draw some interesting and compelling conclusions.

• We have a moral duty to work. If we can work but choose not to work, we are sinning. There is a difference between being physically or emotionally incapable of working and refusing to work. The former is understandable; the second is inexcusable (Titus 3:14).
• Every legitimate job – menial or mundane – has intrinsic worth.
• Any legitimate job is a means of worshiping God (Colossians 3:17).
• Any legitimate job is God’s calling (Genesis 2:15).
• Work is empty apart from God (Psalm 127:1).
• We should acknowledge our dependence on God, not in our jobs and the money we make from them (Deuteronomy 8:18-19).

As you celebrate with family and friends, don’t forget to thank God for giving you the gift of work. Thus, no matter how menial or mundane your job, you can glorify God. If it is a dirty job, we are responsible for doing our best in every area every time. So, let’s do our jobs with excellence and with the right attitude. When we do, we glorify God and increase our chances of helping others do the same.

The post Reflections On The Original Labor Day appeared first on Marvin Williams.

Joel Osteen’s response to Hurricane Harvey created a social media firestorm. Lakewood Church’s response is problematic, for at least one significant reason.

Several days ago, Hurricane Harvey ravaged parts of the Texas Gulf Coast, including parts of Houston. The storm took the lives of some and displaced thousands. Many churches, mosques, and even furniture stores immediately opened their doors to shelter victims.

Joel Osteen’s Response

But, Lakewood Church, the largest church in the country, initially closed theirs. According to Lakewood officials, the church did not open its doors because the flood waters made it inaccessible. Based on pictures, the church did appear to have taken on a lot of water from the flood. But, then Pastor Osteen gave another fascinating reason why they did not immediately open their doors. They did not immediately become a refuge because the City of Houston didn’t ask them. Lakewood didn’t initiate compassion; they waited for Houston to ask them to show compassion. The fury of the social media onslaught was quick, ferocious, and unrelenting, making Pastor Osteen a walking meme. Probably, rightfully so. This explanation is unconscionable.

Let’s Be Gracious

With that said, because he is a brother in Christ, we are obligated to give grace to Pastor Osteen. To be fair to Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church, they did open their doors to shelter people who have been displaced by Hurricane Harvey, albeit after a boat load of pressure. Moreover, in 2016, Clay Walker, along with Joel Osteen and Lakewood, hosted a benefit concert when a flood displaced thousands in Houston. They raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the city of Houston. So, I think we should give him a little grace because God has been gracious to us. Also, when we make mistakes like this, we, too, will want and need grace. With that said, his response to Hurricane Harvey, however, was unGod-like and a major leadership mistake.

One Problem With Joel Osteen’s Response

His response and posture were very problematic, for at least one reason. Joel’s Osteen’s response is problematic because of the nature/character of God.

“ It is God’s nature to initiate compassion and rescue.

Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. Exodus 3:7-9

God doesn’t wait to be asked to show compassion; he lovingly responds to the suffering of his creation. Here is an additional sampling of Scriptures where God initiates.

Genesis 1:1, 26; 3:15, 21

John 1:14

John 3:16

Romans 5:8, 10

Ephesians 1:4

Ephesians 2:8-10

Waiting on Houston to ask Lakewood to become a shelter, rather than taking the initiative to be a haven, Joel Osteen was so unGod-like. Now, I am not saying Joel Osteen is not a believer. All I am saying is, in this instance, his initial response did not adequately reflect the nature of God.

Initiating Compassion

God initiates compassion, and he expects his kids to do likewise. In fact, the Father’s love for his children creates capacity in them to initiate compassion towards others.

“ Part of what it means to go further into the gospel is to initiate compassion toward the marginalized.

When we live under the reign and rule of God, we will reflect the nature of God through initiating compassion toward others. Matthew 25:31-46 is one of the clearest passages in the New Testament to highlight this truth. In the Kingdom of God, practicing mercy and justice on behalf of “the least of these,” is what ultimately separates those who enter life and those who do not.

“ The gospel gives us eyes to see needs and to initiate a compassionate response.

If we see needs and do not initiate a response, then it proves that we have not yet been gripped by this good news that renovates and revolutionizes the heart. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to make us sensitive to the cries and suffering of people in our world.

God Gives Second Chances

Yes, Joel Osteen’s response was a leadership mistake and his reputation is taking a big hit for it. If he had to do it over again, he probably would initiate compassion rather than waiting for someone to ask him to show compassion. Like Pastor Osteen, I will make mistakes – big and small – but I am glad God continues to initiate compassion toward me, giving me second, third, and fourth chances to get it right.

With what needs, in your sphere of influence, will you initiate a response? 

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The post One Problem With Joel Osteen’s Response appeared first on Marvin Williams.

Each week, before I walk on the platform at Trinity Church, I ask myself a simple but profound question: Why do I preach? Here are at least nine reasons why I keep preaching.

Preaching is hard. Studying the text, finding the big idea, crafting a rational and relevant outline, preparing my heart in prayer, dealing with distractions – my own and things that distract people in the congregation – delivering the message in an interesting manner, and facing the let down, criticisms, complaints, and lack of transformation after messages, are enough to make me ask: “Why in the world do I put myself through this every week?

Why do I prepare a 35-40 minute talk, when I know three-fourths of what I say will fall on bad soil (Matthew 13:18-23). Though preaching can be discouraging at times, I am committed to this blessed burden and sacred trust. Here are a few compelling reasons why I keep preaching the unchanging and powerful word of God.

I preach because God called me to preach.

I preach the Scriptures because God called me to this ministry. At sixteen years old, through prayer, a series of spiritual indicators and markers, and some level of effectiveness and fruitfulness from teaching Sunday school and in other venues, I knew God had set me apart to preach his Word. He overcame my reluctance, helped my weaknesses, authorized my message and confirmed the truth of what I would declare. So, preaching comes from a place of God’s calling on my life. This calling is tested by confirmation from the Holy Spirit, community, and effectiveness. Jeremiah 1:4-5; Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-2.

I preach because Jesus came to preach.

I preach because preaching was a significant part of Jesus’ ministry on earth. One of Jesus’ main ministries while on earth was preaching. He preached to the few, and he preached to the many. He preached formally in the synagogues, and he preached informally at a community well.

“ I preach because my Rabbi preached.

I preach because my Rabbi preached. Because I desire to model my life and ministry after Jesus, I place a high priority on formal and informal preaching. Mark 1:38; Ephesians 2:17.

I preach because Jesus commanded me to preach.

I preach because Jesus commanded his disciples to preach. Jesus commanded his followers to preach what it would look like for God to truly reign and rule in the world and in a person’s life. So, to not preach would have meant they were disobedient to Jesus. We are just as much his disciples today as the early followers. Thus, as his disciples in the 21^st Century, Jesus calls us to preach the good news of the kingdom. If we fail to live out this command, we, too, are being disobedient to Jesus’ command. Mark 3:14-15; Mark 16:15; Matthew 10:5-7

I preach because preaching is important in salvation.

I proclaim the Scriptures because God uses formal and informal preaching as a valuable tool in the salvation of humanity. Though many have touted preaching as an ineffective means of communicating the gospel, God, in his sovereign choice, has chosen the foolishness of preaching to draw people to himself. I am not responsible for the result, but I am responsible for discharging my duty to faithfully announce this message of hope. Romans 10:14-15; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:17; 1Corinthians 1:21

I preach because it was a priority in the early church.

I teach the Scriptures because it was a natural part of the life of the early church. When I make preaching a priority, I am walking in the footsteps of the first apostles and the early church leaders. In Acts 8:1–4, Luke stresses that preaching was not limited to the apostles (Acts 8:1), but all the other believers in Jerusalem who “were scattered” and so “went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Since verse three specifically mentions that women were included among the believers who were persecuted, the text does not warrant an interpretation that excludes women from those who fled Jerusalem and “went about preaching the word.”

I preach because it is a trust from God to me.

I declare the Scriptures because God has given me a trust. For those whom God has gifted/graced to preach and teach, we have the awesome responsibility. We must faithfully and reverently discharge our responsibility because not only do we want to please God but also because we will be evaluated with a stricter measurement. James 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:11; Titus 1:3.

I preach because it is part of my worship of God.

I herald the Scriptures because it is part of my worship of God. Worship is the praise, adoration and, reverence of God, both in public and private. Thus, preaching is a celebration of the worthiness of God, by which I honor his name.

I preach because I love people.

I preach because I love people. All kinds of people – Black, White, Latino, Asian, tall, short, thick and rail thin. Every person that sits and listens to the preacher is an image-bearer. And, God loves them deeply. God loved people so much that he gave his Son (John 3:16). Because God loved and gave, when I stand as a mouthpiece for God, I am called to love the people to whom I preach and to give my all when I preach.

“ If I love preaching more than the people to whom I preach, I should quit preaching.

If I love preaching more than the people to whom I preach, I should quit preaching.

I preach because it is a joy.

I proclaim the Scriptures because it is a joy to see people encounter God through the Scriptures coming alive through Spirit-empowered proclamation. I can’t help but preach God’s Word. When I want to hold it in, I am like Jeremiah when he said: “But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” (Jeremiah 20:9). The truth is, I can’t help myself. There are times I find myself sermonizing in conversations with my wife, children, and staff. If people will listen, I will preach and teach.

It still amazes me and brings me great joy each time God uses something I said in a message to help people takes steps of faith in their walk with him. In that moment, I am humbled and overjoyed that God would empower and use someone like me to speak on his behalf.

Sacred Trust

I know preachers are low on the totem pole these days, but I am glad that God called me to be a preacher. Preaching is hard work, and it will not be effective unless the Holy Spirit empowers the preacher. Therefore, pray for the preacher. Pray that God would speak to him/her, through him/her and in spite of him/her. Preaching is a sacred trust from God and has a central place among God’s people and is vital to their life and growth.

Ultimately, I preach to awaken people to full life with Christ, to help them grow in grace, and to equip them for the work of ministry. I preach now, so one-day, other men and woman will preach later.

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The post 9 Compelling Reasons Why I Preach appeared first on Marvin Williams.

Our world has changed. This truth was never more evident when Searyl Atli Doty was born. Searyl, who was born in Canada last November, is considered the world’s first genderless baby. How should we respond?

Now, Searyl was born with genitalia that would identify her as a female. However, her mother, Kori Doty, resisted assigning her baby a gender. In April, the Canadian government issued an ID, which reads “Sex: U,” which advocates “unspecified.” So, technically, though Searyl was born female, she is the first child to receive a genderless government ID card.

Why the Mother Chose Genderless Status

Kori Doty, a non-binary transgender (any gender identity that does not fit the male and female binary) person, explained:

I do not gender my child. It is up to Searyl to decide how they identify, when they are old enough to develop their own gender identity. I am not going to foreclose their choices based on an arbitrary assignment of gender at birth on an inspection of their genitalia.

Kori Doty attempted to get a genderless birth certificate but was unsuccessful. She argued that assigning her baby a gender at birth violated the child’s rights to liberty and security of the person, to freedom of expression and equality under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Doty is one of eight cases in front of the British Columbia Human rights Tribunal. Therefore, the parents are arguing for the removal of gender markers on all new birth certificates. How should Christians think about this situation? Does the Bible help

How Should We Think About Genderless Babies?

We are living in a fascinating era. I don’t pretend to understand all the complexities of this new world of sexual brokenness. Though we are dealing with issues today that we would have never imagined thirty years ago, I think the Bible is still relevant and can help guide our thinking on this matter.

1. We live in a broken and fallen world. The fall in the Garden of Eden extends to every part of our lives, including our thoughts about human sexuality (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). One of the manifestations of our fallenness is attempting to redefine God’s truth regarding human sexuality. Therefore, when we fail to recognize that we filter human sexuality through our brokenness, we will consistently and harshly judge other people. We must compassionately come alongside those who are struggling with sexual brokenness, offering them the love of Jesus, without compromising the truth of Scripture.
2. God created human sexuality (Genesis 1:27). He created human beings in his image, as male and female (Genesis 1:27). Gender is not just a biological accident or social construction. Male and female distinctions are part of the goodness and intention of our sovereign God.  There are sexual/gender differences. There are differences in strength (1 Peter 3:7), in roles (1 Corinthians 11:3-5; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1), in dress (Deuteronomy 22:5), and in sexual activity (Genesis 1:28). If a child is born with an explicit sexual identification, but the parents resist and attempt to redefine that distinction, they deny God as Creator and the truth of Scripture.
3. God intended men and women to complement one another (Genesis 2:18-22; 1 Corinthians 11:11). Therefore, God designed male and female to take pleasure in one another through sexual activity ultimately. He has provided for the full and glad expression of this gift in marriage.

Grace and Truth

Sexuality brokenness is a complex issue, and it’s not going away. We must understand the problem, offer grace and speak the truth of Scriptures. But, may we do so, recognizing our own need to receive grace and hear the truth! Just because we are followers of Jesus does not mean we are immune to brokenness. I know a lot of Christ-followers who are busted and broken, of which I am one. But, we recognize our need to submit their brokenness to the only One who can mend the rips and tears in our hearts. Thus, the only hope for our broken world is the good news of Jesus. May we embody this good news each day.

If you want to understand the issue better and know how to come alongside those who are struggling with sexual brokenness, please consider attending, Caring Well, an upcoming conference hosted by my good friends, Matt and Laurie Krieg.

The Way We Think About Sex is Broken

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Each day we have a choice to pursue worthy or unworthy things. Life is too short to chase the unimportant. We must choose to abandon the worthless and pursue those things that are worth our time and energy. Here are, at least, five things that we should seek every day.

Pursue a more intimate relationship with God.

We were created to know and love God (John 17:3). Pursuing a close relationship with God is a most worthy treasure we can and should pursue. First, we must ask God for a desire to want to spend time alone with God. The more time we spend with God, the more we will want to spend time with him, and the greater our love will be for him. This love is not merely having knowledge about God, but affectionately relating to God. The way we seek God is by talking and listening to God through prayer and His Word. Pursuing God is all about hearing what he says and doing what he says. Chase God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Speak his love language – obedience to his commands. Therefore, before you pursue anything or anyone else in your day, seek God. Because God designed us to know him, then everything else we pursue pales in comparison. So, he must be our primary pursuit.

Pursue deeper relationships with our families and friends.

God created us for community and deep connections with people (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). It doesn’t matter who we are; God designed us for human connection. The closest connection we have is with our family – mother, father, siblings, spouse, and children and friends. So, be intentional. Call. Text. Spend quality and quantity time with those you love. Put it on your calendar. But, also allow yourself to be interrupted. These moments are often the holiest of all and when God speaks the loudest.

Pursue smarter choices concerning our health.

We live in a stressful world. A stressful world often leads to stressful and unhealthy lives. Stress affects every part of our lives. It affects our immune system, our sleep, our mental health, and our eating habits. God has given us one body, and he expects us to be good managers of it (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). How can we pursue our health? So, get up and get out. Exercise daily. Move for at least thirty minutes a day. Walk. Run. Bike. Swim. Just move and get your heart pumping. Moreover, make healthier eating choices. Eat sensible meals and cut out as much sugar as possible.

Pursue greater awareness of ourselves.

Self-deception is the worst kind of deception (Jeremiah 17:9). Self-awareness is the solution to self-deception. According to Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund, self-awareness is the ability to look inward, think deeply about your behavior, and consider how it aligns with your moral standards and values. They argued that when your behavior is out of alignment with your values, you feel uncomfortable, unhappy and adverse. Thus, you can quickly fall into a mode of self-deception. Therefore, understand your strength and weaknesses, know the impact you have on others, focus on other people and ask for feed back.

Pursue the discovery of something new.

Each day we should stretch our minds by learning something new. The moment we stop learning is the moment we stop living. God wants us to love him with our hearts and mind. We love God with our minds by continuing to remain curious. Therefore, ask questions of people who are smarter than you are. Read books and articles outside your discipline. Expand your intellectual horizon by exposing yourself to new and different knowledge. One of my sources for learning something new every day is www.curious.com  You can customize and have a curious quotient workout delivered to your inbox every day. Check it out.

So, my friends, choose to abandon your pursuit of the unimportant and chase after those things that add the most value to your life and the lives of others.

What are there other things we should pursue each day? 

If you liked this post, you might like this one as well:

26 Questions to Help You Have the Best Year Ever 

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Golf calls it a mulligan. IT uses Control-Alt-Delete. Whatever it’s called, at some point in time, we all want one and need one – a do-over. Oh, how I wish I could do many things over.

Everyone Desires a Do-over

We all fail and need a do-over. Sometimes, I fail because I overestimate my own strength. I think I am better and stronger than I am. Other times, I underestimate the influence of the evil one. He hates me and wants to destroy me. If he can get me to believe his lies, then Satan will defeat me. Last, I fail because I undervalue community. The truth is, I am more susceptible to failure when I separate myself from the community of faith. I failed and wished I could do a few things over.

Parental mistakes? Yes! Man, I wish I were more present with my kids growing up.
Financial mistakes. Yep! I wish I had saved more and spent less.
Leadership mistakes. I wish I were more decisive and firm on some issues.
Marital mistakes. Boy, I wish I loved harder, sooner.

I wish I could turn back the hands of time and live those moments again. If I could hit the ball again, I would square up a little more, keep my body quiet and not slice it or hook it into the woods. I wish I could hit Control-Alt-Delete and start with a clean slate. The truth is, these failures are part of our story of forgiveness and redemption. Our failures are designed to move us to take advantage of new opportunities and new ways of reaching our destiny and goals.

God Specializes in Do-overs.

Adam and Eve failed in the Garden of Eden, but God gave them a do-over. 
Abraham lied and said Sarah was his sister, but God gave him a do-over.
David committed adultery with Bathsheba, but God gave him a do-over
Peter denied Jesus, but God gave him a do-over.

God specializes in do-overs. He did it for his people then, and he is willing to do it for his people today. Thinking about the past and not trusting God to handle it is a waste of time. We can’t change the past. We cannot rewind the hands of the clock. If we try, we are only making ourselves prisoners of regret and guilt. Only God can erase the past, press rewind, and hit control-alt-delete. If God is the only one who can change our past, then what responsibility do we have when we fail or need a do-over?

What To Do When You Need a Do-Over?

Believe that God is bigger than our failure. Some of our failures are big. God is bigger than your biggest failure. Much bigger. And, he wants to give us another chance. We know this in our heads, but this belief needs to trickle down to our hearts. We know that we believe this truth when we refuse to allow our failures to stifle our progress and rob us of joy.

Admit our failure to God and others. There is nothing more painful than watching someone live in the grips of arrogant self-denial. Self-awareness is the first step in dealing with failure. Admit your failure. Say it: “It was my fault. I procrastinated. Pride and arrogance took over, and I failed. I thought I was better than I was.”

If our failure is a result of sin, then we need to confess our sins to God and others and repent (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).

Apologize. In your failure, did you hurt someone or let someone down? If you did, go to them and humbly admit your failure, why you failed, and apologize for letting them down. Be specific. “I apologize for _____________.” Ask forgiveness. Move on.

Begin again. When we fail and are in need of a do-over, sometimes we shy away from ever trying again. Sometimes, failure deals us a mighty blow, but we cannot and must not stay on the canvas. Failure is not final. We must get up and begin again (Proverbs 24:16). If we are knocked down seven times, the Holy Spirit will give us the power to get up and begin again. For God sake, believe you are more than a conqueror, through Jesus Christ.

Jesus can move our failure to inactive status when we remember that he is bigger than our failures and he is willing to give us another chance to make progress and get it right.

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